An up-to-date DOT medical card is essential, and it is significant for your life’s work. When your DOT medical card expires, you will risk your job and source of income. Fortunately, if you keep track of your time, you will not be in a situation that inhibits your work.
If your DOT medical card has expired, you will need to go through the entire testing process again, and you will need to self-certify with The Department of Motor Vehicles. You should renew your DOT medical card on time to avoid all the hassle. Try to schedule a month in advance.
If you neglect to renew on time, there may be costs to renew. Review this article and learn more about what happens when your DOT medical card expires.
What Will Happen When My DOT Medical Card Expires?
Getting and renewing your DOT medical card can be a tedious process. The best way to avoid any undue stress is to renew your medical card on time. The exact ramifications of not renewing your DOT medical card on time will vary in every state.
In certain states, if you take too long to renew your DOT medical card, you will have to go through the testing process for a CDL all over again. States do not have an expired DOT medical card fine.
However, if the certificate expires, you will probably have to retest or reinstate your license, and there could be costs included in that process. When you pass the exam and file it with the state, you may want to hold on to the original copy for at least ten days when you are driving.
Even after the ten days are up, you may want to still keep the certificate with you to be on the safe side. The following explains the steps you need to take to renew your DOT medical card after it expires.
Health History
You will need to give the examiner a complete medical history and health background. This history includes medications, surgeries, and any health conditions that may interfere with driving performance. Make sure that you are forthcoming about everything.
Physical Examination and Testing
Much of the physical examination involves testing. Height, weight, and blood pressure are some of the vitals they will be looking at. There will also be urinalysis, which examines the protein, blood, and sugar. The purpose is to make sure that there is no underlying condition.
Testing the Vision
You must pass with at least 20/40 vision in each eye with or without the assistance of glasses or contacts. You will also need to have at least 70 degrees of field vision in the horizontal median, the visibility area for each eye’s field of vision.
Testing the Hearing
You must be able to decipher a forced whisper at a distance of five feet or less without a hearing aid. The ear being tested should be turned toward the examiner. The other ear should be covered. If you fail the whisper test, the audiometric test should be given.
Physical Examination
The physical examination is the most extensive part of the testing. The examiner will need to look at your overall health and check for obesity and other medical conditions. The physician will also check your lungs, mouth, and throat for any problems with breathing or swallowing.
The examiner will check your vascular system and examine your pulse and blood flow. They may also check your circulation. The clinician will check your limbs to make sure you can withstand the amount of driving expected of you.
The examiner will check:
- Your skeletal system
- Strength and limitations
- Neurological issues
- Balance
- Speech
- Reflexes
The clinician will also check to see if you are up to date on all vaccinations, and of course, the examiner will perform a hernia check.
Drug Screening
The medical examiner can order a drug test for you to take. Drug use and abuse are prohibited when driving a commercial vehicle. It is not only illicit drugs but also certain medications. You can complete the drug screen at the time of the examination.
Self-Certification
You need to update your record with the Department of Motor Vehicles in the state where you live and have your commercial driver’s license. It is the responsibility of the state to track each driver and make sure that they are medically cleared to drive.
You will need to take the new medical card to the DMV. They will update the record, which will show on your Motor Vehicle Record. The most current medical card is valid. You have up to two weeks to self-certify with the current medical card.
Conclusion
Getting and renewing your DOT medical card can be a process, but you should still get it done on time. If you do not have a current card, the state will usually suspend your driving privileges.
You will need to submit to a physical exam and be evaluated by a physician. If you accomplish all the necessary criteria, you will be able to hit the road in no time!
