A commercial drivers license, or a CDL is a special type of license that is required for people who drive trucks and semis. However, in addition to CDLs, there is an additional requirement that I must have if I want to get on the road, it’s called a DOT medical card.
A DOT medical card is required when a driver wants to operate trucks and large vehicles, if they are a CDL license holder. This is a document that proves someone is healthy enough to drive these vehicles safely.
With a DOT medical card, there is a guarantee that a driver is physically able to do the demanding jobs that their vehicles require. Here are the situations where this card is required.
Why Should I Have a DOT Medical Card?
A DOT Medical card is a document issued by the Department of Transportation that verifies the physical ability to drive. A DOT medical card serves as proof that I will not jeopardize other drivers on the road.
I need this card as a legal requirement to hold my CDL license, but another reason to have one is because I may not be encouraged to check my physical health otherwise.
When Should I Get a DOT Medical Card?
To get a DOT card, the requirement is that I pass a physical examination. This assesses if I meet the criteria to operate my huge vehicle safely, and I can schedule one at most certified medical examiner clinics.
The exam will measure my fitness, both physically and mentally, and measure areas like eyesight and motor skills. In short, it’s a test to make sure I can be trusted on the road and any physical impairments won’t be detrimental to my driving skills.
These regulations are in place to safeguard me and other drivers on the road, as well as to guarantee that personal health does not interfere with my ability to drive.
Which Cases Require a DOT Medical Card
There are several situations in which I’ll need a DOT medical card.
Here are a few of them:
- I drive large vehicles. This means I drive a Semi truck or similar automobiles. All commercial drivers license holders require a DOT medical card for their license to be valid. This also includes any vehicles that carry over 10,000 pounds in weight.
- I frequently drive cross state. If my business frequently takes me across city lines, I may fall under non-excepted interstate commerce status. This requires a DOT medical card.
- I meet any of the CDL classifications. CDLs encompass several different categories. For example, Class A means I am Driving a vehicle with a gross weight total in excess of 10,000 pounds on an interstate highway, while Class C is required if I am paid to drive a vehicle that transports more than 15 passengers. If I meet these requirements, I must also hold a DOT card.
The DOT Medical Card is a medical certificate that certifies I am fit to drive and operate a big motor vehicle safely. These situations do not apply to everyone, but for the ones that do meet the requirements, I can see why a DOT medical card is so important.
When Do I Get a DOT Medical Card?
It’s time to get my DOT Medical card when I want to apply for my CDL for the first time. Fortunately, this can be done anytime beforehand.
If I’m graduating college, I can take my medical exam during the semester and then when I graduate, I can get my CDL right away without having to wait.
Do I Have to Have a DOT Med Card to Get My CDL?
Now that you know when to get a DOT medical card, you may be wondering if you have to get your CDL first.
If I want a commercial driver’s license, or CDL, a DOT medical card is required.
To understand why, all I have to do is look at the number of accidents on the road per day. In the United States, there are 17,250 car accidents each day, and some of these can be prevented if the drivers are in good health.
Can I Drive a Semi Without a Med Card?
If I don’t have a medical card, I can’t operate vehicles like a Semi. This is because semis and trucks fall under the Class C certification in the United States, meaning they fall under the purview of the DOT medical card’s requirements.
How Often Do I Have to Renew My Dot Med Card?
A DOT Medical card lasts 2 years before it expires. If the card expires my CDL is no longer valid until I get it renewed. To prevent this, I will need to make sure to keep an eye on when it’s time to renew and take care of it beforehand.
Conclusion
While it may seem that extra steps are inconvenient, in reality a DOT medical card is a vital document that ensures the safety of everyone on the road, whether they’re the ones driving or not. Accidents can be prevented if drivers know beforehand that something may hinder their ability to drive, and with a DOT medical card, they’ll know that they’re in good shape.
When hitting the road for a job, I wouldn’t want to be responsible for hurting others or put myself at risk. With a DOT medical card, I have full confidence in my ability to drive and have a document that certifies that.
