DOT Physical Exams - Fellows, CA
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FMCSA | FAA | USCG | FTA | FRA | PHMSAFellows, CA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know
A DOT physical is an all-encompassing health check mandated
by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver. This examination checks if drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of handling large vehicles safely on public roads. Conducted by a certified medical examiner (CME) from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), passing the test grants a DOT medical certificate, necessary for maintaining a valid CDL license under FMCSA rules. If another DOT agency oversees your activities and you need help determining the required DOT physical, 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 in Fellows, SC.
Who needs a DOT Physical?
A current DOT medical certificate (card) is essential if you:
- Possess a commercial driver's license (CDL) of class A,B, or C for interstate business
- Operate a vehicle exceeding 10,001 lbs. GVWR in interstate commerce
- Carry more than 8 for-hire passengers or over 15 non-hire passengers
- Transport hazardous materials needing placarding under DOT norms
- Are employed by DOT-regulated entities like FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, or USCG where medical qualification under DOT is necessary
Ensure fulfillment of these standards in Fellows, MO.
What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?
- Government-issued identification
- Eyewear/contact lenses & prescription
- A list of medication & dosages
- CPAP device data (if applicable)
- Specialist approvals (heart, sleep, diabetes, etc.)
- Recent logs for A1C/blood pressure if monitored
What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?
- Failure to receive a Medical certificate
- Temporary disqualification issued
- Recommendation to seek medical treatment with your primary care provider
- Eligible FMCSA waivers for certain medical conditions
- Notification provided to employer about disqualification
- Following procedure for addressing medical issues and re-scheduling the examination for reevaluation.
In Fellows, CA, adhere to these steps should disqualification be the outcome.
What Will Fail a DOT Physical?
Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical
- Vision & Hearing: Vision below 20/40 in each eye (with correction), inability to differentiate signal colors, or hearing loss inhibiting recognition of a whispered message at 5 feet.
- Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Uncontrolled high blood pressure (≥180/110 mmHg), recent myocardial infarction, stroke, uncontrolled angina, or cardiac devices requiring special permission.
- Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes causing hypoglycemic episodes or complications (like neuropathy) impairing safe vehicle operation.
- Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea causing sleepiness, or serious lung conditions affecting oxygen levels.
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions like epilepsy or seizure disorders (excluding exemptions) that may lead to loss of consciousness.
- Substance Abuse: Active illegal drug use, alcohol addiction, or misuse of medications impacting driving.
- Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe mental health issues unmanaged by medication or cognitive defects impacting safety decisions.
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