DOT physical

They don't issue a "card" per se anymore, the certification is a full size sheet of paper with the new medical form. Many drivers shrink this down to wallet size on a photocopier for ease of carrying since so many DOT officers still ask to see it even when we are not required to carry it.

The long form will be several pages and have all your medical history and results on it, I prefer not to give that out if I can avoid it. Either way, make sure the doctor you called is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (and now some VA doctors) otherwise they are not qualified to give a DOT physical.

 

Get a copy and make sure the DMV gets it. The place I went said they took care of it and found out a month later they didn't. The bimbo at the desk said "well, we did fax it but it didn't go through".

 

That only applies to the need to carry a copy of your medical certificate for the first fifteen days after receiving it (49 CFR Part 391.41 (B).

Since January 30, 2015 we have not been required to carry a medical card once it has been recorded by our home state licensing agency and attached to our CDL record.

49 CFR Part 391.41
(2) CDL/CLP exception. (i)(A) Beginning on January 30, 2015 and ending on the day before June 22, 2018, a driver required to have a commercial driver's license under part 383 of this chapter, and who submitted a current medical examiner's certificate to the State in accordance with 49 CFR 383.71(h) documenting that he or she meets the physical qualification requirements of this part, no longer needs to carry on his or her person the medical examiner's certificate specified at §391.43(h), or a copy, for more than 15 days after the date it was issued as valid proof of medical certification.

 

You are supposed to get a paper filled out by the doc, 3-4 pages, with in-depth info of your exam. Also, you will receive a card, thicker than paper, that just says you can drive, any restrictions, date of experation, and docs signature.

 

Also some of us Grandfathered have signed Tier Two or other than Tier one to continue to hold a non commerce CDL in our wallets for some years when we are exempt from holding a valid medical card or long form. Otherwise valid medical forms are attached to Tier one CDL's allowing you in theory to run Interstate and intrastate commerce etc.

This kind of physical is designed to detect any defects you might have so be very careful with your history, medicines etc. You wont believe what you are about to enter into this industry where common OTC medicines have the power to DQ you medically from driving a Semi.

 

Just renewed mine. 5/31/18
B / j restrictions.
Corrective lenses
Must carry medical card.
But at least it's good for 8 years.

 

The last 3 physicals ive had didnt include an actual card. It was just A4 paper with the "card" printed on it in addition the the long form report. Ive never had a DOT inspection where the officer asked for either as they can view it electronically when they run your license.

 

Thats what officer told me. He views it online. I carry my long form just in case. When i get my new physcial, i take it to DMV and they e-mail it. Have option to fax or mail it. But that could leave room for possible screw up. Like lost in the mail or whomever recieves fax may drop it and it floats under a rug. Well thats a stretch, but oh well.