Driving can be physically taxing. So, to ensure that a driver is in the right condition to drive, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has mandated all commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders receive a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card.
DOT medical card is a certificate a commercial driver gets to demonstrate that he/she is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
Let’s talk about how you can get a DOT medical card in North Carolina.
How to Get DOT Medical Card?
You need to follow a few simple steps to get a DOT medical card.
- Contact Healthcare Provider. First, you are required to pass a DOT physical to get a DOT medical card or renew it (usually renewal is required every two years). For this, contact FMCSA-certified medical examiners (CMEs).
If you’re an interstate driver, find an approved provider in your state who is able to administer your physical.
- Get Physical Done. The second step is taking the DOT physical examination. During your physical, your healthcare provider will ask about your detailed medical history, including your history of:
- Surgical procedures
- Prescription and OTC medication use
- Tobacco, alcohol, and illegal substance use
- Medical condition
- Failed drug test
You will also receive a physical exam, which involves checking your:
- General appearance
- Height
- Wight
- Blood pressure
- Vision
- Hearing
- Eyes
- Skin
- Heart
- Lungs
- Extremities and joints
- Circulatory system
- Gait and much more
The medical provider will also do additional tests to check for other medical problems. During the physical, you will be checked for your sleeping habits, like heavy snoring, daytime sleepiness, gasping for breath during sleep, and much more. Your medical examination provider will also record your physicals and submit a report to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. You will receive DOT medical card on passing the physicals.
- Submit DOT Medical Card. After receiving the medical card from a medical provider, you must submit the card to the office of the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It’s pertinent to mention here that drivers who pass their DOT physical and get their card are required to renew it every 24 months. But if you have problems like sleep apnea, diabetes, and high blood pressure, you may be asked to renew your card every 12 months.
DOT Medical Card in King, North Carolina
At Cardinal Urgent Care, you can fulfill all your healthcare needs under one roof. We have a team of medical providers who offers a wide range of ancillary services, including sports physicals, DOT physicals, school physicals, and occupational medicine services.
If you’re planning to get your physicals done, please let us know ahead of time or book an appointment. You may call us at (336) 983-9111 or fill out this form.
