DOT Exams

Anyone that listens to me, so that excludes my wife, kids, dogs and employees; has heard me mention that along with Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, I am a Nationally Registered Certified Medical Examiner for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a division of the Department of Transportation (NRCME-FMCSA-DOT, obviously a government job with all those letters). Meaning, I do truck driver physicals or commonly referred to as DOT physicals.

Who needs a DOT medical card?

Everyone that has a CDL, regardless of class must have a DOT medical card. In Maryland, because Maryland is Maryland; anyone who operates a vehicle over 10,000 lbs. for commercial purposes must also have a DOT card, regardless if you cross state lines or not. If you drive a F250 or similar vehicle you need a DOT card. If you operate any vehicle over 10,000 lbs. registered to a company, you need a medical card.

Why require a medical card?

The whole point of the card is to ensure those operating large vehicles do not have a medical condition that may lead to immediate incapacitate. The main goal is reducing potential for a truck to become an involuntary weapon of mass destruction.

There are strict federal regulations regarding who qualities for DOT cards. There are exclusions, federal exemptions, and releases from specials that may apply.

Few tips to make your DOT go smoother

If you’re on high blood pressure meds, take them. If you’re on metformin, take it. If you have a CPAP, use it; it’s all tested for. If you’ve ever had a heart attack, stroke or any type of cardiovascular surgery, there’s a wait period and you must provide documentation. Come with a full bladder because you WILL have to pee in a cup. And don’t lie, they’ll toss you in jail.