As of Dec 22nd 2015 there will be new exam forms and medical certificates. Between 12/22/15 and 4/20/16 examiners can use either the old or new forms. After 4/20/16 the new forms MUST be used.
The biggest annoying difference for drivers will be a larger certificate! The new certificates cannot be altered. The good news is, class A, B and C drivers do not have to carry the new cards with them after they register it with the state. Class D (regular) drivers are not so lucky. Even if you do not need to carry the card with you, it's always a good idea to have a hard copy, in case you run into "technical difficulties".
If you want to have a look at the new forms, you can do so here. We will be switching over as our current stock of old forms runs out. See our forms page for up to date information on that.
Your best choice for DOT and Pre-Employment Physicals in MN, either on site or in office. Go to www.qualityphysicals.com to book your appointment.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Tips for Passing Your Physical
This is an ever changing topic, but here are a few points to consider when going for your physical.
The FMCSA is concerned about the safety of the general public. There are certain health conditions that might put you at an increased risk of injuring someone else behind the wheel of a big truck. These conditions are watched very closely!
1 - DO NOT DRINK ENERGY DRINKS or CAFFEINE. That includes coffee, tea, Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Red Bull, AMP, etc etc there are too many to list. This is like speed in a can and will raise your blood pressure. The only blood pressure reading that counts is the one taken during your exam!
2 - If you are concerned about having high blood pressure, check it every so often at Cub or Walgreens, etc and keep track of it. If it's always above 140/90 (either number), that's not good.
3 - There is a urine test, so make sure you have to pee! If you are a diabetic DON'T eat or drink any sugar. When sugar shows up in your urine, you'll need a recent A1c reading.
4 - ANY yes answers requires a detailed written description. If you leave out conditions and get in an accident, you'll face civil penalties.
5 - If you have a CPAP, you need a reading from your doctor that states how often you use the machine.
6 - If you have any heart conditions, those usually require stress tests every two years, some are more frequent, some are less.
7 - If you currently are taking a schedule II narcotic, you likely will not pass
8 - Chantix (prescription to help stop smoking) is disqualifying
The FMCSA is concerned about the safety of the general public. There are certain health conditions that might put you at an increased risk of injuring someone else behind the wheel of a big truck. These conditions are watched very closely!
1 - DO NOT DRINK ENERGY DRINKS or CAFFEINE. That includes coffee, tea, Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Red Bull, AMP, etc etc there are too many to list. This is like speed in a can and will raise your blood pressure. The only blood pressure reading that counts is the one taken during your exam!
2 - If you are concerned about having high blood pressure, check it every so often at Cub or Walgreens, etc and keep track of it. If it's always above 140/90 (either number), that's not good.
3 - There is a urine test, so make sure you have to pee! If you are a diabetic DON'T eat or drink any sugar. When sugar shows up in your urine, you'll need a recent A1c reading.
4 - ANY yes answers requires a detailed written description. If you leave out conditions and get in an accident, you'll face civil penalties.
5 - If you have a CPAP, you need a reading from your doctor that states how often you use the machine.
6 - If you have any heart conditions, those usually require stress tests every two years, some are more frequent, some are less.
7 - If you currently are taking a schedule II narcotic, you likely will not pass
8 - Chantix (prescription to help stop smoking) is disqualifying
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Get your medical card to stay current with MN State DMV
Remember that letter you got from the DMV, saying that you need to submit a medical card by Jan 30th 2014 or risk loosing your CDL?
You might want to take care of that well before the deadline! It's easier to keep it than to get it back after you've lost it.
The majority of people will have forgotten about this letter and will be booking appointments towards the end of January. I've already seen a huge increase in the number of people acting on this letter. Don't delay, get this taken care of as soon as you can.
You might want to take care of that well before the deadline! It's easier to keep it than to get it back after you've lost it.
The majority of people will have forgotten about this letter and will be booking appointments towards the end of January. I've already seen a huge increase in the number of people acting on this letter. Don't delay, get this taken care of as soon as you can.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Stay informed about the National Registry
*** Information regarding the
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
***
I will be undergoing the testing necessary to become a Certified Medical Examiner at some point in 2013. BUT since it involves extra cost and a lot more paper work, I am in no hurry to sign up!
You (as a driver) and I (as an Examiner) have until May 2014 to comply with these new rules.
My advice is to get your next physical taken care of well before May 2014. Even if your current card expires in March, April or May of 2014. Why you ask? It is estimated that the number of physicians who currently perform these physicals will drop from roughly 200,000 to 50,000 nation wide. The new course and testing is expensive and time consuming, obviously a lot of doctors will not bother with it. That means your options will go down as far as who can perform your physical, your wait time will likely increase and your cost will likely increase as well.
I will be undergoing the testing necessary to become a Certified Medical Examiner at some point in 2013. BUT since it involves extra cost and a lot more paper work, I am in no hurry to sign up!
You (as a driver) and I (as an Examiner) have until May 2014 to comply with these new rules.
My advice is to get your next physical taken care of well before May 2014. Even if your current card expires in March, April or May of 2014. Why you ask? It is estimated that the number of physicians who currently perform these physicals will drop from roughly 200,000 to 50,000 nation wide. The new course and testing is expensive and time consuming, obviously a lot of doctors will not bother with it. That means your options will go down as far as who can perform your physical, your wait time will likely increase and your cost will likely increase as well.
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