DOT Physical Exams - Des Moines, IA

Des Moines, 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: 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.