Can high blood pressure make you fail a DOT physical?

Yes. Drivers with blood pressure at or above 180/110 mmHg will fail the DOT physical. Lower levels of hypertension may result in shorter certification periods if under treatment.

Does diabetes disqualify you from a DOT physical?

Not always. Controlled diabetes with proper documentation may be allowed. Uncontrolled diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or complications can cause disqualification until managed.

Will sleep apnea cause you to fail a DOT physical?

Untreated or uncontrolled sleep apnea that causes daytime drowsiness can disqualify a driver. However, drivers who are compliant with CPAP or other treatments may qualify with documentation.

What does the Palo Alto, CA DOT physical include?

The DOT physical exam in Palo Alto, CA typically includes a review of medical history and medications, vision and hearing tests, measurement of blood pressure, pulse and heart rate, urinalysis and a general physical exam by a certified medical examiner. Upon passing, you may receive a medical examiner’s certificate valid for up to 24 months.

Who in Palo Alto, CA needs to get a DOT physical?

Any driver holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for interstate or intrastate commerce in Palo Alto, CA, or operating a commercial motor vehicle regulated by the DOT, must have a valid medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner.

Where can I have the DOT physical done in Palo Alto, CA?

Palo Alto, CA drivers can schedule their DOT physical through Accredited Drug Testing’s network of certified examiners and collection sites across the state, ensuring compliance with both federal and Palo Alto, CA state requirements.

What should I bring with me to the DOT physical in Palo Alto, CA?

Bring a photo ID, your current medical certificate if applicable, list of medications and dosages, any specialist clearance letters (for conditions such as sleep apnea or cardiac issues) and glasses or contact lens prescription if used.

What happens if I don’t pass my Palo Alto, CA DOT physical?

If you fail the exam, you will not receive the medical certificate and your driving privileges under the DOT‐regulated commercial vehicle operations may be suspended until you meet the qualifying medical requirements and are re-examined.

DOT Physical - Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto, CA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

A DOT physical is an in-depth health check mandated by the Department of Transportation for all CMV operators. The examination verifies that these drivers are capable physically, mentally, and emotionally to control large vehicles safely on public roads. Conducted by a registered medical examiner on the NRCME, passing this exam permits drivers to obtain a DOT medical certificate. This is essential for maintaining a valid CDL under FMCSA requirements. For guidance on the correct DOT physical, please 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?

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 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

For more details, explore local guidelines in Palo Alto, HI.

Who needs a DOT Physical?

You need a valid DOT medical card if:

Holding a commercial driver's license (CDL) - class A, B, or C for operating across states
Driving vehicles over 10,001 lbs. GVWR interstate
Transporting over 8 passengers (for hire) or more than 15 (not for hire)
Handling hazardous materials requiring placards as per DOT standards
Employed by DOT-regulated entities (FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, USCG) where medical clearance is necessary in Palo Alto, AZ

What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?

Government-issued photo ID
Glasses/contacts & prescription
List of medications & dosages
CPAP usage data (if applicable)
Specialist clearances (cardiology, sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.)
Recent A1C/blood pressure logs if monitored in Palo Alto, KS

What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?

No medical card issued
Temporary disqualification
Referral to your primary care for treatment
FMCSA exemptions available for select medical issues
Employer receives notification
Next steps involve addressing medical concerns before retrying the exam

This is also applicable in Palo Alto, SD.

What Will Fail a DOT Physical?

Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical

Vision & Hearing: Unable to see better than 20/40 in each eye with correction, trouble identifying traffic signal colors, or hearing loss affecting ability to hear whispers at 5 feet.
Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Unmanaged high blood pressure (≥180/110 mmHg), recent heart attack, stroke, uncontrolled angina, or an unapproved defibrillator.
Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes with frequent low sugar incidents or complications like neuropathy or vision issues impacting driving safety.
Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea leading to daytime sleepiness or severe lung disease hindering oxygen levels.
Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy/seizure disorders unless exempt, sudden loss of consciousness, dizziness, or involuntary tremors.
Substance Abuse: Use of illegal substances, reliance on alcohol, or misuse of medications impacting driving.
Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe unmanaged psychiatric problems or cognitive decline affecting decision making or reaction times.

Some issues might only temporarily disqualify you if you fail to provide medical approval or records (like regulated blood pressure, diabetes care). Others, such as untreated seizures or implanted defibrillators, are usually seen as permanently disqualifying by FMCSA standards.

DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You

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References:
- FMCSA Medical Examiner Physical Qualification Standards (Â§391.41)
- 49 CFR Part 391 - Qualification of Drivers
- Medical Examiner's Handbook
- FMCSA Driver Exemptions

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DOT Physical Exams - Palo Alto, CA

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31 DOT Drug-Testing Centers in Palo Alto

795 El Camino Real1.14 miles

300 Pasteur Dr2.00 miles

2290 W El Camino Real Ste 43.68 miles

1400 Veterans Blvd Fl 15.31 miles

573 W El Camino Real6.13 miles

2500 Grant Rd6.21 miles

170 Alameda De Las Pulgas6.67 miles

1100 Laurel Street, Suite F7.25 miles

901 W El Camino Real7.30 miles

877 W Fremont Avenue, Ste H-28.03 miles

125 Shoreway Rd Ste A8.50 miles

35500 Dumbarton Ct8.88 miles

1195 E Arques Ave Bldg 19.06 miles

10050 Bubb Rd Ste 39.66 miles

1098 Foster City Blvd, Ste 1029.93 miles

10050 N Wolfe Rd Ste Sw1-1909.96 miles

39180 Farwell Dr Ste 23110.10 miles

42650 Christy St10.16 miles

5763 Stevenson Blvd10.16 miles

2737 Walsh Ave10.29 miles

222 W 39th Ave10.51 miles

39400 Padeo Padre Pkwy Mission Bldg11.01 miles

988 Walsh Ave11.31 miles

3161 Walnut Ave11.77 miles

3555 Whipple Rd11.80 miles

33077 Alvarado Niles Rd11.80 miles

1825 Civic Center Dr Ste 711.81 miles

33560 Alvarado Niles Rd11.88 miles

2147 Mowry Ave Ste C111.93 miles

3225 Seldon Ct12.01 miles

2000 Mowry Ave12.03 miles

Palo Alto, CA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

What Does a DOT Physical Include?

What is checked in a DOT Physical?

Who needs a DOT Physical?

What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?

What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?

What Will Fail a DOT Physical?

Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical

DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You

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