DOT Physical Exams - Bernalillo, NM
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FMCSA | FAA | USCG | FTA | FRA | PHMSABernalillo, NM DOT Physical - What You Need to Know
DOT Physical: A thorough health check mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for commercial vehicle operators (CMV) ensures drivers are apt physically, mentally, and emotionally for operating massive vehicles safely on public routes. Conducted by a certified medical examiner (CME) on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), passing grants a DOT medical certificate, vital for holding a valid CDL per FMCSA rules. Need help determining which exam applies? Call 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 assessment review and medication evaluation
- Vision check (corrective eyewear permissible; basic standards applicable)
- Hearing test (whisper or audiometry)
- Blood pressure and pulse tracking
- Physical check (system evaluation)
- Urine test (specific gravity, protein, glucose)
In Bernalillo, NC, once completed successfully, the Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) can be valid for 24 months. Some cases may warrant shorter validity or specialist references.
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 Bernalillo, NH requesting DOT health competency
What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?
- State-issued photo ID
- Corrective lenses & prescription details
- Complete list of medicines & doses
- Data showing CPAP device usage (when relevant)
- Specialist approvals (cardiology, sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.)
- Recent A1C/blood pressure logs if tracked
What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?
- Denial of the Medical card
- Temporary ineligibility
- Referral to your main healthcare provider for further treatment
- FMCSA waivers for specific medical conditions
- Notification to your employer
- Further actions include addressing health issues and retrying the exam
What Will Fail a DOT Physical?
Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical
- Vision & Hearing: Unable to see better than 20/40 in each eye with correction, trouble identifying traffic signal colors, or hearing loss affecting ability to hear whispers at 5 feet.
- Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Unmanaged high blood pressure (≥180/110 mmHg), recent heart attack, stroke, uncontrolled angina, or an unapproved defibrillator.
- Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes with frequent low sugar incidents or complications like neuropathy or vision issues impacting driving safety.
- Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea leading to daytime sleepiness or severe lung disease hindering oxygen levels.
- Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy/seizure disorders unless exempt, sudden loss of consciousness, dizziness, or involuntary tremors.
- Substance Abuse: Use of illegal substances, reliance on alcohol, or misuse of medications impacting driving.
- Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe unmanaged psychiatric problems or cognitive decline affecting decision making or reaction times.
Some issues might only temporarily disqualify you if you fail to provide medical approval or records (like regulated blood pressure, diabetes care). Others, such as untreated seizures or implanted defibrillators, are usually seen as permanently disqualifying by FMCSA standards.
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