DOT Physical Exams - South Burlington, VT

South Burlington, VT DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

A DOT physical is a thorough health check mandated by the Department of Transportation for every commercial motor vehicle driver. This examination ensures that drivers possess the necessary physical, mental, and emotional health to operate large vehicles safely on public roadways. A certified medical examiner listed in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners conducts the DOT physical. Successful completion grants drivers a DOT medical certificate, essential for maintaining a valid CDL license as per FMCSA rules. For guidance on the required DOT physical, particularly if regulated by another 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 less accurate than 20/40 in each eye (even with correction), struggles distinguishing traffic light colors, or hearing deficits affecting the detection of a whisper at 5 feet distance.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Conditions: Hypertension with levels ≥180/110 mmHg, recent heart attack, strokes, poorly managed angina, or a defibrillator without approval.
• Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes with frequent hypoglycemic episodes or complications (like neuropathy or impaired vision) compromising safe driving.
• Sleep Apnea & Breathing Problems: Unmanaged sleep apnea causing excessive daytime sleepiness, or severe lung diseases disturbing oxygen levels.
• Neurological Issues: Epilepsy or seizure disorders (without an exemption), conditions causing sudden unconsciousness, dizziness, or unmanageable tremors.
• Substance Abuse: Current use of illegal drugs, alcohol addiction, or misuse of prescribed drugs affecting driving capability.
• Mental & Cognitive Disorders: Severe unmanaged psychiatric disorders (like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with recent episodes) or cognitive impairments affecting judgment and response time.

Temporary vs. Permanent Disqualification: Certain issues could only temporarily disqualify an individual until they provide medical clearances or documents (e.g., stable blood pressure or diabetes control). Others like untreated seizure disorders or defibrillators are generally regarded as permanent disqualifiers according to FMCSA.