DOT Physical Exams - Madison, WI
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FMCSA | FAA | USCG | FTA | FRA | PHMSAMadison, WI DOT Physical - What You Need to Know
DOT physical exams are thorough check-ups required by the Department of Transportation for commercial vehicle drivers. These evaluations confirm drivers' physical, mental, and emotional capacity to safely handle hefty vehicles on public highways. Conducted by a Certified Medical Examiner from the National Registry, passing grants a DOT medical certificate, necessary for a valid CDL per FMCSA rules. For guidance on specific requirements, 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?
Vision Test
Urinalysis
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)
Upon successful completion, your Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) may be issued for up to 24 months. Some conditions may require shorter certification or specialist documentation. Madison, NV regulations must also be considered.
Who needs a DOT Physical?
Possession of a valid DOT medical certificate (card) is necessary if you:
- Have a CDL class A, B, or C for interstate commerce
- Operate a vehicle over 10,001 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating in interstate transit
- Transport 8+ paid passengers or 15+ unpaid passengers
- Convey hazardous materials requiring placarding by DOT
- Work for DOT-governed employers like FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, or USCG, needing medical qualification
This applies in Madison, SD too.
What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?
- Government-issued identification
- Eyewear/contact lenses & prescription
- A list of medication & dosages
- CPAP device data (if applicable)
- Specialist approvals (heart, sleep, diabetes, etc.)
- Recent logs for A1C/blood pressure if monitored
What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?
- No Medical certification will be provided
- Possible temporary disqualification
- Recommendation for treatment by your primary care physician
- FMCSA exemptions applicable for specific medical conditions
- Employer will be informed
- Subsequent steps involve addressing the medical conditions and retaking the examination in Madison, CT
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.
DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You
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