Melrose, IA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know
A DOT physical is a thorough medical assessment mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for all drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV). This examination ensures that those driving large vehicles on public routes are fit physically, mentally, and emotionally. Conducted by a certified medical examiner (CME) from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), passing the exam grants drivers a DOT medical certificate (Medical Examiners Certificate, also known as a DOT medical card), necessary for maintaining a valid CDL license according to FMCSA guidelines. If you're overseen by a different DOT agency and require help determining the specific DOT physical needed, contact 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?
Health History Review
Vision Test
Hearing Test
Urinalysis
Vital Signs
Physical Examination
DOT Testing | DOT Breath Alcohol | DOT Consortium Services | MVR Reports Also Available
What is checked in a DOT Physical?
- Review health history and medication evaluation
- Vision exam (corrective lenses permitted; must meet minimum criteria)
- Hearing test (forced whisper method or audiometry)
- Blood pressure measurement and heart rate check
- General physical check-up (systemic evaluation)
- Urine analysis (checking specific gravity, protein, glucose)
After successfully completing, your Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) can be provided for up to 24 months, though certain health conditions might necessitate shorter certification or documentation from specialists. In Melrose, UT, ensure compliance with any additional local requirements.
Who needs a DOT Physical?
A valid DOT medical certificate is needed if you:
- Possess a commercial driver's license (CDL) - A, B, or C for interstate trade
- Operate a vehicle exceeding 10,001 lbs. GVWR in interstate trade
- Carry more than 8 passengers (for a fee) or over 15 passengers (not for a fee)
- Transport hazardous items requiring DOT-regulated placarding
- Are employed by DOT-regulated organizations such as FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, or USCG where a DOT medical qualification is obligatory. Melrose, NJ.
DOT Physical Near Melrose, IA
Millerton, IA
Plano, IA
Marysville, IA
Lucas, IA
Columbia, IA
Mystic, IA
Rathbun, IA
Chariton, IA
Moravia, IA
Lovilia, IA
Albia, IA
Monroe, IA
Hiteman, IA
Russell, IA
Iconium, IA
What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?
- Government-issued photo identification
- Eyeglasses or contacts and their prescription details
- List of current medications with their dosages
- CPAP usage records (if relevant)
- Clearance from specialists (heart, sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.)
- Most recent A1C and blood pressure monitoring logs if tracked
Be prepared in Melrose, NM for specific regulation compliance to facilitate a smooth medical examination process.
What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?
- No Medical card will be issued
- Temporary disqualification
- Referral for treatment to your primary care doctor
- FMCSA exemptions for certain medical conditions
- Employer Notification
- Next Steps (address the medical issues and retake the exam)
These steps are critical, particularly if you're operating in Melrose, PA. Follow the guidance to regain certification.
What Will Fail a DOT Physical?
Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical
- Vision & Hearing: Visual acuity below 20/40 in either eye (even with correction), difficulty identifying traffic signal colors, or hearing issues preventing a forced whisper test at 5 feet may affect eligibility.
- Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Hypertension exceeding 180/110 mmHg, recent cardiac events, or implantation of a defibrillator without appropriate medical clearance may be disqualifying.
- Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar contributing to hypoglycemic episodes or other complications that impair safe driving is concerning.
- Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Problems: Untreated sleep apnea or significant lung disease leading to daytime fatigue or oxygen deficiency can impede eligibility.
- Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy (absent waivers), conditions causing sudden unconsciousness, or uncontrollable tremors constitute risks.
- Substance Misuse: Current illicit drug use, alcohol dependency, or prescription drug misuse affecting driving capabilities is disqualifying.
- Mental & Cognitive Disorders: Severe psychiatric conditions like untreated schizophrenia or significant cognitive decline affecting judgment may prevent certification.
With FMCSA, issues like certain seizure conditions or defibrillator use could permanently disqualify you unless addressed. Temporary disqualifications occur upon presenting specific medical documentation.
DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You
Enter your zip code to find nearby test centers
Melrose Drug Testing
Quickly find trusted local drug testing centers in Melrose, IA — fast, convenient, and reliable every time!
Melrose DOT Drug Testing
Quickly find a local DOT drug testing center in Melrose, IA — fast, reliable, convenient nationwide service!
Melrose DNA Testing
DNA testing for legal and non-legal purposes including child support, and child custody around Melrose, IA.
Melrose Industry Training
Including specimen collector training, DER training, reasonable suspicion training and much more in Melrose, IA.v
Melrose Hair Drug Testing
Get fast, accurate hair drug testing at our convenient Melrose, IA locations—results you can trust, every time!
Melrose Alcohol Testing
Fast, reliable alcohol testing to keep your workplace safe and compliant every single day in Melrose, IA.
Melrose Drug Testing Services
Reliable nationwide drug testing services ensuring accuracy, compliance, and quick results for businesses and individuals in Melrose, IA.
Melrose 5 Panel Drug Test
Accurate 5 panel drug testing with fast, confidential results—trusted by Melrose, IA employers and individuals nationwide.
Melrose 10 Panel Drug Test
Comprehensive 10 panel drug testing with fast, reliable results—trusted for Melrose, IA workplace and personal testing needs.
Melrose On Site Drug Testing
Convenient on-site mobile drug testing with fast, reliable results—saving time while keeping your Melrose, IA workplace compliant.
Melrose DOT Physicals
Certified DOT physicals with quick, reliable exams to keep Melrose, IA drivers compliant and on the road with confidence.
DOT Consortium
Join our DOT consortium for hassle-free compliance, random testing management, and reliable driver safety solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
A DOT physical typically includes a review of the driver’s health history and medications, vision screening, hearing assessment, vital signs (blood pressure, pulse), urinalysis (checking specific gravity, protein, glucose), and a full physical examination by a certified medical examiner. Upon passing, a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card) may be issued for up to 24 months.
You must have a valid DOT medical certificate if you: hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) Class A, B or C for interstate commerce; operate a vehicle over 10,001 lbs GVWR in interstate commerce; transport more than eight passengers (for hire) or over fifteen passengers (not for hire); or transport hazardous materials requiring placarding under DOT regulations.
DOT physicals are offered at test centres in all cities and all states, through Accredited Drug Testing’s nationwide network. You can schedule by calling 1-800-221-4291.
You should bring a government-issued photo ID; glasses or contact lenses and the prescription; a list of medications and dosages; CPAP usage data if applicable; and any specialist clearance letters or physician documentation (for conditions like heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes) to your DOT physical.
If you fail the DOT physical, you will not receive the medical card; you may be temporarily or permanently disqualified depending on the condition; you will need to address any medical issues (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, untreated sleep apnea, recent myocardial infarction) and then be re-examined.
Customer Reviews
Great service
Great service easy use quick processing! Need a hair follicle for my DCFS case , quick and convenient!
Jesse Dupre - 4/12/2025
Fast service and friendly staff!
Fast service and friendly staff! Could not recommend enough for drug testing services.
Habib Malik - 4/12/2025
Explained everything so no questions
Torin was great. Explained everything so no questions
Tony Lombardo - 4/18/2025
