That was a famous saying back when I was in college. My undergraduate institution did not award “F’s,” only A, B, C, D & E’s. You didn’t fail; you just got the opportunity to take that class again.

No One Really Fails

DOT medical exams are similar. No one really fails; the medical examiner assigns the amount of time in which they need to be reevaluated. The 30 second history lesson for DOT exams: The Federal Government, in order to improve highway safety, decided that everyone who holds a commercial driver’s license needs to meet minimal health standards. Since then, many states including Maryland have expanded that list to other vehicle operators. Here in the Old Line State, along with CDL holders, anyone who drives a truck or van for work is supposed to have a medical card.

These minimal health standards rule out health concerns that without professional treatment would prevent the driver from safely operating a motor vehicle. The driver’s history, medications and a few other factors, the driver is then ‘graded’ on how long they are allowed to drive without another evaluation. With recent changes to the laws, there are actually very few things that would “fail” a driver. Number 1 being the use of scheduled narcotics; yes this includes marijuana.

Are You Concerned?

Are you concerned about passing your DOT exam? Don’t be! But if a healthcare professional gave you blood pressure medication you probably need them and should be taking them prior to coming in for your exam.

We are the preferred examiner for Harford County Public School’s drivers, and many other large and small companies. We also provide drug and alcohol testing/collection along with TPA and consortium services.;”>That was a famous saying back when I was in college. My undergraduate institution did not award “F’s,” only A, B, C, D & E’s. You didn’t fail; you just got the opportunity to take that class again.

No One Really Fails

DOT medical exams are similar. No one really fails; the medical examiner assigns the amount of time in which they need to be reevaluated. The 30 second history lesson for DOT exams: The Federal Government, in order to improve highway safety, decided that everyone who holds a commercial driver’s license needs to meet minimal health standards. Since then, many states including Maryland have expanded that list to other vehicle operators. Here in the Old Line State, along with CDL holders, anyone who drives a truck or van for work is supposed to have a medical card.

These minimal health standards rule out health concerns that without professional treatment would prevent the driver from safely operating a motor vehicle. The driver’s history, medications and a few other factors, the driver is then ‘graded’ on how long they are allowed to drive without another evaluation. With recent changes to the laws, there are actually very few things that would “fail” a driver. Number 1 being the use of scheduled narcotics; yes this includes marijuana.

Are You Concerned?

Are you concerned about passing your DOT exam? Don’t be! But if a healthcare professional gave you blood pressure medication you probably need them and should be taking them prior to coming in for your exam.

We are the preferred examiner for Harford County Public School’s drivers, and many other large and small companies. We also provide drug and alcohol testing/collection along with TPA and consortium services.