DOT Physical Exams - Abington, PA

Abington, PA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

A DOT physical is a thorough health examination mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for all drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This checkup is crucial to confirm that drivers are in the right physical, mental, and emotional condition to safely maneuver large vehicles on public streets. A certified medical examiner (CME) enlisted on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) conducts the DOT physical. Successfully passing the physical allows drivers to obtain a DOT medical certificate (also recognized as a DOT medical card), which is necessary for maintaining a current CDL under FMCSA guidelines. If you're governed by a different DOT agency and require help identifying the necessary DOT physical, 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: Vision below 20/40 in each eye (even with correction), inability to recognize traffic colors, or hearing loss that makes it hard to discern a whispered sound at five feet.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Unmanaged high blood pressure (≥180/110 mmHg), recent heart events, unregulated angina, or a non-cleared implanted defibrillator.
• Diabetes: Unregulated diabetes causing frequent low sugar levels or complications (e.g., neuropathy) impacting safe driving.
• Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Unmanaged sleep apnea causing drowsiness, or severe respiratory diseases hindering proper oxygenation.
• Neurological Disorders: Epileptic conditions (unless exempted) or illnesses causing loss of consciousness, dizziness, or intense tremors.
• Substance Abuse: Current use of illicit drugs, habitual alcohol misuse, or prescription medication misuse impairing one's driving capabilities.
• Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Significant unmanaged psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia) or cognitive dysfunction affecting decision-making or reaction speeds.

Some circumstances may temporarily disqualify you until you show the required medical documentation (e.g., managed diabetes). Issues like untreated seizure disorders or non-cleared defibrillators are typically seen as permanently disqualifying by FMCSA norms.