DOT Physical Exams - Atlantic, VA

Atlantic, VA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

DOT medical exams are thorough health evaluations mandated by the Department of Transportation for every commercial motor vehicle operator. These assessments ensure drivers are adequately fit physically, emotionally, and mentally to drive large vehicles safely on the roads. A licensed medical professional from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners must carry out this exam. Upon passing, drivers obtain a DOT medical certificate, essential for keeping a CDL valid following FMCSA guidelines. For questions about which DOT exam is necessary for your specific DOT agency, contact 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 worse than 20/40 per eye (with glasses), inability to see traffic light colors, or hearing loss preventing detection of a whisper at 5 feet.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Uncontrolled high blood pressure (≥180/110 mmHg), recent heart attack, stroke, uncontrolled chest pain, or an unapproved defibrillator.
• Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or complications (nerve damage, vision issues) disrupting safe driving.
• Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea causing daytime sleepiness, or severe lung disease impairing breathing.
• Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy/seizures (unless exempted), conditions causing sudden unconsciousness, dizziness, or uncontrollable shakes.
• Substance Abuse: Current illicit drug use, alcohol dependency, or misuse of prescription drugs impairing driving.
• Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe unchecked mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with recent episodes) or cognitive decline affecting decision-making and response time.

Issues may temporarily disqualify you until you provide clearance or documentation (e.g., controlled blood pressure, diabetes management), while others like untreated seizures or unauthorized defibrillators are typically considered permanent disqualifiers by FMCSA.