Can high blood pressure make you fail a DOT physical?

Yes. Drivers with blood pressure at or above 180/110 mmHg will fail the DOT physical. Lower levels of hypertension may result in shorter certification periods if under treatment.

Does diabetes disqualify you from a DOT physical?

Not always. Controlled diabetes with proper documentation may be allowed. Uncontrolled diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or complications can cause disqualification until managed.

Will sleep apnea cause you to fail a DOT physical?

Untreated or uncontrolled sleep apnea that causes daytime drowsiness can disqualify a driver. However, drivers who are compliant with CPAP or other treatments may qualify with documentation.

What does the Birmingham, AL DOT physical include?

The DOT physical exam in Birmingham, AL typically includes a review of medical history and medications, vision and hearing tests, measurement of blood pressure, pulse and heart rate, urinalysis and a general physical exam by a certified medical examiner. Upon passing, you may receive a medical examiner’s certificate valid for up to 24 months.

Who in Birmingham, AL needs to get a DOT physical?

Any driver holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for interstate or intrastate commerce in Birmingham, AL, or operating a commercial motor vehicle regulated by the DOT, must have a valid medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner.

Where can I have the DOT physical done in Birmingham, AL?

Birmingham, AL drivers can schedule their DOT physical through Accredited Drug Testing’s network of certified examiners and collection sites across the state, ensuring compliance with both federal and Birmingham, AL state requirements.

What should I bring with me to the DOT physical in Birmingham, AL?

Bring a photo ID, your current medical certificate if applicable, list of medications and dosages, any specialist clearance letters (for conditions such as sleep apnea or cardiac issues) and glasses or contact lens prescription if used.

What happens if I don’t pass my Birmingham, AL DOT physical?

If you fail the exam, you will not receive the medical certificate and your driving privileges under the DOT‐regulated commercial vehicle operations may be suspended until you meet the qualifying medical requirements and are re-examined.

DOT Physical - Birmingham, AL

Birmingham, AL DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

DOT Physical: A thorough health check mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for commercial vehicle operators (CMV) ensures drivers are apt physically, mentally, and emotionally for operating massive vehicles safely on public routes. Conducted by a certified medical examiner (CME) on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), passing grants a DOT medical certificate, vital for holding a valid CDL per FMCSA rules. Need help determining which exam applies? Call 800-221-4291.

During your exam, the medical examiner will complete a thorough health assessment to determine if you meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical standards. The process typically includes:

What Does a DOT Physical Include?

Health History Review
Vision Test

Hearing Test
Urinalysis

Vital Signs
Physical Examination

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What is checked in a DOT Physical?

Review health history and evaluate medications
Vision check (corrective eyewear permitted, standards in place)
Hearing test (forced whisper or audiometric)
Measure blood pressure and pulse
Conduct full physical (systems overview)
Urinalysis (checking specific gravity, protein, glucose)

Completion may grant a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) valid for up to 24 months, although some conditions may demand shorter certification or specialist documentation in Birmingham, AZ

Who needs a DOT Physical?

A valid DOT medical certificate is necessary if you:

Hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) class A, B, or C for interstate commerce
Drive a vehicle with over 10,001 lbs. GVWR in interstate commerce
Transport over 8 passengers (for hire) or over 15 passengers (not for hire)
Transport hazardous materials needing placarding under DOT regulations
Work for employers under DOT agencies such as FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, or USCG where Birmingham, WV requires DOT medical qualification.

What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?

Official photo ID issued by the government
Prescription glasses/contact lenses with prescription details
List of all medications and dosages
Data on CPAP usage (if applicable)
Clearances from specialists (e.g., cardiology, sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.)
Recent A1C/blood pressure logs if applicable

Ensure to bring these documents to your DOT physical in Birmingham, AL to facilitate the process.

What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?

No issuance of Medical card
Temporary disqualification from driving
Recommendation for further treatment with your primary care provider
Potential FMCSA exemptions for specific medical conditions
Notification to employer regarding disqualification
Next Steps: Address medical issues and retake the assessment

In Birmingham, AL, it is essential to address these issues promptly to resume professional driving.

What Will Fail a DOT Physical?

Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical

Vision & Hearing: Vision below 20/40 in each eye (even with correction), inability to recognize traffic colors, or hearing loss that makes it hard to discern a whispered sound at five feet.
Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Unmanaged high blood pressure (≥180/110 mmHg), recent heart events, unregulated angina, or a non-cleared implanted defibrillator.
Diabetes: Unregulated diabetes causing frequent low sugar levels or complications (e.g., neuropathy) impacting safe driving.
Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Unmanaged sleep apnea causing drowsiness, or severe respiratory diseases hindering proper oxygenation.
Neurological Disorders: Epileptic conditions (unless exempted) or illnesses causing loss of consciousness, dizziness, or intense tremors.
Substance Abuse: Current use of illicit drugs, habitual alcohol misuse, or prescription medication misuse impairing one's driving capabilities.
Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Significant unmanaged psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia) or cognitive dysfunction affecting decision-making or reaction speeds.

Some circumstances may temporarily disqualify you until you show the required medical documentation (e.g., managed diabetes). Issues like untreated seizure disorders or non-cleared defibrillators are typically seen as permanently disqualifying by FMCSA norms.

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References:
- FMCSA Medical Examiner Physical Qualification Standards (Â§391.41)
- 49 CFR Part 391 - Qualification of Drivers
- Medical Examiner's Handbook
- FMCSA Driver Exemptions

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DOT Physical Exams - Birmingham, AL

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29 DOT Drug-Testing Centers in Birmingham

2124 4th Ave S0.74 miles

3221 3rd Ave S1.03 miles

1500 4th Ave S1.10 miles

2700 10th Ave S Bldg 2 Ste 1031.26 miles

616 9th St S1.65 miles

1201 11th Ave S Ste 1001.78 miles

3001 27th St N2.31 miles

701 Princeton Ave Sw2.86 miles

1919 28th Ave S Ste 1232.86 miles

833 Princeton Ave Sw2.95 miles

7 Office Park Cir3.48 miles

2757 Green Springs Hwy3.66 miles

800 Montclair Rd4.01 miles

2018 Brookwood Medical Center Dr Ste G24.23 miles

513 Brookwood Blvd, Suite 506, Brookwood Medical Plaza4.24 miles

200 Montgomery Hwy Ste 1004.69 miles

1 W Lakeshore Dr Ste 3014.94 miles

2038 Springdale Ln5.08 miles

920 S 18th St Ste B5.16 miles

110 Oxmoor Ct5.98 miles

1360 Montgomery Hwy Ste 1146.51 miles

1664 Forestdale Blvd6.56 miles

5410 Highway 280 Ste 1006.76 miles

9232 Parkway E7.44 miles

6554 Aaron Aronov Dr7.66 miles

721 Gadsden Hwy8.58 miles

3321 Lorna Rd Ste 68.73 miles

5569 Grove Blvd Ste 1218.76 miles

1680 Montgomery Hwy8.79 miles

Birmingham, AL DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

What Does a DOT Physical Include?

What is checked in a DOT Physical?

Who needs a DOT Physical?

What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?

What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?

What Will Fail a DOT Physical?

Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical

DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You

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