DOT Physical Exams - Center, MO
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FMCSA | FAA | USCG | FTA | FRA | PHMSACenter, MO DOT Physical - What You Need to Know
A DOT physical is an extensive health evaluation stipulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for all commercial vehicle drivers. This examination verifies that drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit for safely navigating large vehicles on public roads. Conducted by a certified medical examiner on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, successfully completing the exam earns a DOT medical card, vital for maintaining a valid CDL under FMCSA rules. For guidance on DOT agency-specific physicals, dial 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?
Vision Test
Urinalysis
Physical Examination
DOT Testing | DOT Breath Alcohol | DOT Consortium Services | MVR Reports Also Available
What is checked in a DOT Physical?
- Review of health history and medication check
- Vision test (corrective lenses allowed; must meet minimum standards)
- Hearing check (forced whisper or audiometry)
- Blood pressure and heart rate assessment
- Comprehensive physical examination (systems review)
- Urinalysis (specific gravity, protein, glucose)
In Center, AL, successful completion can lead to a Medical Examiner's Certificate valid for up to 24 months. Some conditions might require a shorter certification period or additional specialist documentation.
Who needs a DOT Physical?
You are required to hold a valid DOT medical certificate (card) if you:
- Own a commercial driver's license (CDL) class A, B, or C for inter-state business.
- Drive vehicles above 10,001 lbs. GVWR for inter-state business.
- Transport over eight passengers (if hired) or 15+ passengers (non-hire).
- Carry hazardous substances needing DOT compliance placarding.
- Work for employers under DOT bodies like FMCSA, FAA, or other where DOT medical clearance is essential in Center, NC.
What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?
- Government-issued photo identification
- Corrective eyewear & prescription if applicable
- List detailing medications & their dosages
- Record of CPAP use where necessary
- Specialist clearances for conditions like cardiology, apnea, or diabetes
- Recent health logs on A1C or blood pressure if monitoring is active
Ensure all requirements are met when attending your exam in Center, TN for accuracy and potential certification validity.
What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?
- Without a medical card
- Face temporary barring
- Doctor-referred treatment needed
- FMCSA exceptions for specific conditions
- Notifying your employer
- Next steps: fix health issues and retake exam
What Will Fail a DOT Physical?
Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical
- Vision & Hearing: Poor vision worse than 20/40 in each eye (with correction), inability to differentiate traffic signal colors, or hearing loss that restricts hearing a whisper at 5 feet.
- Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Unmanaged hypertension (>=180/110 mmHg), recent heart attack, stroke, uncontrolled chest pain, or a defibrillator without approval.
- Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or complications (neuropathy, eyesight issues) affecting safe driving.
- Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea causing daytime fatigue, or severe lung disease inhibiting oxygen exchange.
- Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy/seizure disorders (unless exempted), conditions leading to sudden consciousness loss, dizziness, or uncontrolled tremors.
- Substance Abuse: Current use of illegal substances, alcohol dependency, or misuse of prescribed drugs impairing driving.
- Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe uncontrolled mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with recent incidents) or cognitive difficulties affecting decision-making and reaction speed.
Temporary vs. Permanent Disqualification
Certain problems may temporarily disqualify you until you provide medical clearance (e.g., controlled high blood pressure, diabetes management). Others, such as untreated seizures or implanted defibrillators, are often considered permanently disqualifying based on FMCSA rules.
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