Have you applied for DOT Registration? Increasingly, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is adding regulations and increasing the guidelines needed for professional drivers to follow. While it may seem excessive, one that makes sense is the need for drivers to pass a physical for Driver Qualification File and get a DOT Medical Card. However, the language and specific requirements can be complicated.
What is a DOT Medical Card For?
The terms DOT medical certificate, DOT Medical Card, coroner’s certificate, and DOT physical card are interchangeable. So don’t worry if you hear a different word regarding driver medical requirements and think there are another guide drivers should follow.
When is the DOT Medical Card Necessary?
A DOT medical card is a must for drivers who perform interstate commerce in vehicles. This card is also required for drivers transporting 15 or more passengers and those receiving compensation for transporting 8 or more passengers. Finally, drivers moving hazardous material must also purchase a DOT medical card.
The penalties for commercial vehicles are stern, and hence, one needs to follow and work on the rigorous way to achieve their DOT card. If you do not follow the rules, unfortunately, DOT will suspend the CDL of a driver. So if DOT witnesses any driver without a valid DOT medical card, he shall be penalized.
Driving through a weigh station or being pulled over without a valid CDL will result in a citation and put you out of service. After this, fines, fines, and other penalties will follow. As you can see, waiving the DOT medical card can brutally affect your career as a professional driver. So now you know the importance, right?
The Steps to Acquire a DOT Medical Card are Simple
To obtain a DOT medical card, the first step is to schedule a physical exam with a Certified Medical Examiner. Only professionals who the DOT has qualified can perform the necessary physical and medical certification for professional drivers.
The Certified Medical Examiner will review the driver’s health history and perform a complete physical exam. The exam will also include a urine sample test to detect the driver’s kidney function—this part of the physical exam checks for diabetes or infections in the body.
Finally, the Certified Medical Examiner will submit a report to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Drivers who pass the physical will receive a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate; that meets the requirements of the DOT medical card.
Do I need to prepare for the test? What are anti-doping tests?
Anti-doping tests or drug tests detect illegal drugs or medications through different methods such as urine, blood, saliva, hair, or sweat. However, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) recommend using urine as the most effective method for drug testing. The regulations are based on the guidelines stipulated by the American entities.
The DOT Registration application of the test for the detection of drugs is for the following:
Opioids, such as heroin, codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, and fentanyl
Amphetamines such as methamphetamines
Cocaine
Steroids
Barbiturates such as Phenobarbital and Secobarbital
Phencyclidine (PCP)
In general, DOT tests are used for the following cases:
Job
Companies do these tests to determine if job prospects use drugs before hiring them.
Sport
Professional athletes should be drug tested to avoid the use of performance-enhancing substances.
Legality
Anti-doping tests may be requested as part of an investigation in a court case.
Medical surveillance
If the person was prescribed opiate substances for chronic pain, the doctor might order a drug test to measure the correct amount of medication.