As a Commercial Motor Vehicle driver, you are aware that you are driving a vehicle capable of causing serious harm. It takes skill, knowledge and a level of physical and mental fitness beyond what is required for your personal vehicle. That's why it's important to partner with the right provider on your DOT physical exam.
State of Massachusetts Medical Standards
How can I prepare for my DOT exam?
Review these tips on how to get ready for your DOT or CMV physical:
- See your regular doctor to make sure all medical conditions are treated and well-controlled.
- Complete all follow-ups or referrals recommended by your doctor.
- Make sure you've had an eye exam in the past year.
- Schedule your DOT exam at least one month prior to the expiration date on your current card.
- Review the medical requirements on the FMCSA website https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/Medical-Requirements
- Bring the required medical clearances or test results from your regular doctor. This may include:
Stress tests or clearance from your cardiologist
A1C results
Sleep studies
INR results, if taking Coumadin
- Bring glasses, contacts or hearing aids, if applicable.
- CPAP compliance report, if you have sleep apnea.
- If you have experienced certain medical conditions recently, you may also need to wait to schedule your DOT physical for a certain period of time. These conditions might include heart attack, major surgery, concussions, blood clots, stroke, vertigo or some psychiatric events. Consult the FMCSA http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/Medical-Requirements for more details or give us a call.
What about my blood pressure?
Uncontrolled blood pressure is one of the most common reasons why drivers are disqualified. Your blood pressure should regularly run less than 140/90. Consult with your regular doctor to create a plan if your blood pressure regularly reads over 140/90.
What about my Diabetes?
If you have Diabetes, you should bring a letter from your doctor to your DOT exam stating:
- Your diabetes is adequately controlled,
- List of medications,
- You can safely operate a commercial motor vehicle,
- Your most recent A1C level,
- No episodes of hypoglycemia,
- No end organ damage.
Can certain conditions automatically cause a driver to fail the DOT exam?
Some medical conditions will cause a driver to "not meet the standards." These include:
- Stage 5 kidney failure or dialysis
- Meniere's disease, uncontrolled vertigo or labyrinth fistula
- If you have taken medication for seizures or epilepsy within 10 years
- Taking Methadone, Suboxone or medical marijuana
- Using telescopic lenses
- Needing to use oxygen
- Progressive dementia or Parkinson's disease
- Progressive muscle/neurologic disorders
- Chronic Schizophrenia or active psychosis
- Malignant brain tumors
- Older than 75 years and taking Coumadin
- Chronic Cor Pulmonale
- Active alcoholism
- Taking seizure or anticoagulant medication after a stroke
- Neurocardiogenic syncope
- Idiopathic Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (IHSS)
- Narcolepsy
- Taking medications that cause impairment
- Implantable defibrillator
To schedule your DOT exam, call today: 508-432-5008
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