Why get your CDL medical at an urgent care center near you? Here are common FAQs on Nao Medical DOT physical exams in NY.
Frequently asked questions on CDL physicals, CDL medical examiner certificates, and CDL medical cards
I have deliveries to be made. How long does it take for the DMV-required medical exam?
It takes 30 minutes to do the physical exam and to complete the DOT medical examination form. Nao Medical is open on weekends, evenings, and all holidays. You can even drive in anytime and get same-day DOT CDL certificates.
What do I need to bring with me? Do I need to bring the DMV forms?
When you come to Nao Medical, bring your eyeglasses and your current CDL license. You don’t need to print or bring any DOT form – we provide them free of cost.
If you find a medical condition that needs treatment, what happens?
Not to worry. If you need medical treatment and follow-ups, we will arrange them for you. We can order tests and write prescriptions to treat medical problems as well.
Can’t I wait on the renewal?
You should not delay getting a renewal for your commercial driver’s license because:
- You need a new CDL medical certificate every two years.
- You could lose your job, get fined by the DMV, or even worse – have your commercial vehicle impounded in the absence of a valid current DMV medical certificate.
- You can actually renew your CDL Card up to one year before the expiration date of the commercial driving license.
I have health insurance. Will my DOT or CDL physical exam be covered by my medical insurance company?
No. A DOT and CDL physical exam is employment-related and isn’t covered under insurance plans. For other healthcare services, Nao Medical accepts all major health insurance plans.
Who needs to get a DOT physical exam?
You need a DOT physical if you’re a commercial driver who operates:
- Vehicles used for commercial purposes that have a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating or combined weight rating greater than 10,000 lbs.
- Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver
- Vehicles used to transport hazardous materials
How long is a commercial license in NY State valid?
An original commercial driver’s license from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles is valid for about five years, although every two years you must certify that you meet federal medical requirements to drive commercial vehicles.
The New York State DMV office will send you a renewal notice 45-60 days before your commercial license expires, but you can renew it a year before the expiration date of the commercial driving license.
How often do I need to come to Nao Medical to get the DOT/CDL physical?
Every two years. Nao Medical gives all healthy drivers (truckers, school bus, and taxi drivers) a medical examiner certificate valid for the full 2 years (which is the maximum allowed in NY State).
Other facilities may give you only a 6-month or a 1-year validity on the DOT medical certificate and you will need a renewal at the end of that period. Truck, bus, and taxi drivers with medical problems might need to come back sooner.
What should I expect during the commercial driver’s physical examination?
Our healthcare professional will talk to you and obtain a brief health history for the DOT/CDL physical examination. This is followed by a thorough physical examination of all body systems.
- An eye examination (vision test) will be done to test for visual acuity and color vision. Don’t forget to bring your eyeglasses with you.
- Your hearing will be tested.
- A urine sample will be tested for blood, protein, and sugar.
- An EKG (heart test) may be done for people with heart trouble or sleep apnea.
How do I qualify for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) application in NY?
New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to applicants who are residents of New York State and already have a Class D, Class E, or non-CDL Class C license in NY.
An out-of-state valid CDL makes you eligible to apply for an NYC CDL and you may be required to surrender your out-of-state license (federal regulations).
What are the federal guidelines for CDLs?
The purpose of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 was to improve highway safety and ensure that drivers of commercial vehicles are qualified to drive them and to remove unsafe commercial drivers from the highways.
The Act established minimum standards for drivers that must be met when issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The Act also made it illegal to have more than one driver’s license – either a regular or a commercial driver’s license, but not both.
Also, you can have one license from the state you reside in but cannot simultaneously hold multiple CDLs from more than one state. Federal regulations require you to pass a physical exam every two years and be at least 21 years of age for driving commercial vehicles across state lines.\
The Act established three separate classes of commercial driver’s licenses:
- Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle, not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
- Class C: Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.
Many states make exceptions for farm vehicles, snow removal vehicles, fire and emergency vehicles, and some military vehicles.
What are the endorsements on CDLs?
To be licensed for certain types of commercial vehicles, extra testing is required. If you pass, you will receive an endorsement on your CDL. The five DOT endorsements that you can apply for are:
- T―Double/Triple Trailers (knowledge test only)
- P―Passenger (knowledge and skills tests)
- N―Tank Vehicle (knowledge test only)
- H―Hazardous Materials (For hazmat, knowledge test only)
- S―School Buses (knowledge and skills tests)
What are FMCSA-mandated DOT requirements for medical certification for CDLs?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require interstate commercial drivers to be medically fit to operate their vehicles safely and competently. You must have passed a CDL medical examination within the past 2 years and carry a current or valid U.S. Department of Transportation DOT medical certificate on you at all times.
Acceptable proof of examination for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a fully completed Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form 649-F (6045). A medical examiner will need to complete the FMCSA Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination, as well as the certificate at the end of the packet.
What is an NYC TLC Driver Medical Examination?
Medical certification for New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission – “Yellow Cab” applicants for commercial licensure. The purpose of the NYC TLC Medical Certificate or medical examiner’s certificate is to certify that the yellow cab or taxi driver is medically fit to safely operate an NYC TLC licensed yellow cab or taxi or limousine.
I drive a yellow cab (taxi) in NYC. Do I need to bring NYC TLC forms with me?
No. You do not need to bring a form with you to Nao Medical. We provide all the forms. Here is a useful DOT link for NYC TLC yellow cab driver medical form 4.01.10: NYC TLC Drivers License Page
What is the NYC Department of Education (DOE) Office of Pupil Transportation Physicals (Drivers & Escorts) and School Bus Driver Medical Examination?
Physical examination to determine the medical condition of school bus driver under the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Article 19A: The purpose of the medical examiner’s certificate is to certify that the bus driver is physically or medically qualified to operate a school bus in accordance with Commissioner’s Regulation 6.10 or 6.10-a.
You do not need to bring a form with you to Nao medical. We provide all the forms.
Where can I get the NYS DMV forms?
Download them here: Form DS-874
