What Is a DOT Medical Certification, and When Is It Necessary?

The Department of Transportation has numerous qualifications that truck drivers must meet to operate a commercial motor vehicle legally. Some qualifications pertain to the driver’s physical health. The DOT uses mandatory physical examinations to enforce those requirements. 

If you pass your examination, you’ll receive medical certification. What is a medical certification? When will you need it? This certification is one of the most essential elements of your FMCSA compliance checklist. FMCA Filings provides more details below.  

What Is a DOT Medical Certification?

The DOT medical certification card demonstrates that your health status allows you to operate a CMV safely. Driving semi-trucks and similar vehicles requires that the driver remain alert and able to respond at all times during a route. Therefore, you need a valid medical card to retain your commercial driver’s license and continue your trucking career. 

How Do You Obtain a Medical Certification?

You must undergo a DOT physical exam to acquire or renew your DOT medical certification. Only licensed medical examiners can execute the exam. Qualifying medical examiners include:

• Doctors of medicine (MDs)
• Doctors of osteopathy (DOs)
• Doctors of chiropractic (DCs)

You can also receive exams from physician assistants (PAs), advanced practice nurses (APNs), and other medical professionals backed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

If you work for a carrier, you might access your exams free of charge. Your employer will cover the costs. However, independent contractors will likely pay out of pocket for their paramedical services. 

Preparing for a DOT Physical

If you have yet to undergo an exam or need to renew your card, you can get ready for your physical by:

• Speaking with your primary care provider: Your doctor can recommend changes based on their knowledge about your health. These discussions can especially help people with pre-existing conditions. 
• Engaging in healthy habits: Prioritize sleep, eat fresh, whole foods, and exercise daily. Limit any addictive substances as much as possible. 
• Organizing your medical records: Place all relevant records in an organized manila folder to provide your examiner, who can quickly review them. 
• Preparing a list of current prescriptions: If you take any prescription medicines or wear prescription glasses or contacts, write down information about the brand, dosage, and reason for using them. 
• Completing your exam paperwork before your appointment: Fill out as many exam papers as possible beforehand to ensure a speedy appointment. 

What Happens During a DOT Physical Exam?

What is a DOT medical certification exam’s typical protocol? The medical examiner administering your physical will usually focus on the following aspects:

• Eyesight: Vision is imperative for truck drivers. You need 20/40 sight in both eyes whether you need glasses or not. You must also detect colors like green, red, and amber. 
• Hearing: You must pass a hearing exam where the examiner whispers loudly from five feet away. Otherwise, you’ll need additional exams and a hearing aid.
• Blood pressure: Your blood pressure should be 140/90 or less. Otherwise, you might need medications or a re-examination. 
• Conditions that may affect your driving capabilities: Sleep apnea, diabetes, obesity, and hernias may detract from your driving abilities. However, controlling these conditions can sustain your career. 
• Bodily fluids: Your examiner will collect blood, urine, and saliva samples to test for blood sugar levels and other constituents indicating your health status. 
• Reflexes: Commercial drivers need cat-like reflexes to avoid accidents and stabilize their loads. The examiner will test you to ensure you react appropriately. 
• General body specs: The examiner will make note of your blood pressure levels, weight, height, and other typical specs. 

Your examiner may also ask about your general health history throughout the physical. Answer each question truthfully. 

How Long Do Medical Certificates Typically Last?

Most DOT medical certificates last two years before they expire for the average person. However, some schedule physicals more frequently if one of the following concerns applies:

• Recent injuries: If you have a disabling injury, you need a new exam before returning to work, no matter when your original card expires. 
• Surgeries: Surgical procedures, especially those requiring medications, may prompt your carrier or examiner to recommend a subsequent physical soon. 
• Qualifying health conditions: Medical professionals may monitor fluctuating diabetes, sleep apnea, and the like to ensure you can continue operating a vehicle safely. 
• Failed exam tests: If you fail the blood pressure or hearing portion, seek additional treatment before retaking your physical. 

Conditions That Disqualify You From Getting a DOT Medical Certification

While the FMCSA allows people with certain conditions to continue their careers within reason, they disqualify individuals with:

• Severe heart conditions
• Untreatable vision problems
• Epilepsy
• Meniere’s disease
• Unmanaged high blood pressure or diabetes

FMCA Filings Helps You Comply the Easy Way

What is the role of a DOT medical certification? It ensures drivers can safely operate large commercial vehicles without endangering others. Prepare for your DOT physical and simplify your compliance with FMCA Filings.