DOT Driver Exam Information
Before you request a DOT physical, please review the DOT information so you are aware of the needed information BEFORE we begin the DOT exam. Once we begin your exam, per DOT regulations, we cannot stop the exam.
The information below highlights information needed for the most common health problems associated with DOT medical certification or re-certification. (This list is not all-inclusive)
Vision: Your vision must be 20/40 or better in each eye and in both eyes together or you will be disqualified. You may use vision correction (glasses or contact lenses) to meet the standards.
Sleep Apnea using a CPAP: You will need a report from the doctor treating you for sleep apnea indicating your on-going use of your CPAP machine. In general, it is expected that you use your CPAP machine at least 70% of the nights for an average of 4 hours or more for each night used in order to meet Federal recommendations.
Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes that requires the driver to use insulin is Disqualifying unless the driver has a Federal Diabetes Exemption. If you have any complications from diabetes (example: renal, cardiovascular or neurological concerns), you will need a clearance letter from the appropriate specialist.
Cardiovascular Disease:
If you have a history of a heart attack, angina or are post-PCI (angioplasty with a stent): DOT requires you to have an exercise stress test every 2 years. You will need to bring a copy of your stress test results to the exam. If any of the above has occurred in the past year, a copy of your most recent Echocardiogram is also required.
History of cardiac bypass surgery (CABG): You must provide the results of your last Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT-stress test) since having Bypass and your most recent ECHO (heart ultrasound test).
Anticonvulsant Medication:If you are taking topamax, neurontin (gabapentin) or other seizure medication for other than a seizure disorder (example: chronic pain or migraine prophylaxis), you must have a letter from the doctor prescribing the medication stating that the medication is not being prescribed for seizure.
Antidepressant Medication: Elavil or Tofranil are disqualifying.
ONE-YEAR Certificate only is issued for drivers with any history of the following health conditions and/or medication use:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease (see requirements above)
- Heart Surgery (see requirements above)
- Any of the following medications:
Antidepressants:
Pristiq, Cymbalta, Effexor, Effexor XR, Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Sarofim, Paxil, Paxil CR, Zoloft, others at the discretion of the Medical Examiner.
Antipsychotics:
Abilify, Abilify Discmelt, Saphris, Zyprexa, Zyprexa, Zydis, Seroquel, Seroquel XR, Risperdal, Risperdal M- Tabs, Geodon, Symbyax, Nardil, ESAM, Parnate, others at the discretion of the Medical Examiner.
Warfarin/Coumadin:
Or other anticoagulants including Plavix (clopidogrel), Pradaxa (dabigatran), Eliquis (apixaban), and Xaralto (rivaroxaban)
Driver has been regulated on Warfarin/Coumadin with a stable International Normalized Ratio (INR) for at least 1 month prior to certification (or recertification).
Amphetamines/CNS stimulants:
Including but not limited to Adderall, Ritalin, Vivarin, Provigil, Vyvanse and Concerta.
Driver will need letter from their PCP* stating that the driver is tolerating the medication well and has no significant side effects or complications that would interfere with the safe driving of a Commercial Motor Vehicle.
Sedating Benzodiazepines and/or Sleep aids:
Including but not limited to alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (Prosom), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan)
Driver will need letter from their PCP stating that the driver is tolerating the medication well and has no significant side effects or complications that would interfere with the safe driving of a Commercial Motor Vehicle.
Use of Provigil is generally disqualifying with some rare exceptions for DOT certification.
PCP* Primary Care Physician