DOT Physicals

CDL/DOT and SCHOOL BUS DRIVER EXAMS

SAME DAY SCHEDULING WITH SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE!!!

CALL (301) 562-0390 to Schedule an Appointment TODAY!!!

• WE OFFER CONVENIENT, COST SAVING CDL, DOT & SCHOOL BUS DRIVER MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS!
• SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE AND ARE ROUTINE IN OUR OFFICE! WE GET DRIVERS IN AND OUT IN AS LITTLE AS 30-45 MINUTES!
• OUR OFFICE IS COST COMPETITIVE AND OFFER FREE PARKING! SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE – Please call in advance for scheduling!
• DR. INGRAM IS A MEMBER OF TEAMCME, A NATIONWIDE NETWORK OF DOT MEDICAL EXAMINERS THAT SPECIALIZE IN DOT PHYSICALS. DR. INGRAM'S TRAINING AND ACCREDITATION IS THROUGH TEAM CME.

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DOT Physical Exam Requirements

The first thing you’ll do during your physical is fill out a Medical Examination Report Form that covers your health history. If you prefer, you can access the form from FMCSA and fill it out before you arrive for your exam.

Next, you’ll be given a complete physical examination to test your hearing, vision, blood pressure, coordination and reflexes, and other health indicators. Even if you’re not getting a drug screening, you’ll undergo a urinalysis to measure your blood sugar level and other signs of underlying medical conditions.

When the exam is complete and you’re given the green light to continue driving, we’ll report your results electronically to the NRCME, and you’ll receive a copy of your DOT medical card. You will need to mail or deliver your documents to the DMV.

What Do You Need to Bring to a DOT Physical Exam?

If you filled out the Medical Examination Report Form ahead of time, you’ll need to bring it with you to your physical. Other items you may need to bring include:

• Medical records from your regular doctor and any specialists you see
• Your most recent lab results for any medical condition that requires blood draws
• A list of all prescription medications you take, including the dosage and timing
• Auditory or visual aids you need while driving, such as prescription glasses or a hearing aid

Do DOT Physicals Include a Drug Test?

While DOT physical exam requirements don’t include a drug test, your employer may require drug screening. If you need a drug test, we can take care of that during your DOT physical. The drug test will screen for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, and amphetamines.

VTEC also conducts pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug tests.

How long is a DOT Medical Card Good For?

In general, a DOT Medical Card is valid for 24 months — so you can expect to have a DOT physical at least every two years. In some cases, if you have a medical condition that needs to be monitored, the medical examiner may issue a certificate for less than 24 months.

If you have certain medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, you may need a DOT physical exam every year. If you have a very serious medical condition that needs monitoring, such as very high blood pressure, you may need a physical every three months.

What Happens If You Fail a DOT Physical?

DOT physicals determine whether you’re healthy enough to safely drive a CMV. If you have a medical condition that’s manageable, and you can show that you’re under the care of a medical professional, you — like the majority of CMV drivers — should be able to pass the exam and receive a certificate.

Some medical conditions that may disqualify you include:

• Uncorrectable vision or hearing loss
• Poorly managed diabetes mellitus, heart disease, or lung disease
• Epilepsy
• Narcolepsy
• Alcoholism or drug addiction
• Loss of an arm, leg, foot, or hand

If you fail your DOT physical, it won’t necessarily disqualify you from driving. The FMCSA grants exemptions for some conditions, as long as the driver can prove they’re capable of operating a CMV without posing a threat to others. Known as “variances,” these exceptions can be used to exempt CMV drivers with conditions like diabetes and vision or hearing loss.