DOT MEDICAL EXAMS FOR CDL - COMMERCIAL TRUCK DRIVERS
We are a licensed Department of Transportation medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry.
Licensed
Listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Mobile
Dr. Swain can meet at a loocation near you.
Experienced
As a Doctor of Chiropractic for over 25 years, I am experienced with medical conditions and concerns in the commercial driving industry
What to expect
During a DOT physical for your CDL Medical Exam, a certified medical examiner (CME) will check your vital signs, review your medical history, and perform a required hands-on physical examination that includes (but is not limited to):
- General appearance
- Eyes
- Ears
- Mouth and throat
- Heart
- Lungs and chest
- Extremities
- Nervous system
- Hernias
- Back and spine
You will also have to provide a urine sample that will be tested for kidney function. It will test the following:
- Protein
- Blood
- Glucose
- Specific gravity
How much does a DOT Medical Exam Cost?
$90 (by appointment)
Where / How do I Submit my DOT Medical Information?
- You may submit it online
- You may bring it to any driver license office
- You may fax it to 303-205-5709
- You may scan and email it to DOR_cdlunit@state.co.us
- You may mail it to:
Colorado Department of Revenue
Attn: CDL Unit
PO Box 173350
Denver CO 80217-3350
Medical Conditions that may Disqualify You from Holding a CDL
- Poor vision
- Diabetes requiring insulin
- Seizures
- Heart problems
- Respiratory issues
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug use, including cannabis
Many medical conditions, on a case-by-case basis, may disqualify you from holding a CDL. Some common issues are listed above, however each individual needs to check with their medical provider for a final decision.
Dr. Swain will issue you a medical examiner’s certificate (MEC) – also called a DOT medical card – when you meet the DOT physical requirements. Without a valid DOT medical card, you can lose your CDL.
DOT Drug Testing &
Non-DOT Drug Testing
If your employer requests a drug test:
You will have to provide a separate urine sample
What substances are tested?
DOT drug tests require laboratory testing for the following five classes of drugs:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiates – opium and codeine derivatives
- Amphetamines and methamphetamines
- Phencyclidine – PCP
How much does a drug test cost?
$50 for a drug test (by appointment)
What to Bring to a DOT Physical Exam
All drivers
- Bring a complete list of ALL of your medications, including the doses and your doctors’ names and addresses
- You may want to complete page one of the exam (driver’s portion) to save time at the center
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 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
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
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
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
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
Drivers who are taking the blood thinner Coumadin (Warfarin)
- Bring a recent INR (blood level and clearance) letter from your doctor 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.
Note: Each physical examination, just like each DOT applicant, is unique. 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.
Request an Appointment
We do DOT CDL Exams by appointment Weekdays and Saturdays. Please fill out the form below with your requested Date & Time, and we will contact you to confirm. Or, call us at (719) 645-6123.
Exams are by appointment only. Please call to schedule or book online.
Want to save time at your appointment? Download and fill out these forms!
DOT Medical Exam Form
Please complete the sections in Blue on pages 1 and 2. You can type into the form and then print it. Please bring these with you to your appointment.
Medical Examiner's Certificate
Please complete the Driver's information on this form, print it, and bring it with you to your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration medical requirements frequent asked questions. No need to print this one!