As a commercial vehicle driver, it’s essential to be in the right physical, mental, and emotional condition every time you’re on the road. For this reason, anyone who drives commercial vehicles is required to have a DOT medical card. But, what is a DOT medical card?
A DOT medical card is a piece of medical documentation that every commercial vehicle driver needs. DOT medical cards typically need to be renewed on a biannual basis, which requires a DOT physical. If you operate a commercial vehicle without a valid DOT medical card, you risk losing your CDL.
Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about DOT medical cards, including how to get yours. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is a DOT Medical Card?
Many people don’t realize just how taxing it can be to drive a truck or other commercial vehicle.
A DOT medical card, also known as a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, is required for anyone who has a valid CDL. This document ensures that anyone who drives a commercial vehicle is mentally, physically, and emotionally fit to do so.
To get your DOT medical card, you first need to pass the DOT physical examination. This is a medical exam that any doctor listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry can perform.
To keep your CDL in good standing, you need to renew your DOT medical card by receiving a DOT physical once every two years. If you fail to do so, you risk losing your commercial driver’s license.
What Is Involved in a DOT Physical?
Before your doctor can issue you a DOT medical card, you’ll need to pass the DOT physical. This is a complete physical examination mandated by the FMCSA and performed by a qualified physician that ensures you meet the standards needed to drive a truck or other commercial vehicle.
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring, what tests you’ll undergo, and what your physician will be keeping an eye out for during your DOT physical below.
What You’ll Need to Bring
Some things will be required for your DOT physician to view during your physical checkup.
When you go to your DOT physical, you’ll need to bring the following items with you:
- Your eyeglasses (if applicable)
- A list of your current medications and their prescribed dosages
- A clearance letter from your specialists (for drivers with certain chronic conditions)
Now, let’s look at what tests will be taken during the physical.
What Tests You’ll Take
The doctor will check your vital signs, review your complete medical history, and then perform a complete physical examination during your visit.
You will also have to undergo the following tests during this time:
- Urine test
- Hearing test
- DMV eye exam
- Heart test (for drivers with a history of cardiovascular issues)
Now, let’s take a look at what your physician will look out for.
What Your Physician Will Be Looking For
There are a few things your DOT physician will be looking for during the physical to ensure you are fully capable of operating your truck.
While reviewing your medical history, your doctor will take note of any of the following things:
- Diabetes
- Vision
- Hearing
- Heart
- Digestive
- Respiratory
- Blood pressure
- Past illnesses/injuries
- Muscle weakness/disease
- Lungs
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Nervous system
If you meet the physical requirements set by the DOT to pass this entire examination, your physician will submit the necessary documentation for you to receive your DOT medical card.
Who Needs a DOT Medical Card?
As a general rule, anyone with a commercial driver’s license should have a DOT medical card.
More specifically, you need this documentation if any of these apply:
- You transport any hazardous materials.
- You operate a motor vehicle that carries 15 or more people.
- You are paid-by-party to drive a vehicle that can carry eight or more people.
- You drive a commercial vehicle for interstate commerce with a gross combination weight rating, vehicle weight rating, or weight of over 10,000 lbs.
If any of these apply to you, you will need to schedule a DOT physical examination to continue driving your commercial vehicle.
How Do You Get a DOT Medical Card?
You will need to receive your DOT medical card before you can get your commercial driver’s license.
To begin the process, follow the steps listed below:
- Find a physician in your area who is qualified to perform the DOT physical. Only doctors who the Department of Transportation lists as licensed Certified Medical Examiners can complete your physical and give you the medical clearance to drive.
- Arrive at your physical with any of the applicable documentation, such as your medications and eyeglass prescription.
- If you pass the medical exam, your physician can submit the report to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners to begin the process of issuing your medical card.
- Once the paperwork has been processed, you will receive a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, also known as your DOT medical card.
Final Thoughts
Before getting your commercial driver’s license, you need to have all the correct paperwork in place. This includes a DOT medical card, which is documentation issued by a Certified Medical Examiner that states you’re in the right physical, mental, and emotional state to operate a commercial vehicle.
