DOT Physical Exams - Richburg, SC
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FMCSA | FAA | USCG | FTA | FRA | PHMSARichburg, SC DOT Physical - What You Need to Know
A DOT physical is an all-encompassing health check mandated
by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver. This examination checks if drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of handling large vehicles safely on public roads. Conducted by a certified medical examiner (CME) from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), passing the test grants a DOT medical certificate, necessary for maintaining a valid CDL license under FMCSA rules. If another DOT agency oversees your activities and you need help determining the required DOT physical, 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?
- Review of health history and medication use
- Eyesight test (corrective lenses accepted, minimum levels required)
- Hearing test (whisper test or audiometry)
- Blood pressure and pulse check
- Physical evaluation (systems assessment)
- Urine test (specific gravity, protein, glucose)
Upon successful completion, your Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) may be issued for up to 24 months, with the potential for shorter duration requiring specialist validation in Richburg, MS.
Who needs a DOT Physical?
You must have a valid DOT medical certificate (card) if you:
- Have a commercial driver's license (CDL)- class A,B, or C for interstate commerce
- Drive a vehicle over 10,001 lbs. GVWR in interstate commerce
- Transport more than 8 passengers (for hire) or more than 15 passengers (not for hire)
- Transport hazardous materials that require placarding under DOT regulations
- Work for employers regulated by DOT agencies such as FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA or USCG where DOT medical qualification is required
Richburg, DE enforcement ensures compliance.
What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?
- Government-issued photo ID
- Eyewear and prescription details
- Oral medication list with dosages
- CPAP usage records (when relevant)
- Specialist clearances (e.g., cardiology, sleep apnea, diabetes) if needed
- Current A1C and blood pressure logs if under monitoring
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: Visual acuity worse than 20/40 in both eyes with correction or inability to see traffic colors; hearing loss preventing a whispered voice recognition at 5 feet.
- Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Uncontrolled high blood pressure (≥180/110 mmHg), recent myocardial infarction, stroke, untreated angina, or defibrillator implant without approval.
- Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes with frequent hypoglycemic episodes or complications like neuropathy affecting driving.
- Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea causing sleepiness during the day or severe respiratory disorder affecting oxygen supply.
- Neurological Disorders: Epileptic/seizure disorders unless exempt, or conditions triggering loss of consciousness, dizziness, or tremors.
- Substance Use: Current illegal drug use, alcohol dependency, or misuse of prescribed drugs affecting driving.
- Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe unmanaged psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with recent symptoms) or cognitive deficiencies affecting response and decision-making.
Some medical conditions might temporarily disqualify until medical evaluations or documentation are provided, such as managed blood pressure or diabetes control; whereas conditions like untreated seizures or defibrillator implants often lead to a permanent disqualification under FMCSA guidelines.
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