A truck driver is what you want to become, but you have no idea what one of the first things you are required to do. You thought it would be as simple as buying, or working, for a trucking company, and you could drive them whenever and wherever, but that is not the case. You were just informed that you need a DOT medical card, but you are left wondering what is required to obtain one.
In general, anyone who drives a commercial vehicle must have a DOT medical card and renew their card every two years. However, obtaining the DOT medical card requires you to take an exam to ensure that you are healthy and safe enough to drive a commercial vehicle.
Keep reading to learn more about the physical exam you will need to complete for the DOT medical card and the vehicle requirements you will need to meet.
What is a DOT Medical Card Required?
To obtain a DOT medical card, you must take a physical examination to ensure that you are healthy enough to drive a commercial vehicle. It is vital to ensure that you meet the requirements to have the green light to drive a large vehicle for, possibly, hours at a time.
Keep reading to learn more about four different tests you must do well to be eligible for a DOT medical card.
Drug Test
Drug testing is a requirement for commercial vehicle drivers. This ensures that you are not taking substances that can compromise your driving, as this can affect how safely you are driving or could become a danger to others. Drug testing is performed through urinalysis.
If drugs are found in your system, there will likely be an interview where you will be allowed to explain why you have these drugs in your system, whether for a medical reason. This interview can determine whether or not you are disqualified from receiving your DOT medical card.
Hearing Test
Hearing tests ensure that you can hear well enough to drive a commercial vehicle. You will have to listen to a whisper in one ear during the physical, determining whether you have good hearing. For those with hearing aids, you can still pass the test if you wear a hearing aid in one of your ears.
Vision Test
Whether you are wearing prescription glasses, you will need to pass your vision test with a 20/40 vision with either both or one of your eyes. Ensuring that you have good vision shows the doctor conducting the physical examination that you can operate and drive a commercial vehicle.
Physical Examination
A licensed doctor will perform an actual physical examination. The examination covers various areas within your body such as your eyes, mouth, lungs, heart, overall appearance, etc. Based on the findings from the physical examination, the doctor will determine whether you meet the requirements.
If you pass the three required tests and physical examination, you will be qualified for a DOT medical card. However, some disqualifications can be applied if you have a medical issue or test positive for a drug test, such as:
- Sleep apnea
- Uncontrollable diabetes
- Loss of a limb
- High blood pressure
Along with a physical examination and health tests that will need to be conducted by FMCSA certified doctors, you will need to determine if you are driving the correct commercial vehicle that meets the requirements to become qualified for a DOT medical card.
Keep reading to learn more about the vehicle requirements to become qualified for a DOT medical card.
Vehicle Requirements for Qualification of a DOT Medical Card
The need for a DOT medical card is different from state to state based on the vehicle you are planning on driving. So before even trying to obtain a DOT medical card, you must make sure that you have the right vehicle(s) that follow the formal requirements.
The four requirements to meet with the commercial vehicle that grants you eligibility for a DOT medical card are:
- Weighs at least 10,000 pounds or more, for example, a tow truck, furniture truck, etc.
- You are planning to transport over eight people for a fee, for example, a city bus driver.
- You are planning to transport over fifteen people, for example, a bus driver.
- You plan to drive a truck containing hazardous materials, i.e., anything flammable or requires careful driving and placarding.
While these are the requirements to become eligible for the physical examination to receive a DOT medical card, there are commercial vehicles where you do not need a DOT medical card. If you are a commercial driver who drives through the interstate, such as a fire truck or bus driver, you do not typically need a DOT medical card.
This varies from state to state. If you are still unsure whether you meet the requirements for a DOT medical card, then contact your local DMV.
Conclusion
You have now learned about the DOT medical card requirements to meet the eligibility of taking a physical exam to obtain a DOT medical card. And you have also known about the four vehicle requirements for a DOT medical card, as well.