Commercial Truck Driving Exams

Each physical examination, just like each DOT applicant, is unique. The below guidelines will help you prepare for your exam day but they are not meant to be all-inclusive or as a guarantee of passing the exam. Additional testing or/information may be required based on your exam and medical history.

ALL Drivers

• Bring your valid photo ID
• Bring a complete list of ALL of your medications, including the doses and your doctors’ names and addresses

Drivers who require eyeglasses, contact lenses, or hearing aid

• Bring your glasses, contacts, or hearing aids
• If you use hearing aids, you may bring a recent passing audiometry test

Drivers who have diabetes

• 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 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: Heart related issues include the use of stent, valve replacement, pacemaker, open-heart surgery, cardiac bypass surgery, or heart attack. 

• At minimum, bring a letter from your 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: This 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 like Coumadin (Warfarin)

• Bring a recent INR (blood level and clearance) letter from your doctor