DOT Checklist

Need to know what to bring to your DOT physical?

To contact us directly to discuss what you need to bring to a DOT Physical, Click Here

All drivers

• Bring a complete list of ALL of your medications, including the doses and your doctor
• You may want to complete section 1: Driver Information of the exam (driver’s portion) to save time at the center
• For more information on how to Preparing for a DOT Medical Exam click here

Drivers who have high blood pressure

• Your blood pressure MUST be below 140/90 on the day of your exam or you may not qualify for a DOT card, make sure you are taking your medications as prescribed. For information on What Truck Drivers Need to Know about Lowering Blood Pressure with new updated Guidelines………………Click Here

 

Drivers who require eyeglasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids

• Bring your glasses, contacts, or hearing aids
• You will be required to pass a vision and hearing test

Drivers who have diabetes

• Your blood sugar should be controlled
• Bring the most recent results of a lab test called a Hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) and your blood sugar logs or other records related to your diabetes.
• For info click here DOT MEDICAL GUIDELINES -DIABETES

Drivers who have nighttime sleep disturbance (sleep apnea) and use a CPAP machine

• Bring a reading from your machine documenting your proper use of the machine; a letter from your sleep specialist may also be required
• Bring at least 90 days of data, but data from the past year is best
• Click here for more info on OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA): How To Know If You Have It

Drivers who have heart-related issues, (including the use of stent, valve replacement, pacemaker, open-heart surgery, cardiac bypass surgery, or heart attack)

• At minimum, bring a letter from your cardiologist (heart specialist) that outlines your medical history and current medications and indicates you are safe to drive a DOT vehicle
• You may also need to bring the results of a recent stress test, ECHO cardiogram, or other testing completed within the past 1-2 years
• For more info on DOT REGULATIONS AFTER A HEART ATTACK click here

Drivers who have suffered a stroke, a brain tumor, seizure disorder, or bleeding in the brain

• Bring a letter from your neurologist (brain and nerve specialist) that outlines your medical history, current medications, and current neurologic and psychiatric state

Drivers who have experienced the permanent loss of use in an arm or a leg

• Bring an overview from your physician of the injury and if you have any work restrictions due to the injury
• You may need a Skilled Performance Examination in order to qualify for your DOT card

Drivers who are taking any medications that may cause sedation or sleepiness or controlled substances (includes narcotics, sleeping pills, anxiety medication, ADHD medication)

• You will most likely need a note and medical records from your treating physician regarding the safety of driving a DOT vehicle while using these medications
• Medication Issues How to Read a Prescription Label-Impact on your driving ability and routine.

Drivers who are taking the blood thinner Coumadin (Warfarin)

• Bring a recent INR (blood level and clearance) letter from your doctor

Does a DOT Physical Include a Drug Test ?

The DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test. You will still have to give a urine sample which is used for a kidney screen for potential medical conditions.

However, companies do often require a pre-employment drug test.

So your company may request to have a drug screen done at the same time as you take your DOT physical.

Not all medical examiner’s offices that conduct DOT physicals have a drug testing service at Same Day DOT Physicals Drug & Alcohol testing we are certified to provide drug & alcohol testing and participate in the required consortium utilizing Team CME services.

If you are uncertain if you will qualify for a DOT card, you may want to schedule a visit with your primary or specialty physician BEFORE your re-certification date. Each physical examination, just like each DOT applicant, is unique. AS always if you have questions or concerns call us at 615-452-1575 or email your questions to [email protected].

The above are guidelines only, and not meant to be all inclusive or as a guarantee of passing the exam. Additional testing or/information may be required by your DOT examiner.

Contact us with any questions you may have.

Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you. Please use one of the various methods below and we’ll look forward to connecting with you soon!

Phone Number: 615-452-1575

Email Address: [email protected]

Our Location: 529 Hartsville Pike Gallatin, TN 37066

Right next to Sumner Regional Medical Center across from Perkins Drugstore. Parking for your big rig next door in the Food Lion parking lot.

By Dr. Michael Tigges        

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Dr. Tigges knows how important it is that you continue your livelihood as a commercial driver. With his extensive knowledge of the DOT Physical Exam medical guidelines, Dr. Tigges will steer you through the DOT Physical Exam requirements so you can Keep on Truckin’.