Can high blood pressure make you fail a DOT physical?

Yes. Drivers with blood pressure at or above 180/110 mmHg will fail the DOT physical. Lower levels of hypertension may result in shorter certification periods if under treatment.

Does diabetes disqualify you from a DOT physical?

Not always. Controlled diabetes with proper documentation may be allowed. Uncontrolled diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or complications can cause disqualification until managed.

Will sleep apnea cause you to fail a DOT physical?

Untreated or uncontrolled sleep apnea that causes daytime drowsiness can disqualify a driver. However, drivers who are compliant with CPAP or other treatments may qualify with documentation.

What does the Knoxville, TN DOT physical include?

The DOT physical exam in Knoxville, TN typically includes a review of medical history and medications, vision and hearing tests, measurement of blood pressure, pulse and heart rate, urinalysis and a general physical exam by a certified medical examiner. Upon passing, you may receive a medical examiner’s certificate valid for up to 24 months.

Who in Knoxville, TN needs to get a DOT physical?

Any driver holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for interstate or intrastate commerce in Knoxville, TN, or operating a commercial motor vehicle regulated by the DOT, must have a valid medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner.

Where can I have the DOT physical done in Knoxville, TN?

Knoxville, TN drivers can schedule their DOT physical through Accredited Drug Testing’s network of certified examiners and collection sites across the state, ensuring compliance with both federal and Knoxville, TN state requirements.

What should I bring with me to the DOT physical in Knoxville, TN?

Bring a photo ID, your current medical certificate if applicable, list of medications and dosages, any specialist clearance letters (for conditions such as sleep apnea or cardiac issues) and glasses or contact lens prescription if used.

What happens if I don’t pass my Knoxville, TN DOT physical?

If you fail the exam, you will not receive the medical certificate and your driving privileges under the DOT‐regulated commercial vehicle operations may be suspended until you meet the qualifying medical requirements and are re-examined.

DOT Physical - Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, TN DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

A DOT physical is a thorough medical check mandated by the Department of Transportation for commercial motor vehicle operators. This examination ascertains the driver's ability to handle large vehicles safely on public highways, ensuring they are fit physically, mentally, and emotionally. Conducted by certified medical examiners listed on the National Registry, passing this exam grants drivers a DOT medical certificate, vital for a CDL under FMCSA rules. For DOT agency-specific exam needs, call 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)

In Knoxville, WV, completion leads to a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) valid for up to 24 months. Some conditions may require shorter certification or specialist documentation.

Who needs a DOT Physical?

You should have an active DOT medical certificate if you:

Possess a commercial driver's license (CDL) of class A, B, or C for interstate commerce
Drive vehicles exceeding 10,001 lbs. GVWR in interstate commerce
Carry more than 8 passengers (for hire) or more than 15 passengers (non-hire)
Convey hazardous materials needing placarding as per DOT guidelines
Work for employers overseen by DOT bodies like FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, or USCG where DOT medical qualification is essential. This applies in Knoxville, DC.

What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?

Government-issued photo ID
Eyewear & prescription details
Medication list with dosages
CPAP data (if relevant)
Specialist authorizations (cardiac, sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.)
Recent A1C/blood pressure records if applicable

Ensure your documents are in order for DOT physical assessment, maintaining adherence to rules and regulations, particularly within Knoxville, GA.

What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?

No Medical card will be issued
Temporary disqualification
Referral for treatment to your primary care doctor
FMCSA exemptions for certain medical conditions
Employer Notification
Next Steps (address the medical issues and retake the exam)

Residents of Knoxville, DE must follow these steps if disqualified.

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

References:
- FMCSA Medical Examiner Physical Qualification Standards (Â§391.41)
- 49 CFR Part 391 - Qualification of Drivers
- Medical Examiner's Handbook
- FMCSA Driver Exemptions

After Hours Scheduling

DOT Physical Exams - Knoxville, TN

Locations, All Cities, All States FMCSA | FAA | USCG | FTA | FRA | PHMSA

29 DOT Drug-Testing Centers in Knoxville

1826 Ailor Ave1.06 miles

2270 Sutherland Ave Ste 1011.78 miles

1932 Alcoa Hwy, Bldg C,#1552.01 miles

1924 Alcoa Hwy Ste U672.06 miles

2547 Sutherland Ave2.10 miles

930 E Emerald Ave Ste 8132.14 miles

4028 Papermill Dr Ste 93.32 miles

4605 Papermill Dr Ste 13.89 miles

4206 Sutherland Avenue4.01 miles

108b W Inskip Dr4.15 miles

4306 Asheville Hwy4.28 miles

4711 Centerline Dr5.16 miles

1225 E Weisgarber Rd Ste 2005.19 miles

2725 E Governor John Sevier Hwy5.45 miles

1300 Old Weisgarber Rd5.63 miles

7211 Wellington Dr6.27 miles

8350 Kingston Pike8.09 miles

7200 Strawberry Plains Pike8.43 miles

120 Suburban Rd Ste 1048.63 miles

9135 Middlebrook Pike9.66 miles

1015 Hunters Xing9.92 miles

9330 Park West Blvd Ste 50010.36 miles

8712 Asheville Hwy11.37 miles

215 Center Park Dr Ste 40011.81 miles

10430 Lovell Center Dr12.29 miles

220 Associates Blvd12.85 miles

1410 Centerpoint Blvd Bldg B12.86 miles

101 Glenleigh Ct13.36 miles

116 Glenleigh Ct Ste 313.37 miles

Knoxville, TN DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

What Does a DOT Physical Include?

What is checked in a DOT Physical?

Who needs a DOT Physical?

What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?

What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?

What Will Fail a DOT Physical?

Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical

DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You

Knoxville Drug Testing

Knoxville DOT Drug Testing

Knoxville DNA Testing

Knoxville Industry Training

Knoxville Hair Drug Testing

Knoxville Alcohol Testing

Knoxville Drug Testing Services

Knoxville 5 Panel Drug Test

Knoxville 10 Panel Drug Test

Knoxville On Site Drug Testing

Knoxville DOT Physicals

DOT Consortium

Locations, All Cities, All States
FMCSA | FAA | USCG | FTA | FRA | PHMSA