DOT Physical Exams - Highland Home, AL
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FMCSA | FAA | USCG | FTA | FRA | PHMSAHighland Home, AL DOT Physical - What You Need to Know
DOT physical exams are thorough medical checks mandated by the Department of Transportation for drivers of commercial vehicles. These exams are vital to confirm drivers have the physical, mental, and emotional ability to drive on public roads safely. A certified medical examiner (CME) on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) conducts the test. A passing result earns a DOT Medical Certificate, required for holding a CDL under FMCSA rules. For inquiries about specific DOT exams, call 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?
- Health history review and medication assessment
- Vision screening (corrective lenses allowed; minimum standards apply)
- Hearing assessment (forced whisper or audiometry)
- Blood pressure and pulse rate
- Physical examination (systems review)
- Urinalysis (specific gravity, protein, glucose)
Upon successful completion, your Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) may be issued for up to 24 months. Some conditions may require shorter certification or specialist documentation in Highland Home, SC.
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 in Highland Home, SC
What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?
- Government-issued photo ID
- Glasses/contact lenses & prescription
- List of medications & dosages
- CPAP usage information (if relevant)
- Specialist clearances (cardiology, sleep apnoea, diabetes, etc.)
- Recent A1C/blood pressure logs if monitored
In Highland Home, LA, these items ensure the smooth processing of your medical requirements.
What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?
- No issuance of Medical card
- Temporary disqualification status
- Recommendation to consult your primary healthcare provider
- Possibility for FMCSA exemptions for specific health conditions
- Notification to employer about your medical status
- Follow-up actions involve addressing medical concerns and taking the exam again
Highland Home, UT regulations may also apply to your circumstances, affecting your path to requalification.
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.
DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You
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