DOT Physical Exams - Santa Maria, CA

Santa Maria, CA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

A DOT physical is an all-encompassing health assessment mandated by the Department of Transportation for every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operator. This examination establishes that drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of maneuvering large vehicles safely on public highways. A certified medical examiner, listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, conducts the exam. Success in this exam awards the driver a DOT medical certificate, necessary to keep a valid CDL license as per FMCSA guidelines. If another DOT agency regulates you and you're unsure which DOT physical you require, 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?

DOT Testing | DOT Breath Alcohol | DOT Consortium Services | MVR Reports Also Available

What Will Fail a DOT Physical?

Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical

• Vision & Hearing: If your vision is worse than 20/40 in each eye even with correction, cannot distinguish traffic signals' colors, or have hearing loss preventing the hearing of a forced whisper at five feet.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Issues such as uncontrolled hypertension at or above 180/110 mmHg, recent cardiac events, or having a defibrillator without medical clearance.
• Diabetes: Unmanaged diabetes with recurrent low sugar episodes or complications like neuropathy that affect safe driving.
• Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea causing drowsiness or lung disease affecting oxygenation.
• Neurological Disorders: Epileptic conditions (unless exempt), those causing sudden consciousness loss, dizziness, or uncontrolled tremors.
• Substance Abuse: Usage of illegal drugs, alcohol dependency, or misuse of medication impairing driving.
• Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe uncontrolled psychiatric disorders affecting judgment or reaction time.

Certain issues may temporarily disqualify you until proper documentation is provided, such as blood pressure control. Others like untreated seizures are generally seen as permanent disqualifications per FMCSA.