DOT Physical Exams - Colorado Springs, CO
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FMCSA | FAA | USCG | FTA | FRA | PHMSAColorado Springs, CO DOT Physical - What You Need to Know
A DOT physical is an all-encompassing medical check mandated by the Department of Transportation for every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver. This assessment is crucial to verify that professional drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to operate large vehicles safely on public roads. Conducted by a certified medical examiner from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, passing this exam grants drivers a DOT medical certificate (also known as a DOT medical card), required to keep a valid CDL license in accordance with FMCSA regulations. If another DOT agency regulates you and you need help finding out which DOT physical you require, please 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 review & medication evaluation in Colorado Springs, AR
- Vision test (correction allowed, minimum standard required)
- Auditory evaluation (forced whisper or auditory test)
- Blood pressure and pulse monitoring
- Physical check-up (system review)
- Urine test (check specific gravity, protein, sugar)
After success, your Medical Examiner's Certificate might be issued up to 24 months. Certain conditions call for shorter certification or more specialist documentation
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. Colorado Springs, NM drivers must comply.
What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?
- Government-issued photo ID
- Eyewear and prescription details
- Oral medication list with dosages
- CPAP usage records (when relevant)
- Specialist clearances (e.g., cardiology, sleep apnea, diabetes) if needed
- Current A1C and blood pressure logs if under monitoring
What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?
- No medical card granted
- Get temporarily disqualified
- Be referred for treatment by your main healthcare provider
- Seek FMCSA specific condition exemptions
- Employers receive notifications
- Address health concern and re-attempt examination as next steps in Colorado Springs, NH
What Will Fail a DOT Physical?
Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical
- Vision & Hearing: Vision below 20/40 in each eye (even with correction), inability to differentiate traffic signal colors, or an inability to hear a forced whisper at 5 feet.
- Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Unmanaged hypertension (≥180/110 mmHg), recent heart attack or stroke, uncontrolled angina, or an implanted defibrillator without approval.
- Diabetes: Unmanaged diabetes with frequent hypoglycemic episodes or complications that affect safe driving.
- Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea leading to daytime sleepiness, or severe respiratory disease affecting oxygenation.
- Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy/seizure disorders (without exemption), conditions causing sudden consciousness loss, dizziness, or uncontrolled tremors.
- Substance Abuse: Current usage of illegal drugs, alcohol dependence, or misuse of prescription drugs that impair driving.
- Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe unmanaged mental illness or cognitive dysfunction affecting judgment and response time.
Issues might only temporarily disqualify you until clearance or documentation is provided (e.g., controlled blood pressure, managed diabetes). Others, like untreated seizure disorders or implanted defibrillators, are usually permanently disqualifying under FMCSA rules.
DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You
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