What is a DOT physical and what does the exam entail? What will make you fail a DOT physical and how can ensure you’re ready for your next appointment? Here is everything aspiring and professional CDL drivers need to know before and after doing a DOT exam and what will make you fail a DOT physical.
What Is a DOT Physical?
A DOT physical is a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination required for commercial drivers to ensure they are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to safely operate commercial vehicles. This examination is mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the United States.
The primary goal is to confirm that drivers do not have medical conditions that could impair their ability to drive safely, protecting both the driver and others on the road.
Who Needs a DOT Physical?
DOT compliance is mandatory for any driver in the United States, who is operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that:
- Transports hazardous materials.
- Carries more than 15 passengers.
- Is paid to operate a vehicle that carries more than 8 passengers.
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.
What Does the DOT Physical Exam Consist Of?
Before we can answer what will make you fail a DOT physical, it’s important to understand the exam itself first. The purpose of the DOT physical is to confirm that drivers do not have medical conditions that could impair their ability to drive safely. The exam is conducted by a certified medical examiner who assesses several key aspects of the driver’s health.
These include vision, hearing, blood pressure, and pulse, which are checked for irregularities.
A medical examiner will also perform a urinalysis to screen for underlying medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disorders. They will also conduct a physical examination to evaluate the heart, lungs, spine, neurological function, and overall fitness.
Upon passing the DOT physical, drivers receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, also known as a DOT medical card. This certification is typically valid for up to 24 months unless a medical condition necessitates more frequent monitoring. Keeping this certification up-to-date is crucial for maintaining eligibility to drive commercial vehicles.
Preparing for a DOT Physical
If you’re in good health and physically fit, there’s little you need to do to prepare for a DOT physical. The exam is essentially a routine check-up conducted by a doctor to confirm you’re fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
For individuals who are overweight, recovering from a significant health issue, or managing a serious condition with medical supervision, additional preparation may be necessary. The steps you need to take before your DOT physical will depend on your specific health situation.
If you are currently managing any medical conditions, it’s important to ensure your prescriptions and medications are current. You should also have a recent vision test and the appropriate corrective eyewear, as well as updated hearing aids if you experience hearing loss.
When attending your DOT physical, you should bring the following items: your medical records, any medical history from specialists, and the most recent laboratory reports. Don’t forget your glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids if you need them to drive. Lastly, provide a list of any prescription medications you take, including dosages and schedules.
DOT Physical Requirements
Here are the things you need to pass your exam and what will make you fail a DOT physical.
Vision
To pass the vision test, your eyesight must meet specific standards to ensure safety while operating a commercial vehicle. You are required to have 20/40 vision in each eye, either with or without corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses.
Hearing
Hearing is a vital aspect of safe driving, particularly for detecting sounds like horns, sirens, and other auditory warnings. To pass the DOT hearing test, you must be able to hear a harsh whisper at a distance of at least five feet in your best ear. This test can be conducted with or without the use of a hearing aid.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is an important indicator of overall health and a key aspect of the DOT physical examination. To pass, your blood pressure must be at or below 140/90. This level is considered safe and indicates that you are at minimal risk for health issues such as stroke or heart attack while driving.
What Will Make You Fail a DOT Physical
Now that you know what the exam is, let’s talk about what will make you fail a DOT physical.
Vision Problems
Failing to meet the vision standards can disqualify you from passing the DOT physical. Drivers must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, and a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye. The inability to distinguish between red, green, and amber colors can also lead to disqualification. If you do not meet these standards and cannot obtain an exemption, you will fail the exam.
Hearing Loss
Hearing is essential for safe driving, and drivers must be able to hear a harsh whisper from at least five feet away in their best ear, with or without a hearing aid. If you cannot pass this test or fail subsequent audiometric testing, you may not qualify to drive. Total deafness, even with a hearing aid, will result in failure.
Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common health concern, but it must be managed to meet DOT standards. Blood pressure readings above 179/109 will automatically disqualify you. If your blood pressure is between 140/90 and 179/109, you may receive a temporary medical card and be required to lower your blood pressure within a specific timeframe. Failing to do so can result in disqualification.
Diabetes with Complications
Drivers with diabetes can pass a DOT physical if their condition is well-managed and does not cause complications, such as severe hypoglycemia or vision problems. However, if diabetes is poorly controlled or leads to symptoms that impair driving, such as dizziness or loss of consciousness, you may fail the exam.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Heart conditions, such as recent heart attacks, untreated arrhythmias, or severe heart disease, can result in failure. The FMCSA requires drivers with cardiovascular issues to demonstrate that they are not at risk of sudden incapacitation while driving. Failure to provide medical clearance or documentation from a cardiologist may disqualify you.
Neurological Disorders
Conditions like epilepsy, seizures, or any neurological disorder that could cause sudden incapacitation are disqualifying unless you can prove that your condition is under control and poses no risk to driving.
Substance Abuse
Current use of illegal drugs, misuse of prescription medication, or alcohol dependency will automatically result in failure. The DOT physical includes a urinalysis to screen for drug use, and any positive results can disqualify you.
Sleep Apnea
Untreated or severe obstructive sleep apnea can lead to disqualification. Drivers with sleep apnea must show proof of treatment, such as compliance with a CPAP machine, to pass the physical.
Mental Health Issues
Severe mental health conditions, such as untreated depression, anxiety, or other disorders that could impair judgment, concentration, or the ability to drive safely, may result in failure. Drivers with mental health conditions must provide evidence that their condition is well-managed.
Missing or Impaired Limbs Without Adaptation
Drivers must demonstrate the physical ability to operate a commercial vehicle. Missing limbs or impaired mobility that prevents safe driving without adaptive equipment can lead to failure. However, drivers with prosthetics or adaptive devices may qualify if they can pass a skills performance evaluation.
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