DOT Physical Exams - Bison, SD

Bison, SD DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

A DOT physical is a thorough health assessment mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. This examination verifies that drivers possess the physical, mental, and emotional capacity to safely maneuver large vehicles on public routes. Conducted by a certified medical examiner (CME) listed in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), passing the exam grants drivers a DOT medical certificate, essential for maintaining a valid CDL under FMCSA guidelines. For guidance on the specific DOT physical needed if overseen by a different DOT agency, 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 under 20/40 in each eye (corrected), inability to identify signal colors, or hearing loss preventing comprehension of a forced whisper at 5 feet.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Hypertension uncontrolled at ≥180/110 mmHg, recent cardiac events, or defibrillator implantation without specialist approval.
• Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or complications like neuropathy and impaired vision affecting driving safety.
• Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea causing significant daytime fatigue or severe pulmonary disease reducing oxygen saturation.
• Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy or disorders causing sudden unconsciousness, vertigo, or unregulated tremors unless exempted.
• Substance Abuse: Current illegal drug use, alcohol dependency, or misuse of prescribed drugs impairing driving abilities.
• Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Serious unmanaged psychiatric conditions or cognitive deficits affecting judgment and response velocity.

Temporary vs. Permanent Disqualification: Certain issues may temporarily disqualify pending medical proof (e.g., controlled hypertension), while others like untreated seizures or defibrillator dependency generally lead to permanent disqualification per FMCSA terms.