FEDERAL DOT CMV MEDICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
We require all drivers to present for their exam with appropriate documentation to prevent a lapse in certification. Should the Department of Transportation uncover evidence that a driver was untruthful, said driver will lose their license.
The list provided below is a summation of the most common conditions we see needing extra attention by the driver, however this is NOT an exhaustive list. That is, you may have a condition not listed here that may prevent or delay your certification. You may see a more exhaustive list at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ (Please note that a specialist (IE: cardiologist, neurologist, etc.) stating that you are cleared to drive DOES NOT guarantee certification) There are very specific waiting periods and testing that must be followed in addition to this clearance.
VISION: If you require correction to your vision, you must wear your corrective lenses during your exam. If you have been told that your vision is worse than 20/40 in both eyes with correction or you are legally blind in one eye, you will not pass. (There is an exemption for monocular vision, or other conditions. The form found at this link must be completed no more than 45 days prior to your DOT physical.) https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/medical/vision-evaluation-report-form-mcsa-5871
HEARING: Should you require hearing aids, you must bring them to your appointment and undergo a hearing assessment with them on the day of your exam. If you do not pass, you will need to see an audiologist and will not be certified on the day of the exam.
SLEEP APNEA: You will need to bring a 12 month compliance report from your CPAP machine. DOT (Department of Transportation) CPAP usage requirements necessitate that commercial drivers with sleep apnea use their machine for at least 4 hours per night on 70% of nights to remain compliant.
DIABETES: You will need to provide the results of your last two A1C tests. Also, if you are managing your diabetes with insulin, you will need your treating doctor to fill out the form on this link no more than 45 days prior to your DOT physical, and bring it with you. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/medical/insulin-treated-diabetes-mellitus-assessment-form-mcsa-5870
MENTAL HEALTH: If you are being treated for adult depression, any psychiatric diagnosis, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD), you need to provide a letter for clearance to drive a commercial vehicle from your treating provider.
CARDIAC HISTORY: If you have ANY cardiac history, you will need a letter from your cardiologist/treating provider that you are medically optimized and cleared to drive a commercial vehicle. Below are some of the conditions requiring such documentation, however, this list is NOT all inclusive:
· MYOCARDIAL INFARACTION (Heart Attack): Mandatory waiting period of two months after MI (even if cleared by cardiology). You must have a letter from a cardiologist/treating provider indicating you are medically optimized. You MUST have stress test and echocardiogram results available at your DOT exam.
· CORONARY ARTERY STENTS: Mandatory waiting period of one week minimum and longer if associated with a MI. Stress test results are required at least every 2 years and you will need to have a completed document with results and statement from provider at time of DOT exam.
· CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFT (CABG): Mandatory waiting period of three months regardless of cardiology clearance. You MUST have echocardiogram and yearly stress test with results available at your DOT exam.
· HEART DISEASE: Must have letter of medically optimized state by cardiologist/treating provider.
· ARRYTHMIA: Mandatory waiting period of one month after being diagnosed. Will need echocardiogram, cardiologist clearance and a stress test with documentation available at your DOT exam.
· ANGINA (Chest Pain): Requires stress test and documentation from provider available at your DOT exam.
· PACEMAKER: You must bring documentation of your most recent annual pacemaker check and this MUST BE dated within the past twelve months. You will also need a letter from your cardiologist/treating provider stating the specific indication for your pacemaker. Having a DEFIBRILLATOR will disqualify a driver immediately.
· HYPERTENSION (High Blood Pressure): Maximum certification is one year. Blood pressure MUST BE 140/90 or less DURING your DOT exam or your certification may be shortened or you may be disqualified.
· ANEURYSM (Dilated Blood Vessels): For abdominal, thoracic, other, or surgery for an aneurysm, you will need a letter from your VASCULAR surgeon clearing you to drive a commercial vehicle. Maximum certification is one year. If an aneurysm is present and measures over 5 cm, you will not pass per federal regulations.
NEUROLOGY: If you have had a stroke or mini-stroke, severe head injury, intracranial bleeding, brain infection, dizziness or passing out spells (syncope), a neurology consult will be required BEFORE your DOT exam. Documentation/Clearance from the specialist is required at your DOT exam.
BLOOD THINNERS: Warfarin (Coumadin) requires documentation of monthly INR results and the reason you are on Coumadin. You must have a therapeutic INR within one month of your certification. Documentation must be provided at your DOT exam.
IF, AFTER READING THIS INFORMATION, YOU NEED TO RESCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT, please contact our office at 605-338-5511. Once your appointment has begun, your DOT Physical Examination fee is not refundable. You may reach out to our office with any additional questions.