What is a DOT Medical Card


truck

I might be getting ready to acquire my CDL or truck, but is there a certain document  to make sure the license stays valid? This is called a DOT medical card

A DOT Medical card is a card issued by the department of transportation that verifies I am healthy enough to drive. It requires that I pass a physical examination and is a requirement for maintaining a commercial drivers license.  

Therefore, if I operate a commercial vehicle like a truck or semi, I will need a DOT medical card. What exactly is this card and how do I get one? Here’s what I need to know.   

Why I Need a DOT Medical Card 

A DOT Medical card is a document issued by the Department of Transportation that states I have passed a certified physical examination from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The card is necessary for all CDL drivers, that’s why it’s really recommended to get a card for myself. 

With a DOT Medical card, I will be able to certify with documented proof that I am healthy and able to drive, physically, mentally, and emotionally. A DOT medical card is a universal standard that shows I am not going to be putting other drivers at risk.  

What a DOT Medical Card is Required For 

There are a lot of reasons why I should get a DOT medical card. First and foremost, it is a requirement to keep a commercial driver’s license, or CDL. 

This includes:

  • Driving a vehicle with a weight of over 10,000 pounds. This means any vehicle that I drive with a gross weight total that exceeds that amount that I drive on an interstate.  
  • Carries more than 15 people. If I am paid to operate a vehicle that carries more than 8 people, or if a vehicle carries more than 15 regardless, I’ll have to get the DOT medical card.   
  • Transports Hazardous Waste. If a vehicle meets the requirement to be placard for carrying dangerous materials, then it will also require me to be DOT certified.   

If I don’t have one, I might risk losing my license. Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to get one as all I need to do is register and take a certified physical examination.  

What are the Requirements for DOT Card

A DOT medical card can be received by taking a physical examination. I can schedule these from a certified clinic like Concentra or a physical medical clinic. Once I schedule and take the exam, my results will be reported to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, and I will receive my card.  

The requirements are that I pass a physical examination. This is similar to other physicals or check ups I may have taken in the past and checks if I meet the requirements to safely operate my vehicle.  

During the examination, you’ll get checked to make sure I can see properly, I can hear and speak, my back and spine are in good shape, I have properly functioning lungs, and more. These check ups are hands-on and take my medical history into account to determine if I am in good enough shape to drive.  

How Can I Get DOT Card

If I’m ready to get my  DOT Medical card, I should start by making sure I meet the requirements to pass the physical examination. Ask myself if I’ve ever had problems diving on the road or if my vision is good enough to see where I;m going. As long as I am in good enough health to drive, I can approach my physical exam confidently.  

Locations where I can get my card are everywhere, and most major cities have multiple locations where I can get my  DOT medical card. The important thing to look for is whether or not they are certified as medical examiners.

Conclusion

So to summarize, a DOT Medical card is a medical document that verifies I am healthy enough to drive and operate a large motor vehicle safely. If I don’t have this card I run the risk of losing my commercial drivers license.  

It’s a crucial thing to have if I plan on starting or continuing a career on the road, because it ensures I meet the standard to stay safe. The reason these requirements are in place is to protect me and other drivers on the road and ensure my  personal health won’t be a detriment to my ability to drive. 

So if I want to get on the road as soon as possible, I’ll be sure to get my  DOT medical card and I can drive safely without worry.

Dane Eyerly

Dane is a lifelong lover of semi-trucks and the trucking industry. He loves learning about semi-trucks, careers in the trucking industry, and the lifestyle of truckers. Dane also enjoys attending the Mid-America Trucking Show and Great American Trucking Show in Louisville, KY and his home town Dallas, TX. Click here to learn more about Dane.

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