DOT Physical Exams - Arcata, CA
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FMCSA | FAA | USCG | FTA | FRA | PHMSAArcata, CA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know
A DOT physical is an all-encompassing health assessment mandated for every commercial motor vehicle operator by the Department of Transportation. This evaluation verifies that drivers are in the right physical, mental, and emotional condition to manage large vehicles safely on roads. Conducted by a certified medical examiner from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, a successful result grants a DOT medical certificate needed to keep a CDL valid under FMCSA rules. For assistance with other DOT agency regulations, call us at 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?
Vision Test
Urinalysis
Physical Examination
DOT Testing | DOT Breath Alcohol | DOT Consortium Services | MVR Reports Also Available
What is checked in a DOT Physical?
- Health history review and medication assessment
- Vision screening (corrective lenses allowed; minimum standards apply)
- Hearing assessment (forced whisper or audiometry)
- Blood pressure and pulse rate
- Physical examination (systems review)
- Urinalysis (specific gravity, protein, glucose)
Upon successful completion, your Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) may be issued for up to 24 months. Some conditions may require shorter certification or specialist documentation
This applies specifically to Arcata, WI.
Who needs a DOT Physical?
To hold a valid DOT medical certificate (card) in Arcata, LA, you need one if:
- You possess a commercial driver's license (CDL)- classes A, B, or C for interstate transport
- You drive vehicles exceeding 10,001 lbs. GVWR across state lines
- You transport more than 8 paying passengers or over 15 non-paying passengers
- You carry hazardous materials requiring DOT placarding
- You work for employers under DOT agency regulation like FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, or USCG where medical qualification is mandated
What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?
- Government-issued photo ID from Arcata, IN
- Glasses/contacts with prescription
- Medication list with dosages
- Data on CPAP usage (if applicable)
- Specialist clearances (cardiology, sleep, diabetes)
- Recent A1C/blood pressure logs if tracked: Ensure to have these items for your DOT physical exam in Arcata, IN.
What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?
- No Medical card will be issued
- Temporary disqualification
- Referral for treatment to your primary care doctor
- FMCSA exemptions for certain medical conditions
- Employer Notification
- Next Steps (address the medical issues and retake the exam)
These are the potential outcomes specifically in Arcata, WI.
What Will Fail a DOT Physical?
Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical
- Vision & Hearing: Visual acuity worse than 20/40 in both eyes with correction or inability to see traffic colors; hearing loss preventing a whispered voice recognition at 5 feet.
- Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Uncontrolled high blood pressure (≥180/110 mmHg), recent myocardial infarction, stroke, untreated angina, or defibrillator implant without approval.
- Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes with frequent hypoglycemic episodes or complications like neuropathy affecting driving.
- Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea causing sleepiness during the day or severe respiratory disorder affecting oxygen supply.
- Neurological Disorders: Epileptic/seizure disorders unless exempt, or conditions triggering loss of consciousness, dizziness, or tremors.
- Substance Use: Current illegal drug use, alcohol dependency, or misuse of prescribed drugs affecting driving.
- Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe unmanaged psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with recent symptoms) or cognitive deficiencies affecting response and decision-making.
Some medical conditions might temporarily disqualify until medical evaluations or documentation are provided, such as managed blood pressure or diabetes control; whereas conditions like untreated seizures or defibrillator implants often lead to a permanent disqualification under FMCSA guidelines.
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