DOT Physical Exams - Taft, CA

Taft, CA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

A DOT physical is an in-depth health check required by the Department of Transportation for all commercial vehicle operators. The purpose of this exam is to confirm that drivers are in good physical, mental, and emotional health to handle large vehicles safely on public thoroughfares. Certified medical examiners, registered on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, conduct this examination. A successful exam grants drivers a DOT medical certificate, essential for holding a valid CDL license as per FMCSA standards. If your regulation falls under another DOT agency and you need guidance, 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: Vision worse than 20/40 per eye (with glasses), inability to see traffic light colors, or hearing loss preventing detection of a whisper at 5 feet.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Uncontrolled high blood pressure (≥180/110 mmHg), recent heart attack, stroke, uncontrolled chest pain, or an unapproved defibrillator.
• Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or complications (nerve damage, vision issues) disrupting safe driving.
• Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea causing daytime sleepiness, or severe lung disease impairing breathing.
• Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy/seizures (unless exempted), conditions causing sudden unconsciousness, dizziness, or uncontrollable shakes.
• Substance Abuse: Current illicit drug use, alcohol dependency, or misuse of prescription drugs impairing driving.
• Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe unchecked mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with recent episodes) or cognitive decline affecting decision-making and response time.

Issues may temporarily disqualify you until you provide clearance or documentation (e.g., controlled blood pressure, diabetes management), while others like untreated seizures or unauthorized defibrillators are typically considered permanent disqualifiers by FMCSA.