DOT Physical Exams - Siler City, NC

Siler City, NC DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

A DOT physical is a thorough health examination mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for all drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This checkup is crucial to confirm that drivers are in the right physical, mental, and emotional condition to safely maneuver large vehicles on public streets. A certified medical examiner (CME) enlisted on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) conducts the DOT physical. Successfully passing the physical allows drivers to obtain a DOT medical certificate (also recognized as a DOT medical card), which is necessary for maintaining a current CDL under FMCSA guidelines. If you're governed by a different DOT agency and require help identifying the necessary DOT physical, reach out to 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?

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 poorer than 20/40 in each eye even with correction, inability to differentiate traffic light colors, or hearing deficiency preventing detection of a forced whisper from 5 feet away.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Unmanaged hypertension (≥180/110 mmHg), recent myocardial infarction or stroke, uncontrolled angina, or having an unapproved defibrillator.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes with recurrent hypoglycemia or issues like neuropathy that hinder safe driving.
• Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea causing daytime drowsiness, or serious lung diseases affecting breathing.
• Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy (unless certified), conditions causing fainting or tremors.
• Substance Abuse: Ongoing illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, or misuse of prescriptions affecting driving ability.
• Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe uncontrollable mental illnesses or cognitive disorders impacting judgment and response time.

Conditions can temporarily disqualify until medical clearance (e.g., regulated blood pressure), whereas others, like untreated seizures, may be permanent disqualifications under FMCSA rules.