Knife River, MN DOT Physical - What You Need to Know
A comprehensive medical evaluation known as a DOT physical is necessary for all commercial motor vehicle drivers, mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This examination checks if professional drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of safely operating large vehicles on public roads.
Conducted by a certified medical examiner (CME) listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), passing this examination allows drivers to obtain a DOT medical certificate, which is needed to keep a valid CDL license in accordance with FMCSA regulations. For guidance on the appropriate DOT physical, if regulated by another DOT agency, 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?
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 completion, your Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) may last up to 24 months. Some conditions may need shorter certification or specialist input. This applies for drivers in Knife River, IA.
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 requiring 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, including Knife River, VT.
DOT Physical Near Knife River, MN
Norshor Junction, MN
Shaw, MN
Silver Creek, MN
Proctor, MN
Hermantown, MN
Brimson, MN
Rollins, MN
London, MN
Wales, MN
Duluth, MN
Castle Danger, MN
Arnold, MN
Two Harbors, MN
French River, MN
Larsmont, MN
What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?
- Government-issued photo ID
- Glasses/contact lenses & prescription
- List of medications & dosages
- CPAP usage data (if applicable)
- Specialist clearances (cardiology, sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.)
- Recent A1C/blood pressure logs if monitored
Make sure you bring these important documents to your exam in Knife River, VT.
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
Knife River, 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: Visual acuity worse than 20/40 in each eye (with correction), inability to recognize traffic light colors, or hearing loss preventing understanding of a whisper at 5 feet.
- Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Hypertension uncontrolled (≥180/110 mmHg), recent heart event, stroke, uncontrolled angina, or defibrillator without clearance.
- Diabetes: Diabetes not managed properly with frequent hypoglycemia or complications affecting safe driving.
- Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea causing daytime sleepiness or severe lung disease impairing oxygen intake.
- Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy/seizures, or conditions with sudden consciousness loss, dizziness, or uncontrolled tremors without exemptions.
- Substance Abuse: Current illicit drug use, alcohol dependency, or prescription misuse affecting driving.
- Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Serious untreated psychiatric conditions or cognitive problems impacting decision-making and reaction time.
Temporary vs. Permanent Disqualification: Some conditions may cause temporary disqualification until medical clearance (e.g., controlled blood pressure). Others, like untreated seizures or defibrillators, are generally permanently disqualifying under FMCSA.
DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You
Enter your zip code to find nearby test centers
Knife River Drug Testing
Quickly find trusted local drug testing centers in Knife River, MN — fast, convenient, and reliable every time!
Knife River DOT Drug Testing
Quickly find a local DOT drug testing center in Knife River, MN — fast, reliable, convenient nationwide service!
Knife River DNA Testing
DNA testing for legal and non-legal purposes including child support, and child custody around Knife River, MN.
Knife River Industry Training
Including specimen collector training, DER training, reasonable suspicion training and much more in Knife River, MN.v
Knife River Hair Drug Testing
Get fast, accurate hair drug testing at our convenient Knife River, MN locations—results you can trust, every time!
Knife River Alcohol Testing
Fast, reliable alcohol testing to keep your workplace safe and compliant every single day in Knife River, MN.
Knife River Drug Testing Services
Reliable nationwide drug testing services ensuring accuracy, compliance, and quick results for businesses and individuals in Knife River, MN.
Knife River 5 Panel Drug Test
Accurate 5 panel drug testing with fast, confidential results—trusted by Knife River, MN employers and individuals nationwide.
Knife River 10 Panel Drug Test
Comprehensive 10 panel drug testing with fast, reliable results—trusted for Knife River, MN workplace and personal testing needs.
Knife River On Site Drug Testing
Convenient on-site mobile drug testing with fast, reliable results—saving time while keeping your Knife River, MN workplace compliant.
Knife River DOT Physicals
Certified DOT physicals with quick, reliable exams to keep Knife River, MN drivers compliant and on the road with confidence.
DOT Consortium
Join our DOT consortium for hassle-free compliance, random testing management, and reliable driver safety solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
A DOT physical typically includes a review of the driver’s health history and medications, vision screening, hearing assessment, vital signs (blood pressure, pulse), urinalysis (checking specific gravity, protein, glucose), and a full physical examination by a certified medical examiner. Upon passing, a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card) may be issued for up to 24 months.
You must have a valid DOT medical certificate if you: hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) Class A, B or C for interstate commerce; operate a vehicle over 10,001 lbs GVWR in interstate commerce; transport more than eight passengers (for hire) or over fifteen passengers (not for hire); or transport hazardous materials requiring placarding under DOT regulations.
DOT physicals are offered at test centres in all cities and all states, through Accredited Drug Testing’s nationwide network. You can schedule by calling 1-800-221-4291.
You should bring a government-issued photo ID; glasses or contact lenses and the prescription; a list of medications and dosages; CPAP usage data if applicable; and any specialist clearance letters or physician documentation (for conditions like heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes) to your DOT physical.
If you fail the DOT physical, you will not receive the medical card; you may be temporarily or permanently disqualified depending on the condition; you will need to address any medical issues (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, untreated sleep apnea, recent myocardial infarction) and then be re-examined.
Customer Reviews
Great service
Great service easy use quick processing! Need a hair follicle for my DCFS case , quick and convenient!
Jesse Dupre - 4/12/2025
Fast service and friendly staff!
Fast service and friendly staff! Could not recommend enough for drug testing services.
Habib Malik - 4/12/2025
Explained everything so no questions
Torin was great. Explained everything so no questions
Tony Lombardo - 4/18/2025
