The DOT medical card is issued to commercial drivers who have passed the physical exam allowing them a commercial driver’s license. There are boxes in the top section your clinician will need to check pertinent information in the bottom section.
The DOT medical card looks like a certificate rather than a card. It is a larger piece of paper with all the information necessary to identify you as a commercial driver. The DOT medical card proves that you can safely and responsibly drive a commercial vehicle.
You will need to have your DOT medical card signed by the medical examiner. Follow this article and learn more about what a DOT medical card looks like.
What Does a DOT Medical Card Look Like?
Many people refer to the DOT medical card as a card. However, it is, in fact, a certificate, not a card. The DOT medical certificate comes with the DOT medical exam form. At the top of the certificate, the heading says medical examiner’s certificate.
The certificate has three sections that require specific information, and they are described below.
Section One
The first section contains a declaration given by the medical examiner that they have examined the applicant. It requires the first and last name of the applicant. Underneath that, there are two choices.
Checking the first selection makes the statement that the medical examiner finds the person qualified. The medical examiner must choose if there are any restrictions, like wearing glasses or hearing aids.
Then, there is a spot for the medical examiner certificate expiration date, which is when the certificate will expire. It could be one year or two years, depending upon any health issues.
Section Two
The first line requires an original signature of the examiner, their phone number, and the date that the certificate is being signed. The following line is the medical examiner’s name typed or printed, along with their medical designation.
The following line has the medical examiner’s medical license number, the state of issue, and the doctor’s ten-digit national registry number.
Section Three
In the final section, there is the driver’s original signature, driver’s license ID number, the issuing state, and whether or not they hold a CDL. The card used to be smaller, but now it is three and a half inches by seven and an eighth inches.
In Section One, What Does Each Selection Mean?
The top section of the card describes what is necessary to pass the physical examination.
The following includes what you need to pass each part of the exam:
- If you check wearing correction lenses, vision needs to be with or without correction, which is 20/40 or better
- If you check a hearing aid, you need a hearing test given by a hearing specialist
- If you check for a waiver for a medical condition, you will need a release for cardiac, diabetes, or other health issues
- If you check for must need Skilled Performance Evaluation, it is a program in which CDL drivers who have a prosthetic device can operate a commercial vehicle
- If you check for driving within an exempt intracity zone, you can drive within a particular area that is otherwise prohibited
- If you check for qualified by operation of 49 CFR 391.64, you can be approved without meeting the specific requirements for the vision test
- If you check grandfathered from state requirements, you will be approved regardless of not meeting specific requirements for testing
The middle part is the medical examiner’s signature, printed name, license number, medical designation, and national registry number.
The bottom part has the driver’s original signature, address, whether they carry a commercial license, their driver’s license number, and phone number.
What is a DOT Medical Card?
A DOT medical card is proof that you are physically and psychologically capable of operating a CMV and do not have any issues that would interfere with commercial driving.
Those who drive any of the following vehicles must undergo a DOT physical and get a DOT medical card:
- A motor vehicle with a total gross weight, total weight rating, or total combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Vehicles used to carry more than 15 travelers together with the driver, or more than eight individuals, as well as the driver, when there is direct payment involved
- Vehicles carrying materials that are hazardous require the vehicle to have a HAZMAT placard.
The weight at which a Commercial driver’s license is required is 26,001 pounds. 10,001 pounds vehicle weight requires a DOT.
Interstate drivers running vehicles that weigh 10,001 to 26,001 pounds are required to pass a DOT medical exam. However, they do not always dictate a CDL.
Where Do You Get a DOT Physical?
DOT physicals must be done by licensed medical examiners certified within the FMCSA National Registry.
Medical examiners can be the following:
- Medical doctor
- Osteopathic doctor
- Chiropractor
- Physician assistant
- Advanced practice registered nurse
DOT physicals are sometimes a challenge to pass if you have a medical condition. Sometimes conditional certification is granted until you are treated under the supervision of your physician.
Conclusion
DOT medical cards look like certificates proving that someone is healthy enough to drive a commercial vehicle. If you choose to become a truck motorist, you will need to get a DOT physical from a physician registered with the FMCSA national registry and pass the exam.