DOT Physical Exams - Altoona, IA

Altoona, IA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

The Department of Transportation mandates a thorough health check-up for all commercial motor vehicle operators. The DOT physical is a key assessment to confirm that these drivers are safely equipped, both physically and mentally, to handle large vehicles on busy streets. Conducted by a certified medical professional listed in the National Registry, passing this test enables the issuance of a DOT medical certificate, necessary for maintaining a CDL license under FMCSA norms. If other DOT agencies regulate you, call 800-221-4291 for guidance.

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: Poor vision worse than 20/40 in each eye (with correction), inability to differentiate traffic signal colors, or hearing loss that restricts hearing a whisper at 5 feet.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Unmanaged hypertension (>=180/110 mmHg), recent heart attack, stroke, uncontrolled chest pain, or a defibrillator without approval.
• Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or complications (neuropathy, eyesight issues) affecting safe driving.
• Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea causing daytime fatigue, or severe lung disease inhibiting oxygen exchange.
• Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy/seizure disorders (unless exempted), conditions leading to sudden consciousness loss, dizziness, or uncontrolled tremors.
• Substance Abuse: Current use of illegal substances, alcohol dependency, or misuse of prescribed drugs impairing driving.
• Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe uncontrolled mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with recent incidents) or cognitive difficulties affecting decision-making and reaction speed.

Temporary vs. Permanent Disqualification

Certain problems may temporarily disqualify you until you provide medical clearance (e.g., controlled high blood pressure, diabetes management). Others, such as untreated seizures or implanted defibrillators, are often considered permanently disqualifying based on FMCSA rules.