DOT Physical

Retaining You DOT Certification

Here are some common things that you need to follow to retain your DOT certification:

1. If you have a history of hypertension (High Blood Pressure), it is very important to follow the treatment of your medical doctor with medication, diet, exercise, etc. You must bring in any doctor notes showing that any medications you may be on do not interfere with safe operation of a motor vehicle. Also, if you are on Blood Pressure lowering medication, you are subject to a shortened or temporary certificate, especially if you show no compliance to treatment.
2. If you are diabetic, it is very important to follow the treatment of your medical doctor with medication, diet, exercise, etc. If you take any form of insulin, you must have your doctor fill out a MCSA-5870 form prior to your DOT exam. Once you have the MCSA-5870 form complete, you have a 45-day window to conduct your DOT exam (bring the form with you to your DOT exam). You must bring in any doctor notes showing compliance of treatment or that any medications you may be on do not interfere with safe operation of a motor vehicle.
3. If you have a vision deficiency, bring your contact lenses or glasses to your DOT exam. If you have monocular vision or severe vision deficiency, you must have your eye doctor fill out a MCSA-5871 form prior to your DOT exam. Once you have the MCSA-5871 form complete, you have a 45-day window to conduct your DOT exam (bring the form with you to your DOT exam).
4. If you have a hearing deficiency, bring your hearing aids to your DOT exam.
5.  If you have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and use a CPAP, you must show compliance of use of CPAP and bring your sleep log data to your DOT exam. The data must show a 90-day period of 70% usage for at least 4 hours per night.
6. If you have any history of any Heart, Lung, Neurological, Mental health, Kidney, or Orthopedic condition, you must bring in any doctor notes showing compliance of treatment or that any medications you may be on do not interfere with safe operation of a motor vehicle.
7. The DOT is a federal exam. Marijuana is not legal on the federal level. If you use Marijuana, Gummies, Edibles, or any other illegal drug, you will be disqualified on your DOT exam. Recreational use of Marijuana is a disqualifying act.
8. You must provide a urine sample at every DOT exam. Please come prepared for this, otherwise the DOT exam will be incomplete.

DOT Physical Exam

Getting a DOT medical card is an important step for anyone who is looking to maintain a career in transportation. This card is required by the Department of Transportation to certify your physical fitness and ability to safely operate heavy vehicles on public roads. To get this card, you will need to schedule a visit with us. We will asked about your medical history, any conditions or disabilities you may have, and any medications that you are currently taking.

Once the evaluation is complete, your results will be reviewed. You can typically expect to receive your medical card within a few days. If your application is approved, then you can rest assured that you are ready to take on the challenges of driving safely on busy roads and highways. So go ahead and get your appointment for a dot medical card today – it's an essential step towards protecting your health as well as others' safety on the road!

What's involved with the exam?

The DOT physical exam is designed to assess an applicant's physical abilities and health status. The DOT physical includes a vision test, hearing test, and blood pressure check. We may also order additional tests, such as a urine or blood test, if there are concerns about an applicant's health. Applicants who pass the DOT physical will be issued a DOT medical card, which must be renewed every two years. Those who fail the DOT physical will be given the opportunity to retake the exam after six months.