DOT Medical Exam and Commercial Motor Vehicle Certification
The Department of Transportation (DOT) exam is a mandatory health examination that needs to be passed by commercial motor vehicle drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates DOT as it helps determine if the applicant is mentally, physically, and emotionally fit to drive a commercial motor vehicle.performed and managed by a health care provider often collaborating with other health professionals.
About The DOT Exam
To pass a DOT medical exam, the driver applying for the certification should meet certain health conditions and requirements. When applicants pass the exam, they no longer have to take another test for the next 24 months unless they develop some health ailments that can compromise their ability to drive safely. The DOT physical examination should be performed by medical examiners who have the necessary license. The terminology ‘medical examiners’ encompasses but is not limited to doctors of medicine (MD), physician assistants (PA), advanced practice nurses (APN), doctors of osteopathy (DO), and doctors of chiropractic (DC).
DOT Health Requirements
DOT health requirements are prescribed clearly by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). All commercial vehicle license holders need to meet DOT health requirements to ensure their safety and the safety of their fellow drivers who share the road with them. To ensure that the drivers meet DOT health requirements, they should:
- Should not have pre-existing medical conditions that may inhibit their ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle in a safe manner
- They should have passed the DOT exam and keep a DOT certificate/medical card to prove that they meet medical requirements.
You can contact our experts at The Crane Center LLC for more information or clarity regarding DOT health requirements
Basic DOT Medical Requirements
DOT medical exam requirements need to be met for a driver to receive a DOT certificate. Below are some basic DOT medical requirements:
- Applicants must have 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. Correctable vision means vision with glasses and lenses that improve eyesight.
- Applicants cannot have diabetic conditions that require them to be injected with insulin. If you have managed diabetes by changing your diet and lifestyle, you can apply for DOT certification.
- Applicants must have blood pressure readings of 140 (Systolic) over 90 (Diastolic) or less to be eligible for a 24-month DOT Medical Certificate.
What does the DOT Physical Exam Cost?
Medical insurance does not cover the cost of a DOT physical exam. The DOT medical exam fee needs to be paid by the applicant. To get a Florida DOT medical card, you need to pay anywhere between $50 and $300, depending on certain circumstances. To better understand DOT physical exam costs, you can contact our health consultants at The Crane Center LLC.
Validity of DOT Certification
The validity of DOT certification is up to 24 months. If you face health issues during this period that can impact your ability to drive, you need to take the exam before 24 months. Moreover, if you have a Blood Pressure (BP) range higher than 140 over 90, then the validity of the certification will be less than 24 months (the validity will depend on the BP value). For more clarification on the validity of your DOT certification, get in touch with our health experts today.
DOT Physical Exam Form
FMCSA Form MCSA-5875, also known as the DOT physical exam form, is the official document that keeps a track record of the health and safety exams that the Department of Transport needs to ensure that the person driving a CMV is fit to do so. The form is an indicator of a driver’s health and competency to drive a commercial vehicle. The DOT physical exam form contains the driver’s health history and the results from previous tests. It allows a medical examiner to conclude whether the driver is fit to drive. Apart from the standard MCSA-5875 form, many other forms related to DOT physical exam are:
- MCSA-5876, Medical Examiner’s Certificate
- MCSA-5870, Insulin Treated Diabetes Mellitus (ITDM) Assessment Form
- MCSA-5895, 391.41 CMV Driver Medication Form
Every form contains important information about the physical exam. For better understanding of DOT physical forms in Florida and applying for an exam, please contact our health consultants at The Crane Center LLC.