DOT Physical Exams - North Aurora, IL

North Aurora, IL DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

A DOT physical examination is an all-encompassing health check mandated by the Department of Transportation for every commercial motor vehicle driver. This exam ensures that drivers are in sound physical, mental, and emotional health to safely manage large vehicles on roads. A certified medical examiner from the National Registry conducts the test. Success leads to obtaining a DOT medical certificate, which is essential for keeping a valid CDL under FMCSA rules. If regulated by another DOT body and need guidance on the required DOT physical, please reach out to 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: If your vision is worse than 20/40 in each eye even with correction, cannot distinguish traffic signals' colors, or have hearing loss preventing the hearing of a forced whisper at five feet.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Issues such as uncontrolled hypertension at or above 180/110 mmHg, recent cardiac events, or having a defibrillator without medical clearance.
• Diabetes: Unmanaged diabetes with recurrent low sugar episodes or complications like neuropathy that affect safe driving.
• Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea causing drowsiness or lung disease affecting oxygenation.
• Neurological Disorders: Epileptic conditions (unless exempt), those causing sudden consciousness loss, dizziness, or uncontrolled tremors.
• Substance Abuse: Usage of illegal drugs, alcohol dependency, or misuse of medication impairing driving.
• Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe uncontrolled psychiatric disorders affecting judgment or reaction time.

Certain issues may temporarily disqualify you until proper documentation is provided, such as blood pressure control. Others like untreated seizures are generally seen as permanent disqualifications per FMCSA.