Richmond, MI 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?
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 your health history and medications
- Vision testing is required; glasses or contacts may be worn but must meet Richmond, MI's minimum criteria
- Hearing check via forced whisper or audiometry testing
- Blood pressure and pulse monitoring
- Physical check-up (body systems examination)
- Urinalysis including specific gravity, protein, and glucose levels
After passing the examination, a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) can be issued, usually valid for up to 24 months. In some cases, conditions might necessitate reduced certification durations or additional specialist documentation, especially in Richmond, MI.
Who needs a DOT Physical?
You are required to hold a valid DOT medical certificate (card) if you:
- Own a commercial driver's license (CDL) class A, B, or C for inter-state business.
- Drive vehicles above 10,001 lbs. GVWR for inter-state business.
- Transport over eight passengers (if hired) or 15+ passengers (non-hire).
- Carry hazardous substances needing DOT compliance placarding.
- Work for employers under DOT bodies like FMCSA, FAA, or other where DOT medical clearance is essential in Richmond, NC.
DOT Physical Near Richmond, MI
Marysville, MI
Pearl Beach, MI
Marine City, MI
St. Clair, MI
Emmett, MI
Saint Clair, MI
Romeo, MI
Fair Haven, MI
Berville, MI
New Baltimore, MI
Anchorville, MI
Armada, MI
Memphis, MI
New Haven, MI
What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?
- Government-issued photo
- Glasses/contacts & prescription
- List of medications & dosages
- CPAP usage data (if applicable)
- Specialist clearances (cardiology, sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.)
- Recent A1C/blood pressure logs if monitored
Preparing these items in advance will facilitate the examination process. Richmond, RI residents and others should ensure they have these documents ready before attending their medical examination.
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 Richmond, PA. Follow the guidance to regain certification.
What Will Fail a DOT Physical?
Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical
- Vision & Hearing: Vision worse than 20/40 in each eye (even with correction), difficulty in recognizing traffic signal colors, or hearing deficiency affecting a forced whisper at a 5-foot distance.
- Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Hypertension (≥180/110 mmHg) not under control, recent heart attack or stroke, uncontrolled angina, or a defibrillator implant lacking approval.
- Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes with recurrent low blood sugar or complications disrupting safe driving.
- Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Concerns: Untreated sleep apnea causing daytime sleepiness, or serious lung disease affecting oxygen levels.
- Neurological Disorders: Seizure disorders (exceptions allowed), conditions leading to loss of consciousness, dizziness, or uncontrolled tremors.
- Substance Abuse: Present illegal drug use, alcohol addiction, or misuse of medications affecting driving.
- Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe psychiatric disorders not under control (e.g., schizophrenia, recent bipolar episodes) or cognitive decline influencing decision-making and response times.
Some conditions may cause temporary disqualification till medical approval or documentation is provided (e.g., managed blood pressure, diabetes handled well). Others, like untreated seizure disorders or unapproved implanted defibrillators, are typically considered permanently disqualifying under FMCSA standards.
DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You
Enter your zip code to find nearby test centers
Richmond Drug Testing
Quickly find trusted local drug testing centers in Richmond, MI — fast, convenient, and reliable every time!
Richmond DOT Drug Testing
Quickly find a local DOT drug testing center in Richmond, MI — fast, reliable, convenient nationwide service!
Richmond DNA Testing
DNA testing for legal and non-legal purposes including child support, and child custody around Richmond, MI.
Richmond Industry Training
Including specimen collector training, DER training, reasonable suspicion training and much more in Richmond, MI.v
Richmond Hair Drug Testing
Get fast, accurate hair drug testing at our convenient Richmond, MI locations—results you can trust, every time!
Richmond Alcohol Testing
Fast, reliable alcohol testing to keep your workplace safe and compliant every single day in Richmond, MI.
Richmond Drug Testing Services
Reliable nationwide drug testing services ensuring accuracy, compliance, and quick results for businesses and individuals in Richmond, MI.
Richmond 5 Panel Drug Test
Accurate 5 panel drug testing with fast, confidential results—trusted by Richmond, MI employers and individuals nationwide.
Richmond 10 Panel Drug Test
Comprehensive 10 panel drug testing with fast, reliable results—trusted for Richmond, MI workplace and personal testing needs.
Richmond On Site Drug Testing
Convenient on-site mobile drug testing with fast, reliable results—saving time while keeping your Richmond, MI workplace compliant.
Richmond DOT Physicals
Certified DOT physicals with quick, reliable exams to keep Richmond, MI 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
Friendly and Knowledgeable
I reached out Accredited Drug Testing/Secure Screenings to partner for my drug testing business (Discovery Diagnostics Columbia SC) and the process was extremely easy. I worked with Sicilia who was amazing. She was friendly & knowledgeable, and answer all of my questions with ease.
Kendra Harley - 3/26/2025
phone support has been excellent
I have used ADT several times. Their phone support has been excellent, both when putting in the orders and when asking for help to interpret results.
Tee Ess - 12/19/2024
Very Fun and Easy
Trish last week and Tatiana this week, very fun and easy folks to deal with. Well be using them more and more in the future.
Tom O - 12/19/2024