DOT CDL Exam, educating your primary care physician.

CDL DOT Physical Exams: Why Drivers Must Collaborate With Their Doctors

If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), your health is more than a personal matter—it’s a public safety issue. A DOT physical exam is not just a formality; it’s a medical evaluation designed to ensure you can safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. One of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of passing your CDL DOT physical is active collaboration between you and all of your healthcare providers.

Tell Every Doctor You Are a CDL Driver

Many certification issues arise simply because a provider did not know the patient was a commercial driver.

Always inform your primary care physician, specialists, eye doctors, dentists, and any treating provider that you hold a CDL. This allows them to consider how medications, procedures, and diagnoses may impact your DOT medical certification.

Why this matters:

Some medications are perfectly appropriate for the general public but disqualifying or temporarily limiting for CDL drivers

Certain procedures may require waiting periods before you can be medically certified

Poorly documented conditions can lead to shorter certification periods or disqualification

Medications: A Common Certification Pitfall

Many drivers are surprised to learn that common prescriptions can affect their CDL status.

Examples include:

Pain medications (opioids or certain muscle relaxers)

Anxiety or sleep medications

Some seizure, antidepressant, or ADHD medications

Blood pressure medications causing dizziness or fainting

Your primary care provider should know you are a CDL driver so they can:

Choose safer alternatives when possible

Document stability and side effects clearly

Coordinate with your DOT medical examiner if needed

Never stop or change medications on your own—your health always comes first—but communication is key.

Procedures and Medical Conditions Matter Too

Even routine procedures can impact your certification.

Examples:

Surgery may require a recovery and clearance period

Cardiac conditions may need stress tests or cardiology clearance

Sleep apnea requires proper diagnosis and treatment compliance

Diabetes may require additional documentation

When your doctors understand your CDL responsibilities, they can plan care that keeps you healthy and helps protect your ability to work.

Don’t Forget Eye Doctors and Dentists

Many drivers don’t realize that vision and dental care can affect their DOT physical.

Eye Doctors:

Vision must meet DOT standards

Eye surgeries, infections, or new corrective lenses should be documented

Conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration may require monitoring

Dentists:

Dental infections can raise blood pressure and blood sugar

Pain medications prescribed after dental procedures may be disqualifying

Untreated dental issues can lead to serious infections and missed work

Again, simply telling your eye doctor or dentist that you are a CDL driver helps them make informed decisions.

Health and Safety Come First

DOT regulations are not designed to punish drivers—they exist to protect:

The driver

Other motorists

The public at large

Staying healthy is the most important job you have. A well-managed medical condition is far better than an untreated one that puts you and others at risk.

Choose an Experienced DOT Medical Examiner

Not all physical exams are the same. Experience matters.

Dr. David Moreland in Rolla, Missouri, is an expert in CDL DOT Physical Medical Exams. He understands the federal regulations, the realities of commercial driving, and how to properly evaluate drivers while focusing on safety, fairness, and compliance.

An experienced examiner can:

Identify issues early

Explain certification requirements clearly

Help drivers understand what documentation is needed

Work with treating physicians when appropriate

Final Thoughts

Your DOT physical should never be a surprise. The best outcomes happen when:

You communicate openly with your medical providers

Your doctors know you are a CDL driver

You prioritize your health and safety

You choose a knowledgeable DOT medical examiner

Collaboration keeps you certified, safe, and on the road—where you belong.

About the Author: Dr. David J. Moreland, DC, CCSP, CME is a board-certified chiropractic physician with extensive clinical experience in chiropractic care, sports injury treatment, occupational health, and DOT/CDL medical examinations. He is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) and a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) listed on the FMCSA National Registry, allowing him to perform DOT physicals and CDL medical exams for commercial drivers. Dr. Moreland provides evidence-based, patient-focused care at his clinic in Rolla, Missouri, serving athletes, workers, and professional drivers throughout the surrounding area with thorough, efficient, and driver-friendly evaluations. He possesses more than three decades of professional experience in his field.