DOT Physical Exams - Elliston, VA

Elliston, VA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

The Department of Transportation mandates a thorough health check-up for all commercial motor vehicle operators. The DOT physical is a key assessment to confirm that these drivers are safely equipped, both physically and mentally, to handle large vehicles on busy streets. Conducted by a certified medical professional listed in the National Registry, passing this test enables the issuance of a DOT medical certificate, necessary for maintaining a CDL license under FMCSA norms. If other DOT agencies regulate you, call 800-221-4291 for guidance.

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 below 20/40 in each eye (even with correction), inability to discern signal colors, or hearing inability to detect a whisper from 5 feet away.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Unmanaged hypertension (≥180/110 mmHg), recent heart events, stroke, uncontrolled angina, or non-cleared defibrillator implants.
• Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or complications that hinder safe operation.
• Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea causing fatigue, or severe pulmonary disease impairing oxygen levels.
• Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy or other seizure conditions (unless exempted), disorders causing sudden consciousness loss, vertigo, or tremors.
• Substance Abuse: Current use of illicit drugs, alcohol dependency, or misuse of prescriptions affecting driving capabilities.
• Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe unmanaged psychiatric conditions or cognitive deficits that affect decision-making and reflexes.

Temporary vs. Permanent Disqualification: Some conditions might temporarily disqualify you until medical documentation is provided (e.g., hypertension control, diabetes management). Others, such as untreated seizures or defibrillators, are often deemed permanently disqualifying by FMCSA.