Your DOT exam questions, answered

February 1, 2021 | By MultiCare Health System

Is it time to renew your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate? At MultiCare Occupational Medicine, we are here to help those who need to renew their license.

How long does a DOT exam take?

A typical DOT exam takes 45 minutes. This includes completing the forms, the physical examination and consultation, and printing your certificate. If there are no concerns or further referrals from the examining provider, our office will be able to certify you and issue your medical certificate.

What will be assessed at a DOT exam?

The following tests will be completed during the course of your exam:

Vision check using a Snellen Chart
Color vision check
Hearing check
Medication check
Point of care urinalysis (AKA “urine dip”)
Vitals check

What should I bring to my DOT exam?

Please bring the following items if they apply to you:

Glasses or contacts you normally wear while driving
Hearing aids
List of all medications
A letter from your primary care doctor to clarify which medication(s) you are currently taking or no longer taking
Documentation of medical condition(s)

What do I eat before a DOT exam?

Healthy eating habits, cutting down on caffeine, salt and sugar are recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prepare for a DOT exam.

What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Some medications can pose a safety risk and may disqualify you from obtaining a medical card. If your Primary Care doctor is able to provide a letter stating the medication will not affect your ability to drive, you still may be able to obtain your medical card.

If you have any of the following medical conditions, the documentation listed must be brought to your appointment or submitted prior to scheduling. Missing documents may impact clearance.

Diabetes not treated with insulin
- HbA1c lab results, must be within the last 6 months
- Letter from your primary care doctor confirming no history of insulin use, hypoglycemia episodes or complications
Diabetes treated with insulin
- Requires special document to be completed and submitted prior to scheduling your appointment
- Washington School Bus Drivers: Bring all completed and signed pages in OSPI document #1643 to your appointment.
Sleep apnea
- CPAP compliance log (printed 90-day report) showing over 70% usage with more than 4 hours usage per night
- Letter from your treating medical provider stating you are compliant with CPAP/APAP usage, that you do not suffer from narcolepsy, and that you are safe to operate a commercial vehicle given your diagnosis and treatment plan
Heart disease
- Clearance letter from your cardiologist
- Documentation of ejection fraction rate and possible exercise tolerance test (stress treadmill)
Depression and/or anxiety
- A letter from your primary care doctor confirming stable medication usage, no history of suicidal behavior or ideation, or recent hospitalization
History of alcohol or substance abuse and/or rehabilitation
- Letter from your substance abuse professional stating no current clinical diagnosis and stable condition
Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- A letter from your primary care doctor confirming stable dosage, no history of abuse or misuse of medication
Medical condition treated with Coumadin or Warfarin (Example: Atrial fibrillation)
- Documentation of stable international normalized ratio (INR) labs for the past 90 days.

How long will my DOT medical card be valid after the exam?

Regulations allow for medical cards can be issued for a maximum of 24 months. Shorter cards may be issued based on the Medical Examiner’s evaluation of your specific health conditions. This may be to allow time for you to bring documentation to from your Primary Care doctor or other specialty care provider. A new DOT exam is always required to issue a new medical certificate, regardless of its duration.

In some cases, the Medical Examiner may place your exam in official pending status. This pauses your exam for up to 45 days for you to return with health documentation. Pending status does not issue a medical certificate. You must return to the same clinic to complete your exam.