DOT Physical Exams - Spring Valley, MN
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FMCSA | FAA | USCG | FTA | FRA | PHMSASpring Valley, MN DOT Physical - What You Need to Know
A DOT physical is a thorough medical checkup mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This examination verifies that professional drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of safely operating large vehicles on public roads. Conducted by a certified medical examiner (CME) listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), passing this exam grants drivers a DOT medical certificate (Medical Examiners Certificate, also known as a DOT medical card), essential to maintain a valid CDL license under FMCSA guidelines. For assistance in determining which DOT physical applies to you, especially if regulated by a different DOT agency, 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 history review and medication assessment
- Vision screening (corrective lenses allowed; minimum standards apply)
- Hearing assessment (forced whisper or audiometry)
- Blood pressure and pulse rate
- Physical examination (systems review)
- Urinalysis (specific gravity, protein, glucose)
Upon successful completion, your Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) may be issued for up to 24 months. Some conditions may require shorter certification or specialist documentation
This applies specifically to Spring Valley, WI.
Who needs a DOT Physical?
You must prove an active DOT medical certificate (card) in cases like these:
- Ownership of a commercial driver’s license (CDL)- class A, B, or C for crossing state lines
- Piloting any vehicle beyond 10,001 pounds GVWR during interstate duties
- Conveying more than 8 passengers (paid) or upward of 15 (non-paid)
- Transporting hazardous substances needing DOT sign off
- Employment under DOT agency rules like FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, or USCG in Spring Valley, NH requesting DOT health competency
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
Ensure all necessary documents and equipment are with you when attending your exam in Spring Valley, SC.
What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?
- Without a medical card
- Face temporary barring
- Doctor-referred treatment needed
- FMCSA exceptions for specific conditions
- Notifying your employer
- Next steps: fix health issues and retake exam
What Will Fail a DOT Physical?
Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical
- Vision & Hearing: Vision under 20/40 in each eye (corrected), inability to identify signal colors, or hearing loss preventing comprehension of a forced whisper at 5 feet.
- Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Hypertension uncontrolled at ≥180/110 mmHg, recent cardiac events, or defibrillator implantation without specialist approval.
- Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or complications like neuropathy and impaired vision affecting driving safety.
- Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea causing significant daytime fatigue or severe pulmonary disease reducing oxygen saturation.
- Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy or disorders causing sudden unconsciousness, vertigo, or unregulated tremors unless exempted.
- Substance Abuse: Current illegal drug use, alcohol dependency, or misuse of prescribed drugs impairing driving abilities.
- Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Serious unmanaged psychiatric conditions or cognitive deficits affecting judgment and response velocity.
Temporary vs. Permanent Disqualification: Certain issues may temporarily disqualify pending medical proof (e.g., controlled hypertension), while others like untreated seizures or defibrillator dependency generally lead to permanent disqualification per FMCSA terms.
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