DOT Physical Exams - South Houston, TX

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South Houston, TX 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?

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?

  • Health review & medication evaluation in South Houston, AR
  • Vision test (correction allowed, minimum standard required)
  • Auditory evaluation (forced whisper or auditory test)
  • Blood pressure and pulse monitoring
  • Physical check-up (system review)
  • Urine test (check specific gravity, protein, sugar)

After success, your Medical Examiner's Certificate might be issued up to 24 months. Certain conditions call for shorter certification or more specialist documentation

Who needs a DOT Physical?

A valid DOT medical card is required in South Houston, MD for:

  • Holders of a CDL (class A, B, or C) crossing state lines
  • Drivers of vehicles exceeding 10,001 lbs GVWR in interstate business
  • Operators transporting over 8 hireable passengers or more than 15 without hire
  • Hauling hazardous materials needing placard under DOT regulations
  • Employees of DOT agency-regulated businesses, like FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, or USCG needing medical eligibility

What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?

  • Bring an official photo ID
  • Remember your glasses/contacts and their prescriptions
  • Medication details with dosages listed
  • CPAP usage records (if applicable)
  • Specialist approvals (re: cardiology, sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.)
  • Current A1C/blood pressure records if tracked

Essential items to bring for your medical check-up in South Houston, MI include the above for ensuring a precise examination and necessary documentation to aid the certification process.

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 are the potential outcomes specifically in South Houston, WI.

What Will Fail a DOT Physical?

Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical

  • Vision & Hearing: Failing to meet vision standards of 20/40 per eye, color vision issues, or inability to hear a forced wisper five feet away.
  • Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Uncontrolled blood pressure (at least 180/110 mmHg), any recent cardiac events, or an implanted defibrillator lacking clearance.
  • Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or difficulties such as neuropathy affecting driving.
  • Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Daytime sleepiness from untreated apnea or severe pulmonary dysfunction.
  • Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy, loss of consciousness conditions or severe tremors without exemption.
  • Substance Abuse: Active illegal drug use, alcohol dependency, or misuse of prescriptions affecting driving.
  • Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Intense psychiatric disorders such as unmanaged bipolar disorder impairing judgment.

Certain conditions cause temporary disqualification until medical clearance is proven (e.g., stable blood pressure). Others, like seizure disorders with no treatment or implanted defibrillators, are permanent disqualifications under FMCSA standards.

DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You

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(800) 221-4291