DOT Physical Exams - Kensett, AR

Kensett, AR DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

A DOT physical is an all-encompassing health assessment mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. It confirms that professional drivers possess the physical, mental, and emotional fitness necessary to operate large vehicles safely on public highways. Conducted by a certified medical examiner (CME) listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), passing this exam grants drivers a DOT medical certificate (Medical Examiners Certificate, also known as a DOT medical card), essential for retaining a valid CDL license under FMCSA rules. If adherence to another DOT agency is required, and you need guidance on the appropriate DOT physical, 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 under 20/40 in each eye (corrected), inability to identify signal colors, or hearing loss preventing comprehension of a forced whisper at 5 feet.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Hypertension uncontrolled at ≥180/110 mmHg, recent cardiac events, or defibrillator implantation without specialist approval.
• Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or complications like neuropathy and impaired vision affecting driving safety.
• Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea causing significant daytime fatigue or severe pulmonary disease reducing oxygen saturation.
• Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy or disorders causing sudden unconsciousness, vertigo, or unregulated tremors unless exempted.
• Substance Abuse: Current illegal drug use, alcohol dependency, or misuse of prescribed drugs impairing driving abilities.
• Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Serious unmanaged psychiatric conditions or cognitive deficits affecting judgment and response velocity.

Temporary vs. Permanent Disqualification: Certain issues may temporarily disqualify pending medical proof (e.g., controlled hypertension), while others like untreated seizures or defibrillator dependency generally lead to permanent disqualification per FMCSA terms.