DOT Physical Exams - Forest City, NC

Forest City, NC DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

A DOT physical is an extensive health assessment mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. This examination verifies that drivers are physically, mentally, and emotionally equipped to handle large vehicles on public roadways safely. A certified medical examiner (CME), listed in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), conducts the DOT physical. Success in the exam grants drivers a DOT medical certificate, or Medical Examiners Certificate, often referred to as a DOT medical card, necessary to uphold a valid CDL license per FMCSA guidelines. If you're subject to another DOT agency's regulation and require help identifying the required 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 poorer than 20/40 in each eye even with correction, inability to differentiate traffic light colors, or hearing deficiency preventing detection of a forced whisper from 5 feet away.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Unmanaged hypertension (≥180/110 mmHg), recent myocardial infarction or stroke, uncontrolled angina, or having an unapproved defibrillator.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes with recurrent hypoglycemia or issues like neuropathy that hinder safe driving.
• Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea causing daytime drowsiness, or serious lung diseases affecting breathing.
• Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy (unless certified), conditions causing fainting or tremors.
• Substance Abuse: Ongoing illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, or misuse of prescriptions affecting driving ability.
• Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe uncontrollable mental illnesses or cognitive disorders impacting judgment and response time.

Conditions can temporarily disqualify until medical clearance (e.g., regulated blood pressure), whereas others, like untreated seizures, may be permanent disqualifications under FMCSA rules.