What is the charge for a DOT exam?

We charge $60.00 for a DOT exam

What do I need to bring to my DOT exam physical?

If you are taking medication, bring a complete list of all the medications you are currently taking. If you are a diabetic, bring a copy of your latest A1C. If you use a CPAP machine, bring a copy of the last 30 days of usage, which can be downloaded from your unit.

How long is a DOT card good for?

The best answer; that depends on your health. If you are a diabetic, take blood pressure medications or use a CPAP machine, the maximum is one (1) year. If you are healthy, no medication (and your blood pressure is below 140/90), not a diabetic and not using a CPAP machine, the maximum is two (2) years.

Can I get a DOT medical card if I have hypertension?

See blood pressure requirements for stages of hypertension. The medical examiner may require clearance from your treating physician before you can be considered for certification.

What if I’m on blood pressure medication?

Taking blood pressure medications will reduce your DOT medical certificate to one year. Your blood pressure must be controlled and be below 140 / 90 at the time of your DOT examination. Also, it is very helpful, if you have a note from your treating physician that states that your condition is being treated and that the treatment has been shown to be effective, safe and your condition is stable. This information helps the DOT examiner determine if you are medically fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle for the designated time frame of your DOT medical certificate

What if I don’t normally have high blood pressure, but I have “white coat syndrome”?

First off, we understand that this is a very real concern for some drivers. If you have “white coat syndrome”, tell the examiner, and ask to have multiple BP’s taken. He should be taking 2-3 readings anyhow, especially if you say so up front.

I was recently diagnosed with COPD from exhaust leak in my semi. Can I lose my CDL because of this diagnosis?

The diagnosis of COPD is not, by itself a disqualifier for your cdl. It will/may have an effect while doing your medical examination and certification. Your best bet is to take any and all notation from your primary lung doctor with you when you re-do your medical exam and certificate. The examiner just needs to make sure your are fit to return to work without being a risk to yourself or the public at large.

Can I still drive if I have a blood clot in the lung?

With the blood clot in the lung, you want to make sure you bring a note from you pulmonary specialist stating you are good to go. The medical examiner will need a copy for your file when he does the exam.

What does neck size, weight, and BMI have to do with the DOT physical exam?

Neck size, weight, and BMI are all just indicators that the medical examiner looks at to determine if you may have a condition that would impact your ability to safely drive a commercial vehicle now or for the period for which the medical card may be issued. There are currently no set specifics on these measurements in the DOT regulations. However, companies may set their own policies and have their own standards for these indicators, which may disqualify you to drive for that particular company.

What does snoring have to do with the DOT physical exam?

Snoring, in combination with obesity, can be highly predictive of obstructive sleep apnea risk. That said, even the loudest of snorers may not have a breathing obstruction. The sign that is most suggestive of sleep apnea occurs when snoring stops. If both snoring and breathing stop while the person’s chest and body try to breathe, that is literally a description of an event called an ‘apnea’. When breathing starts again, there is typically a deep gasp and then the resumption of snoring. For the DOT physical exam the medical examiner evaluates your overall physical condition and health history to determine if there are signs of a medical condition that may affect your ability to safely drive a CMV. If the medical examiner has reasonable suspicion that you have sleep apnea you may have to go for an overnight sleep test called a polysomnogram before you can be further considered for certification.

What if I’ve have ventricular tachycardia?

If you have recurring episodes you should be evaluated by a cardiologist to see if the underlying cause of the ventricular tachycardia is disqualifying

What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?

Taking nitroglycerine is, of itself, not a disqualifier. The medical examiner may require an evaluation by your treating physician to make sure that your angina is stable

I have a hernia. Will this disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?

If the hernia does not interfere with your operation of a commercial motor vehicle, then there is no problem. If you have pain and are limited in some way, then you should take care of the problem before it does become a serious problem.

I had hernia surgery three years ago. There is some scar tissue which causes a little discomfort from time to time but in no way renders me unable to perform any tasks. Will this cause me to fail a DOT physical?

During the examination you will be questioned regarding the hernia surgery. Just let the medical examiner know how this effects you and whether it interferes with your daily activities. Some companies have restrictions, but this is a company policy not a DOT regulation.

I have a hernia that does not give me any trouble. The doctor I saw for my DOT exam says I have to get it repaired before my next exam. What if my regular doctor says that we can do watchful waiting instead of surgery? What are my rights under the law about this?

The DOT examiner is looking at a progressive condition, but if you will take a note from your primary doctor who has evaluated your condition and understands what you really do for a living, then the DOT examiner should consider your primary doctor’s opinion. However, the final decision to certify you, or not, remains with the medical examiner.

What if I have a limb impairment? Am I disqualified?

It is possible to apply for an exemption. FMCSA has a certificate program for drivers with limb impairments. FMCSA also has a special certification program for drivers with missing limbs. (see FMCSA FAQ)

I’m a CDL driver and my concern is I’m getting hard of hearing as I get older. If I’m unable to hear a whisper at 5 feet, will I be unable to drive a commercial vehicle? Is there a waiver I need to get? What do I need to do that will allow me to continue driving?

All you will need to do is get hearing aids and the examiner will indicate you need to wear your hearing aids to pass the DOT examination. This does not place a time restriction or limitation on your DOT certificate and you won’t need an exemption.

Why do I have to have a urine test for my DOT physical?

The urine test is just a kidney screen to test for sugar and protein. It’s done to determine that there is no early onset of conditions like high blood pressure breaking down the kidneys, or early signs of diabetes, or kidney infection.

Is protein in the urine a disqualifier?

No, not necessarily. Protein in the urine may indicate kidney disease. The medical examiner will make a decision based on the amount of protein in the urine. The medical examiner may certify, time limit your certification or temporarily disqualify your medical certificate while you have the condition checked by a specialist.

Is sugar in the urine a disqualifier?

Yes, it is an indicator of the onset of diabetes or already a diabetic that does not have the condition under control. The driver would be disqualified until the condition is under control, either with medications or diet.

Is blood in the urine a disqualifier?

No, not necessarily. If the medical examiner believes that the blood in the urine may indicate a condition that affects the ability of the commercial driver to safely, the driver may be referred to a primary care physician or specialist for further evaluation. The medical examiner may certify, time limit your certification or temporarily disqualify your medical certificate while you have the condition checked by a specialist.

Can I get a medical certificate if I’m being treated for a medical condition by my doctor?

Depending on the risk posed by the condition and treatment, the medical examiner may require documentation from your doctor. To assist in the preparation of the documentation, you can get more information here, courtesy of Trucker Docs. Even though your prescribing physician may be of the opinion that your condition and treatment is safe to drive, the decision to certify still rests with the medical examiner.

Is diabetes a disqualifier?

If you have non-insulin treated diabetes the medical examiner will check that your diabetes is adequately controlled. If it is controlled, you will get a time-limited certification and most likely need to re-certify annually. If your diabetes is treated with insulin, you will need an insulin dependent diabetic form filled out by your treating physician.

What if I take insulin by injection and my diabetes is under control?

You will need an insulin dependent diabetic form filled out by your treating physician and your certificate will be limited to a maximum of one year or less.

My doctor put me on Metformin. Can I still drive truck?

The Metformin is to control your blood sugar as a borderline diabetic. It will limit your DOT medical certificate to one year at a time.

What medications disqualify me from getting a medical card?

Any habit forming drug; methadone; anti-seizure medication, is disqualifying. The medical examiner will review every medication – prescription, non-prescription, and supplement to determine if its use will adversely affect the safe operation of a commercial vehicle. The medical examiner may require documentation from your prescribing physician. In this case the medical examiner may, but is not required to grant you a medical card.

Can I be qualified if I have a prescription for medical marijuana?

No. Marijuana is a disqualifier, even if you have a prescription.

What if I take Methadone?

A CMV driver cannot be qualified if on Methadone. There are exceptions to the rule regarding other drugs prescribed by a physician, but this does NOT apply to Methadone.

What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?

These three drugs are going to be a red flag for any examiner. You should bring with you a letter from your prescribing physician, explaining the need for the medications and their possible side effects. All three are listed with side effects of drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, and should not be used while driving or using machinery. You are going to have to explain to the medical examiner why and how much if any of these medications you are taking and the basic circumstances for their needs.

Can I take Xanax and still drive truck? My doctor put me on it and I don’t want to lose my job

One of the best ways for a driver to answer a question about whether a medication may be a disqualifier or not, is to read about the side effects of that medication. Lets take a look at some of the side effects of Xanax which include: “Drowsiness, light-headedness, headache, tiredness, dizziness, irritability, talkativeness, difficulty concentrating, dry mouth, increased salivation, changes in sex drive or ability, nausea, constipation, changes in appetite, weight changes, difficulty urinating, and joint pain. Some other side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately: shortness of breath, seizures, seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating), severe skin rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, depression, memory problems, confusion, problems with speech, unusual changes in behavior or mood, thinking about harming or killing yourself or trying to do so, and problems with coordination or balance.” As you can see, some of these issues can be unsafe for you and the public. It will cause any medical examiner to question your reaction to this medication. Talk with your prescribing doctor and ask questions with regards to driving while using any medication.

I take Prozac for anxiety and I no longer have anxiety attacks. Will this be a problem for my DOT physical?

If the anxiety disorder is controlled with the medication, then there is no real problem. Just make sure you inform the medical examiner about your condition and the medications you are taking for it.

I have been diagnosed with panic attacks. I don’t have them often but I do take Lorazepam for them on a PRN basis. Can this disqualify me from driving a school bus?

The side effects of the medication could be a disqualifier from driving a bus. I would bring a note from your physician stating how long and how often you use this medication. A bus-load of kids could be stressful and may trigger your need to medicate. So the medical examiner would be concerned about the side effects of the medication. The big concern here is for your safety and the safety of the children.

I want to keep my CDL but I have anxiety and need to get on some medication. I don’t want to lose my license. What anti-anxiety medication in okay to take and still be safe to drive?

Talk with your MD and explain that you are a commercial OTR driver. That way the doctor can work out which, out of dozens of medications, will work best and not interfere with your ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Most of the anxiety meds do not run positive for drug testing. They usually have side-effects that cause drowsiness and that is the main problem. So give the provider as much information as possible and go from there. You will need to get documentation from your MD stating that no side effects are present that will impact your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

Can I still drive if I take a blood thinner?

Yes, you may still drive. You will need to get documentation from your treating physician as to when the condition started, what was the diagnosis, what has the treatment consisted of, what medication are you on, and is the condition stable. All of these things are to help the medical examiner determine whether you are medically fit to operate a CMV safely.

Can I still drive while taking Provigil (Modafinil)?

The use of Provigil needs careful supervision. Drivers being prescribed Provigil should not be qualified until they have been monitored closely for at least 6 weeks while taking Provigil. The medical examiner will require documentation from your treating physician stating that the treatment is effective, and that no side effects are present that will impact your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

What if I’ve had surgery for Meniere’s disease?

Still is a disqualifier. The FMCSA is reviewing this in terms of certification.

Does vertigo disqualify me from getting a medical card?

It could. When the medical examiner does his examination, one of the things he is looking for is things that would be unsafe for you as a driver and how it effects your ability to maintain control of a commercial motor vehicle. Part of that examination is to test for virtigo. If he feels the condition is unsafe then he will not pass you. If he feels there is something that can help you maintain, he may make a suggestion for you to follow-up with a specialist.

What if I take anti-seizure medication?

Right off the bat you would be disqualified as a CMV driver. There is a new federal exemption for seizure and related medications. You will need to check with the FMCSA regarding that particular paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions - Charlotte DOT Exam Center

Although you can search our website for specific topics and information that may affect your DOT exam, here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions that we hear from commercial drivers regarding their DOT exam regarding their specific health issues and their certificates.

Can a driver who is an INSULIN-TREATED DIABETES MELLITUS (ITDM) patient be qualified to drive?

Effective November 18, 2018, a driver who is ITDM can be qualified to drive for up to 12 months with form MCSA-5870 filled out by your treating physician. At this time the form has not been posted on the FMCSA site and as soon as it is, we will post a link to the form. With this new approval, it is no longer necessary for ITDM patients to obtain a diabetic waiver. If you are a ITDM patient please bring the completed ITDM form from your treating physician as this will expedite your getting approval for driving.

My partner tells me I snore, will this disqualify me from driving?

The short answer is “no”. However, If you neck size is 17 inches or larger (16 inches for females) and /or your BMI is 35 or greater and / or upon visual inspection your tongue obstructs your throat, you may have obstructive sleep apnea and will be required to have a sleep study done to determine IF you have obstructive sleep apnea. If the test comes back positive, then you will be required to use a CPAP machine. (If your test is negative, please bring that result to your examination so it can be documented.) For your examination, you will need to take the chip out of the machine or take the machine to a qualified center (doctors office, DME company, etc) and have the report printed out and presented to the DOT examiner. The report must should at least 70% compliance of use for the previous 30 days.

I wear contacts, will that prevent me from being qualified?

No. Please make sure that if you do wear glasses (or contacts) please bring them to the examination. Your vision must be at least 20/40 in each eye and both eyes.

What blood pressure is required to pass the DOT exam?

A driver with a BP of less than 140 / 90 may be medically certified to drive for a two-year period.

A driver with a BP of 140 – 159 systolic and /or a BP of 90-99 diastolic, has stage 1 hypertension, and may be medically certified to drive for a one-year period. Certification examinations should be done annually thereafter and should be at or less than 140/90.

A driver with a a BP of 160-179 systolic and/or a BP of 100-109 diastolic, has stage 2 hypertension, and is a candidate for antihypertensive drug therapy. The driver is given a one-time certification of three months to reduce his or her blood pressure to less than or equal to 140/90. Provided treatment is well tolerated and the driver demonstrates a BP value of 140/90 or less, he or she may be re-certified for one year from the date of the initial exam. The driver is certified annually thereafter.

A driver with a BP at or greater than 180 systolic and / or 110 diastolic has stage 3 hypertension and is disqualified. The driver may not be qualified, even temporarily, until blood pressure is reduced to equal to or less than 140/90 and treatment is well tolerated. The driver may be certified for 6 months and biannually (every 6 months) thereafter if at recheck BP is equal to or less than 140/90.

What if I am taking medication to reduce my blood pressure?

Taking blood pressure medications will not disqualify you from the DOT exam. It will, however, limit you to a maximum of one year. Each year you will need to be re-evaluated and as long as your blood pressure is 140/90 or below, you may be re-certified for a maximum of one year.

If your blood pressure is above 140/90, you may qualify for a one time three (3) month certificate.

What are the vision requirements for passing the DOT exam?

(If you wear glasses or have a restriction on your license that you must wear glasses to operate a motor vehicle, make sure you bring your glasses to your examination.)

You must have a distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 with or without corrective lenses:

see at least 20/40 with both eyes together
see at least 20/40 with the right eye
see at least 20/40 with the left eye.

Monovision is a disqualification. Use of a contact lens in one eye for distant visual acuity and another lens in the other eye for near vision is not acceptable, nor are telescopic lenses acceptable for driving a commercial motor vehicle.

Exemption: A driver with monocular vision may be able to get a Federal Vision Exemption Certificate, if medically fit for duty in all other categories of the physical exam.

Are contact lenses acceptable for the DOT vision exam?

Yes, you may wear contact lenses for the vision portion on the exam. You will have a restriction on your certificate that requires you to wear corrective lenses while driving.

What if I have had corrective surgery for my vision such as LASIK; can I still pass the vision exam?

Yes, provided your vision is at least 20/40 in both eyes. Peripheral vision of at least 70 degrees and the ability to recognize the colors of a traffic light.

I recently had a heart attack (myocardial infarction MI) can I still be qualified to drive?

You will need to be off work for at least two months. You will need to get an Ejection Fraction and Exercise Tolerance Test, and be cleared by your cardiologist before returning to work. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.

What if I have had heart by-pass surgery: can I still pass my DOT exam?

You will need to be off work for at least three months. You will need to get an Ejection Fraction and Exercise Tolerance Test, and be cleared by your cardiologist before returning to work. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.

What if I have had stents or angioplasty? Can I still be qualified for a DOT position?

You may return to work once you’ve been cleared by your cardiologist, which may be as soon as one week after the procedure. You will need to get an Exercise Tolerance Test three to six months after the procedure, and again at least every other year. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.

Am I disqualified if I have a defibrillator?

The defibrillator is a disqualifier for inter-state driving. The defibrillator is designed to correct problems when they occur, but it still leaves a safety risk.

You may be able to drive inter-state, based on your state’s regulations.

What are the hearing requirements in order to pass the DOT exam?

The driver must be able to perceive a forced whispered voice in one ear, the better ear, at not less than five feet with or without the use of a hearing aid. If the driver fails the whisper test, the medical examiner will refer the driver to have an audiometry test. The driver must pass an audiometer test before the medical certificate can be considered.

What if I cannot hear a forced whisper within five (5) feet and have to wear hearing aids, can I still qualify for a DOT card?

Yes, as long as you can perceive a forced whispered voice in one ear, the better ear, at not less than five feet with or without the use of a hearing aid. If you use a hearing aid for the DOT physical, then you must wear that hearing aid and have it in operation at all times while driving. Also, you must be in possession of a spare power source for the hearing aid while driving.

Does sleep apnea disqualify me from a DOT card?

Sleep apnea does not necessarily disqualify you for medical certification. Treatment with a CPAP machine and some basic lifestyle changes can help you get a restful sleep and maintain your commercial driver’s license. Many drivers who have suffered fatigue for a long time , and then were diagnosed with sleep apnea and treated, report that they’ve felt like a new person since they’ve been on a CPAP machine.

If you do use a CPAP machine, you will need to download the report from the machine showing that you have used it a minimum of 70% for the previous 30 days. So please bring the report with you at the time of your exam. There maybe a chip in the back of the machine which will need to be read by the individual or company from whom you got your CPAP. If unsure, please call the manufacturer and ask how to retrieve your usage report for a DOT exam.

You will need to bring a medical opinion letter from your treating physician before you can be considered for DOT medical certification.

Is narcolepsy a disqualifier?

Narcolepsy is a disqualifier regardless of treatment, because it poses a risk of EDS (Excessive Daytime Somnolence or Sleepiness) and may also bring on sudden muscular weakness.

Can a driver with lung disease be qualified for a DOT card?

The medical examiner will evaluate your condition to determine how the lung disease may affect your ability to safely drive and perform other duties of a commercial driver. If you don’t have a medical opinion letter from a treating physician, you may need to go for a chest x-ray or pulmonary function tests before the medical examiner can consider certification.

Can I be qualified if I use oxygen therapy?

Most likely, yes, oxygen therapy while driving is a disqualifier. The reasons are twofold: 1. Malfunction of the oxygen equipment. 2. Progression of the disease may be debilitating. You may be considered if you can pass a pulmonary function test.

If your pulmonary testing with within normal limits (forced expiration volume (FEV1) is better than 65, then you may be qualified to drive.

Is COPD a disqualifier for the DOT card?

If oximetry is less than 92% (oximetry equals 70), the driver must have an ABG analysis.

Recommend not to certify the driver when ABG measurements reveal:

Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) less than:
65 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) at altitudes below 5,000 feet.
60 mm Hg at altitudes above 5,000 feet.
Partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) greater than 45 mm Hg at any altitude.

I had lung surgery and a lobectomy; will this be an issue for a DOT health card?

In and of itself, the lobectomy should not be an issue. But what was the reasoning behind the surgery? Your examiner will have other questions regarding the surgery and what its long term effects are, as well as, how it affects your ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Is a diagnosis of Meniere’s Syndrome a disqualifying health issue?

Yes. Meniere’s disease is disqualifying because it may bring about a severe condition of vertigo and is unpredictable. The risk here is sudden incapacitation.

What are the guidelines regarding a seizure?

Drivers who have had one unprovoked seizure by definition do not have epilepsy (2 or more unprovoked seizures). Drivers who are seizure-free and off anticonvulsant medication(s) for at least 5 years after a single unprovoked seizure can be certified. Earlier return to work may be considered for drivers with a normal EEG who have no epileptic-form activity and normal examination by a neurologist specializing in epilepsy. (This is directly from the FMCSA website.)

If I take my anti-seizure medication can I still get a DOT health card?

No. Taking antiseizure medication is a disqualifier.

I have epilepsy, can I qualify for a DOT health card?

Medical diagnosis of epilepsy is disqualifying. You may be able to be granted an exemption by having your treating physician provide information about your case AND applying for an exemption with the FMCSA.

I had a stroke can I still pass a DOT physical?

It depends on many things, including the likelihood of having another stroke. Your best bet is to first go back to your neurologist and have him/her write a medical opinion letter stating:

1. When you had the stroke.
2. What was the treatment, and how successful was the outcome.
3. What is the treatment you are receiving now.

The doctor’s medical opinion about your readiness to return to work as a driver. Make sure that he/she knows all of your physical daily activities as a commercial driver.

With that information in hand when you go to do your DOT medical examination, then the DOT examiner has all the appropriate information to determine your physical state of fitness to perform the duties of a commercial driver.

I take anti-depressants can I still get a DOT card?

It’s not out of the question, but what you will need to do is get a medical opinion letter from your treating physician that states:

1. When you were diagnosed with the condition?
2. What treatment program does he/she have you on?
3. Is the condition stable?

Does your physician feel you could do the duties of a commercial driver and be safe for yourself and the people/public around you?

Then take that information the DOT physical appointment. It will still be the DOT medical examiner’s decision whether or not to certify you.

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