Starting a career on the road as a driver of large vehicles requires obtaining a commercial driver’s license, or CDL. However, to get a cdl, one needs an additional document, a DOT medical card. What does this mean and what does it do?
A DOT medical card means you have a document that proves you are physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy enough to drive and operate a large vehicle like a semi. This card is required to have a valid CDL.
There are plenty of reasons why this card is required. We’ve broken down on how this card can keep you and other drivers on the road safe, as well as how to get a DOT medical card yourself.
What Does a DOT Medical Card Do?
If you are interested in trucking, you have to know about the DOT medical card. But what does it do?
A DOT Medical card is a document provided by the Department of Transportation that certifies that you are fit to drive. It is a necessity for keeping a commercial driver’s license and requires you to pass a physical examination.
The only prerequisite is that you pass a physical test. This is comparable to previous physicals or check-ups you may have had in the past, and it determines if you satisfy the standards to operate your large vehicle safely.
How Can You Get a DOT Medical Card?
You can get a DOT medical card by taking a physical examination.
You’ll have to do the following:
- Schedule an exam. You will have to find a nearby certified medical examiner’s office or clinic to take your test. Thankfully, these can be found everywhere, and many will meet the requirements to get your card.
- Take the test. You will have to pass a physical examination that tests your fitness and ability to drive. Areas that are measured include eyesight, hearing, and motor skills.
- Get your card. After you schedule and complete the exam, the findings will be sent to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, and you will be issued your card.
Thankfully, the process to get your DOT medical card is as simple as that. The card will remain valid for 2 years, after which you’ll have to renew but, in that time, you can operate your vehicle safely.
Why Medical Conditions May Disqualify You From DOT Card
One important aspect to be aware of when it comes to the medical examination is sleep apnea testing. This is a special requirement that you might need to additionally fulfill if you want to be DOT certified.
Sleep Apnea is defined as a sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts suddenly. If left untreated, it can cause several issues like stroke or heart attack.
The reason they check this for drivers is that oftentimes, drivers are on the road for long periods of time and will have to stay awake for long stretches. With a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, this can potentially be a huge risk on the road for both you and other drivers.
If a Sleep Apnea test is ordered, then you will have to complete it to get your card. Most of the time, this will be tested when you take your physical examination, but it is something you should definitely be aware of if it is ordered separately.
Why a DOT Medical Card is Important
Your DOT medical card is not only meant to keep you safe, but also to ensure the safety of the drivers around you as well. Accidents can happen on the road for a variety of reasons, but a lot of them can be avoided by the drivers themselves.
A DOT medical card offers a standard that determines a driver is physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of driving safely on the road and is in the best shape to avoid any preventable accidents on account of their own medical conditions.
To find the nearest location to you, you can check the listings at your local physician’s clinic or clinics around you to see if they offer the service. You will undoubtedly find an area near you that can get you your DOT medical card.
Final Thoughts
There are several physical conditions that may go unnoticed that might impair a driver’s ability to operate their vehicles if they never get checked. If you want that truck on the road, you must be confident in your ability to do it safely.
A DOT medical card is a benchmark that proves you will not endanger other drivers or yourself. As soon as you have yours when you pass your physical examination, you may be assured that your CDL will be valid for the foreseeable future.
