DOT Physical Exams - La Mirada, CA

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La Mirada, CA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

A DOT physical is an all-encompassing health evaluation mandated by the Department of Transportation for commercial motor vehicle operators. This assessment guarantees drivers are fit on physical, mental, and emotional levels to safely handle large vehicles on public roadways. A certified medical examiner from the National Registry performs the exam. Successful completion awards a DOT medical certificate, necessary for a valid CDL per FMCSA rules. Questions? 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?

Health History Review
Vision Test

Hearing Test
Urinalysis

Vital Signs
Physical Examination

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What is checked in a DOT Physical?

  • Health history assessment and medication review
  • Vision assessment (corrective lenses acceptable; minimum criteria apply)
  • Hearing assessment (whisper test or audiometry)
  • Blood pressure measurement and pulse check
  • Physical exam (systematic review)
  • Urinalysis (specific gravity, protein, glucose levels)

On successful completion, your Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) may be issued for up to 24 months; some conditions may demand shorter certification or specialist verification, including in La Mirada, GA.

Who needs a DOT Physical?

A valid DOT medical card is mandatory if you:

  • Operate a commercial driver's license (CDL) class A, B, or C for interstate travel
  • Drive a vehicle exceeding 10,001 lbs. GVWR across state lines
  • Transport over 8 paying passengers or more than 15 non-paying passengers
  • Carry hazardous materials needing placards under DOT guidelines
  • Work for DOT-regulated employers like FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA or USCG necessitating DOT medical certifications. La Mirada, NM drivers must comply.

What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?

  • State-issued identification photo
  • Corrective eyewear & prescription
  • Medication list with dosages
  • CPAP documentation if needed
  • Clearance letters from specialists (heart, apnea, diabetes)
  • Recent A1C/blood pressure logs, if tracked

La Mirada, NE's regulations are relevant.

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)

Residents of La Mirada, DE must follow these steps if disqualified.

What Will Fail a DOT Physical?

Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical

  • Vision & Hearing: Vision poorer than 20/40 in each eye even with correction, inability to differentiate traffic light colors, or hearing deficiency preventing detection of a forced whisper from 5 feet away.
  • Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Unmanaged hypertension (≥180/110 mmHg), recent myocardial infarction or stroke, uncontrolled angina, or having an unapproved defibrillator.
  • Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes with recurrent hypoglycemia or issues like neuropathy that hinder safe driving.
  • Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea causing daytime drowsiness, or serious lung diseases affecting breathing.
  • Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy (unless certified), conditions causing fainting or tremors.
  • Substance Abuse: Ongoing illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, or misuse of prescriptions affecting driving ability.
  • Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe uncontrollable mental illnesses or cognitive disorders impacting judgment and response time.

Conditions can temporarily disqualify until medical clearance (e.g., regulated blood pressure), whereas others, like untreated seizures, may be permanent disqualifications under FMCSA rules.

DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You

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(800) 221-4291