DOT med card required just to take CDL A permit test??

Hi there,
I’m thinking of giving truck driving a shot. Either through a school or hiring on with a company that trains. I want to get my CDL A permit and also take the air brakes test as well. I’ve been doing some studying and taking some online practice tests. Well anyways I headed to the registry in the city bordering my town. I live in Massachusetts btw. Filled out the application and had my number called. When I went up to the counter, the woman said that I couldn’t take the permit exam without a DOT card. Does this sound right? She didn’t seem too confident in her reasoning as to why or if I really needed a DOT exam or not. I’m hoping she’s correct because I really don’t want to spend the money to get a medical exam when I don’t have to, at least at this point. This will be my third time at the registry so I don’t want to be sent packing without taking the permit test. First time I didn’t have my birth certificate to prove citizenship. Second time was told I needed the DOT card. Hopefully third time is a charm