Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the questions we get asked most. Click on the questions below to find your answers!
1. What do I bring?
Be sure to bring your old DOT medical card, ID, glasses if you need them to drive, list of your medications, treating doctor's name and number. If applicable: clearance letter from treating physician, diabetics bring recent A1C paperwork, and sleep apnea patients bring compliance report (90 days).
2. What does a DOT physical include?
Exam includes health history review, confirmed treatment of medical diagnosis and review of systems (eyes, ears, abdomin, neurological, mobility and more) there is no blood work. A small urine sample is taken to check for blood, protein and sugar*.
*NOTE: there is NO drug test included with the physical, however, please note marijuana is not allowed for a federal DOT exam even if prescribed.
3. Who needs a DOT physical?
Any person driving commercially for a job 10,000 lbs or over. That weight is total after being loaded. Note you do not need a CDL to need a DOT medical card.
4. Do you do Walk-ins?
Give us a call to see if we can get you in! We are by appointment with the same day or next day usually available. That way you are in and out in approx 30 min. Feel free to give us a call at 913-605-4928 or 816-605-3232.
5. When do I get a DOT medical card if I pass my physical exam?
DOT Medical cards are issued the same day as the exam, and we offer a laminated card AND a paper certificate. The passing of some exams can be delayed if further documentation is needed from your health provider (clearance letter) see forms to learn more.
Click HERE to see how to submit for each state.
7. My license is not from your state. Can I still get a DOT physical?
Yes! The exam is a federal test with federal regulations. Almost all states accept a CDL medical card from any FMCSA national registry provider. (CA and NY excluded)
8. My DOT medical card is expired or expiring. What should I do?
Depending on your state and length of lapse you may be downgraded - Even if your license says CDL on it. Find out here (state by state) ways to submit your new medical card. Please note: Missouri gives 60 days after expiration before they downgrade, and Kansas is an immediate downgrade. You MUST go to the DMV in person in Missouri. Kansas allows you to submit online. Non-CDL drivers (anything besides A or B) DO NOT need to submit a medical card to the DMV. Most states allow a license to be downgraded one year before re-examination is required.
9. What are your requirements for obstructive SLEEP APNEA testing (OSA)?
The doctor checks multiple things to see if you need to get screened for OSA. We can provide low cost at home sleep test referrals.
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Here are some DO’s and DON’Ts to better understand OSA.
DO
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Understand there are federal guidelines the doctor has to go by to screen for OSA
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Get a sleep test if it's been recommended
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Most people are not aware that they snore/stop breathing in their sleep unless somebody tells them.
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Keep records of your negative sleep report and bring the report/test to all DOT exams. (Negative sleep tests are generally good for 5 years with minimal weight gain and no new medical conditions.)
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Stay compliant with your sleep machine and bring a report that shows the past 90 days usage 70% or better (approximately 4 hours per night 5 nights/week)
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Check FMCSA information regarding sleep apnea including risk factors: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/driver-safety/sleep-apnea/driving-when-you-have-sleep-apnea
DON'T
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Assume the doctor is just measuring your neck and referring you
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Expect more than a 1 year card. FMCSA guidelines have a maximum of one year certification for this condition.
10. Do you take insurance?
We do not take insurance as most insurance providers exclude DOT physicals as they are not medically necessary. We DO take FSA and HSA accounts, debit/credit card, cash or check. Contact your insurance provider if you can be reimbursed.
11. I am not using my CDL but want to keep it. Do I need a DOT medical card?
We do not take insurance as most insurance providers exclude DOT physicals as they are not medically necessary. We DO take FSA and HSA accounts, debit/credit card, cash or check. Contact your insurance provider if you can be reimbursed.
12. What are some common disqualifying conditions?
Seisure 4 years ago or less, defibrillator, narcolepsy, loss of neurological function, schizophrenia, not being compliant with health conditions, peripheral vision less than 70 degrees. Vision is worse than 20/40 in both eyes and vertigo.
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Note: If concerned about specific health condition or need a clearance letter please give us a call at: 913-605-4928 or 816-605-3232.
13. I don't drive a semi-truck or have a CDL. Why can't you pass me?
Each exam is standardized and all regulations are for any driver who drives over 10,000 lbs. We must use the same compliance across the board to maintain the integrity of the exam as well as maintain our certification.
14. Who needs a DOT drug test?
Pre-employment, random, return to duty, reasonable suspicion and post-accident are all times when CDL drivers need to take a drug test. The DOT physical does NOT require a drug test.
15. Am I subject to DOT drug testing and alcohol regulations?
​Take this quiz from DOT to find out!
16. Do I need to be enrolled in a consortium?
To comply with DOT regulations - every working CDL driver needs to be in a random drug testing program (consortium).
Owner/operator drivers do need to be enrolled into one. Call us at 913-605-4928 or 816-605-3232 today to get started.
If you are employed - your employer will have you enrolled into their consortium. If you are employed and using your CDL as an employee and you are not in a consortium your employer may be out of compliance and could face fines up to $10,000.
17. I was in an accident. Now what?
You need to post accident drug and alcohol test if you're a CDL driver who was involved in a fatal accident, or receive a traffic citation resulting from an injury, or vehicle-disabling accident. The alcohol test must occur within 8 hours and the drug test must occur within 32 hours. Refer too the table below.
18. Where can I get reasonable suspicion training?
Check out this link to find out more.
19. Do you have a SAP (substance abuse program) referral?
Yes! Please give us a call at 913-605-4928 or 816-605-3232 for referral.