Everyone who wants to obtain a new commercial driver’s license (CDL) or renew an established license must have a DOT examination performed by a certified medical examiner. After your exam, your Family and Internal Medicine Center provider completes your DOT medical examination report form.

How often do I need a DOT examination?

Most commercial drivers need a follow-up exam every two years to renew their CDL. However, you may need to schedule a DOT examination sooner, depending on when your certification expires. Some people get certified for a shorter time because they need treatment for a health condition.

What happens during a DOT examination?

Your DOT exam is similar to a routine physical exam except that it also focuses on health issues affecting your ability to drive a commercial vehicle. In addition to performing a vision and hearing test, taking a urine sample, and doing a physical exam, your Family and Internal Medicine Center provider screens for problems such as:

• Sleep apnea
• Seizures
• Respiratory illnesses
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Digestive problems

They also examine your muscles, nerves, and back, making sure you don’t have a condition that might be aggravated by sitting for a long time.

What disqualifying conditions might be found during a DOT examination?

A few health conditions that prevent you from getting a CDL include:

• Alcoholism
• Epilepsy
• Congestive heart failure
• Substance misuse
• Chronic vertigo or balance problems

Taking prescription medications that make you drowsy or affect your ability to drive is also disqualifying.

Many existing health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes won’t disqualify you as long as they’re well controlled.

Having a history of coronary bypass surgery or wearing a pacemaker isn’t disqualifying because they treat the underlying problem. However, having an implantable defibrillator will prevent you from qualifying for a CDL. 

Symptoms like dizziness and fainting may or may not interfere, depending on the cause and if they’re treated.

You may be able to get an exemption or undergo additional medical tests to overcome some potential disqualifying conditions. For example, you can take a skill performance evaluation to show that you can drive regardless of problems affecting your hands, arms, feet, or legs.

Call Family and Internal Medicine Center or book an appointment online to learn more about DOT examinations today.