In order to keep the roads safe and minimize health problems for drivers, the federal motor carrier safety administration requires all drivers to pass a dot medical exam before earning a commercial drivers license. Who must have a cdl medical exam and certificate dot medical. If so, there is a good chance you are required to periodically receive a dot physical, or dot exam. The department of transportation dot requires these exams in order for professionals particularly truck and bus drivers to obtain or maintain a commercial driving license and make sure that nothing will negatively impact their driving.
Driver medical fitness for duty drivers are critical to highway safety. A department of transportation dot physical exam must be conducted by a licensed medical examiner listed on the fmcsa national registry. If you have a condition that needs monitoring, such as high blood pressure, you may be required to get a physical more often. The physical exam is likely similar to others youve taken in the past, but to work as a truck driver, you must take a test with specific guidelines determined by the federal department of transportation.
The urine analysis only checks for protein, blood and sugar in the urine. Any individual with a physical or mental injury or disease which has impaired hisher ability to perform normal duties must have a physical examination and obtain a new medical examiners certificatedot medical card. If you are going to be operating commercial motor vehicles a dot physical exam is required. If your state has adopted the federal national registry regulation, we have 600. You can create the employee application as long as it contains all.
These are the same standards required of motor carrier drivers by the federal highway administration of the department of transportation. Frequently asked questions dot physical requirements. New requirement beginning may 21, 2014, drivers will be required to obtain their fmcsa medical examination from a certified medical examiner that is listed on the national registry. This physical exam is especially important for truck drivers whose job depend on a valid cdl with up to date exams. The driver must also be able to distinguish and recognize red, green and amber colors. Frequently asked questions about fmcsa regulations, dot medical certificate requirements, and the dot physical exam. Pass a skills test in a vehicle class you intend to operate. The cdl medical exam is thought to always go along with the cdl itself, but thats not always true. All dot physical exams are conducted by a medical examiner who is approved by the federal motor carrier safety administration fmcsa. Apr 23, 2019 when you become a truck driver you are required to have a dot physical. All commercial drivers are required to pass a physical exam conducted by a licensed medical examiner at least once every 24 months. For commercial motor vehicle cmv drivers, the most important safety feature is you the driver. Nearly every commercial driver, with limited exception, is required to submit their valid medical examiners certificate dot physical card to penndot.
A description of the documents required to be in each drivers qualification file is included in the following subsections and in 49 cfr 391. The answer can depend on the type of commercial vehicle driven and most especially, where it and the driver will be going. What are the physical requirements to be a truck driver. Bus or truck driverspecific application for employment. A thread on the trucking forum recently discussed the physical strength required to be a truck driver, starting with the following question please dont laugh too hardbut as a 50 year old female, it must be asked. Dot cdl physical exam medical examiner instructions. A potential cdl driver must hold a dot medical card before a cdl permit can be issued. For information on federal exceptions or waivers see fmcsa exemptions programs or skill performance evaluation spe. You must also keep in mind that in addition to the usual employment procedures required by federal and state laws, the department of transportation dot has its own set of hiring requirements. It is referred to as a medical fitness for duty examination, which ensures that each driver is capable and healthy enough to successfully complete the duties associated with commercial driving. The 8 requirements for a driver qualification file apex.
A waiver of certain physical impairments or diseases may be available. Youve been told you need a dot physical exam or cdl physical exam. Provided the driver passes the examination, a laminated medical certificate will be given to the driver on the same day. Some interstate drivers are required to get a cdl medical exam, but some are not often, who is and who isnt who must have a dot physical and who doesnt need it can be confusing. Only after you complete a preemployment screening for cdl physical requirements are.
Drivers need to be able to safely operate their vehicle and a dot physical ensures there are no health issues which would prevent that from happenings. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive be sure you are wearing them for the exam. Dot cdl physical exam physicians instructions including medical examiner qualifications, knowledge of drivers responsibilities, specific physical and mental demands, medical history, physical qualifications for drivers, cdl med exam testing procedures and criteria, medical exemptions for drivers, filling out forms, drivers medical certificate and record keeping requirements. Dec 16, 2019 dot medical exam and commercial motor vehicle certification about the exam. A dot physical exam is the evaluation required in order to operate a commercial vehicle. The best way to understand the dot physical requirements is to go through the checklist that the medical examiner goes through to conduct the physical exam.
Dot physical for cdl drivers certified medical examiners. As reported previously, cdl holders are required to report their new medical certifications to the state drivers licensing agency and, as of january 30, will only need to carry the paper copy. Drug testing is not required for the dot physical exam but may be required by an individual employer. Or maybe its time to renew your existing cdl medical certification card the certification you get when you pass the dot physical exam there are many misconceptions about the dot physical or cdl physical exam, as well as some basic confusion about what its looking for and the requirements to pass. Who must have a medical exam and certificate dot medical card the medical exam. Cdl class a, b, and c medical certification requirements. Dot physical exam requirements a dot physical exam will incorporate an assessment of a workers vision, hearing, blood pressurepulse rate, and overall physical ability. Lets look at those things in relation to what a dot physical provider at any of the many dot physical locations in florida will be looking for when he or she performs. For most truck drivers with a commercial drivers license cmv, a dot physical examination is required on a regular basis to continue driving certain commercial vehicles.
A cdl skills exam must be taken at one of the authorized cdl driving skills exam. The dot physical is required by the department of transportation dot for any commercial motor vehicle cmv occupation that can impact the safety of an employee or the public, and it follows rules set by the federal motor carrier safety administration fmcsa. What is a dot physical exam the federal motor carrier safety administration fmcsa is a division of the united states department of transportation dot. To ensure public safety, cmv drivers are required to have higher physical, emotional, and mental standards than passenger car drivers. Each time you turn the key, you are responsible for your own safety, as well as the safety of all the people who share the road with you. The goal of this test is to determine whether a potential driver is physically capable of driving safely now and in the near future. A department of transportation dot physical examination must be conducted by a licensed medical examiner listed on the federal motor carrier safety administration fmcsa national registry. States may also require use of the national registry for their instateonly drivers. As a truck driver, you will be required to sit and steer for long periods of time. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. What new truck drivers need to know about the dot physical. If youre a professional truck or bus driver, you may have been told that you need a department of. Gaining dot certification requires a higher level of accountability and experience than a noncommercial license.
Drivers who do not pass the exam are referred to the appropriate specialist for further testing and allowed to reschedule their exam at no charge. The dot physical exam is a simple exam but a very important one. Some interstate drivers are required to get a cdl medical exam, but some are not. Often, who is and who isnt who must have a dot physical and who doesnt need it can be confusing.
Sep 28, 2011 dot physical requirements for the cdl. National registry of certified medical examiners fmcsa. Once you have passed your dot physical the doctor in charge will give you a certificate. For interstate drivers, this is definitely not the case. Dot cdl physical exam drivers minimum requirements and qualifications including vision acuity, field of vision periphral vision and color perception requirements, number of limbs, blood pressure limits, hearing test, diabetes, mental disorders, respiratory system, prescription drug use and controlled substances, medical history, drivers responsibilities and duities. Cdl class a, b, and c medical certification requirements page 1 of 2 rev. Selfcertificationmedical examiners certification faq. Many school bus drivers are exempted from the federal requirement to have a dot physical exam, however all but a few of the teamcme dot physical exam locations are familiar with your state school bus medical exam regulations. To prove that a truck driver meets this seventh requirement, you must have your driver complete a medical examination. Pass a dot physical examination and provide the bmv with an valid medical examination report mer and medical examiners certificate mec. If you do not hold a federal medical card or are not grandfathered, you will be issued a restricted commercial driver license. Trucker docs answers commercial driver questions about medical conditions blood pressure, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, medications, drugs, and much more. Who must have a cdl medical exam and certificate dot. Beginning may 21, 2014, drivers will be required to obtain their fmcsa medical examination from a certified medical examiner that is listed on the national registry.
Cdl drivers must take the dot physical every two years. To drive in intrastate or interstate commerce, you must have passed a medical examination, within the past 2 years, in accordance with federal motor carrier safety regulations 49 cfr 391, subpart e, as defined in the federal motor carrier safety administrations fmcsa medical examination report. When circumstances allow, it is recommended that you renew your medical examiners certificate dot physical card if it expires within the next six 6 months, prior to submitting it to. There are many misconceptions about the dot physical or cdl physical exam, as well as some basic confusion about what its looking for and the requirements to pass. To obtain the dot medical card a driver must pass the dot physical exam. About dot budget and performance civil rights foia. If a preemployment drug test is required, this dot physical exam will also include a test for illegal drugs in the system. Dr dan explains the dot physical exam requirements orlando. The fmcsa is tasked with enforcing federal regulations that oversee the requirements and processes for those applying for a commercial drivers license cdl.
The carrier must retain a copy of this certificate. The medical examiner may also issue a medical examiners certificate for less than 24 months when it is desirable to monitor a condition, such as high blood pressure. This allows them to perform your state required dot physical exam for school bus drivers. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart conditions will affect the length of time your dot medical certificate is good for. However, if returning from medical leave, a new physical is not necessarily required unless the employer questions the. The list of certified medical examiners including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and chiropractors. All dotrequired exams for interstate drivers must be performed by an examiner who is listed on the national registry of certified medical examiners website. Stay compliant with safety performance history recordkeeping requirements. Who is required to have a driver qualification file. A department of transportation dot physical examination must be conducted by a licensed medical examiner listed on the federal motor. For dot certification, the department of transportation requires a physical exam by a certified medical examiner, as well as a written test and a driving test, according to the federal motor carrier safety administration.
The fmcsa is tasked with enforcing federal regulations that oversee the requirements and processes for. Frequently asked questions about driver medical requirements. Here is a link to the fmcsa medical examination report form. The federal government and individual states mandate minimum health and physical requirements in order to qualify an individual to operate a cmv. Nebraska dot physical exam for cdl federal guidelines mandate that all commercial drivers pass the dot physical exam.
A department of transportation dot physical is a medical screening that commercial motor vehicle cmv drivers are required to complete and pass to maintain a valid commercial drivers license cdl. Check the fmsca registry to find a certified medical examiner in your area. To get certified under department of transportation dot regulations, commercial truck drivers are required to have a physical examination by. Stage 1 hypertension, blood pressure between 14090 15999. The physical examination you take for your medical certificate confirms that you are healthy enough to safely perform the demanding job of a cmv driver and keep our nations roads safe. The commercial drivers license information system cdlis is a nationwide computer system that enables state driver licensing agencies sdlas to ensure that each commercial driver has only one drivers license and one complete driver record. Full disqualification if not under control after 3 months, until controlled. The dot physical requires drivers to have 2040 vision with or without the use of. The examiner makes sure the driver can safely meet the physical and mental demands of the job. What is the dot physical and what are the requirements for passing the dot physical. Only after you complete a preemployment screening for cdl physical requirements are you allowed to get on the road. The goal of this test is to check whether a potential driver is physically capable of driving safely now and in the near future.
Virginia dot physical exam for cdl it is mandated by federal guidelines that all commercial drivers pass the dot health exam. If you are one of the drivers required to send a copy of your medical certificate to our. The physical examination you take for your medical certificate confirms. This physical exam is especially important for truck drivers whose job depend on a valid. During the first few days of the cdl training program, student drivers will undergo a dot physical examination by. Stopping time and distance, blind spots and limited maneuverability, require drivers to be in top driving. Obtain a commercial drivers license learners permit. A driver qualification file checklist may be helpful to ensure that all required documents and inquiries are obtained. Mar 24, 2020 waives the requirements under 49 cfr 383. The us department of transportation has regulated certain medical conditions for cdl drivers. New requirements and your fed med card what you need to know and do. Dot medical exam and commercial motor vehicle certification. A thread on the trucking forum recently discussed the physical strength required to be a truck driver, starting with the following question please dont laugh too hardbut as a 50 year old female, it must be asked how much physical strength is really required. There are strict guidelines that pertain to your health and your ability to drive.