Medical Conditions That Can Disqualify You from Becoming DOT Certified

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that every American driver to be able to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) should first become DOT qualified. What this means is that every driver needs to take a DOT physical exam. When you clear the test you then acquire the DOT certification after which you are issued a commercial driver’s license (CDL). So a CDL becomes proof of DOT certification. For a DOT physical in Miami call 305-389-9040 and get expert guidance.

What is a DOT Physical?

Since driving a CMV requires being behind the wheel for long hours, it is essential that your health is tested from time to time to ensure you are medically fit for the physically demanding job. A DOT exam does exactly that.

The DOT physical exam broadly consists of three parts, which are the following:

            •           Medical history

            •           Complete physical exam

            •           Urinalysis

The fear of being disqualified after the physical exam makes many drivers anxious and nervous before the DOT physical. This is because there are certain medical conditions that can cause the DOT certification to be withheld and the driver may have to get off the road, sometimes even permanently.

But all is not bad as it seems. Knowing which medical condition can lead to disqualification and what to do about it is half the battle won. Want to know how you can still be considered safe to be on the road? Read on.

Which are the Disqualifying Medical Conditions or Injuries

To check if you are qualified to drive, an ME will check for any medical conditions that you may have that could hamper your chances of obtaining a CDL. Not all medical conditions can hurt your DOT exam. The ones that can interfere with your driving abilities while on long and extended drives are the ones that can prevent you from being given a DOT certification. And, which are these medical conditions, let's find out.

Here we will try to list only the primary DOT disqualifying medical conditions.

Epilepsy or any such condition that can cause loss of consciousness: Drivers who suffer from epilepsy or seizure disorders that are not under control will not be eligible for a clearance during the DOT exam.

Diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory ailments: If all the stats are within normal limits and no abnormal figures show up, your ME will grant you a DOT certification. Any worrying signs can cause either a disqualification or a temporary disqualification.

Certain heart conditions: Only those conditions of the heart that cannot be resolved are the ones that will not receive a medical clearance. They usually are severe heart conditions such as angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, or thrombosis. If these conditions can be made stable, you can opt for re-test and obtain your CDL after the DOT exam.

Conditions that can cause vertigo or other balance issues: If you have a condition that say affects your inner ear, also known as Meniere's disease you will be disqualified. This is because such conditions are unpredictable and can lead to a serious crash or road mishap.

Vision or hearing loss: A reading of 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses is what the ME is looking for. Not meeting this criteria disqualifies you. You also need to clear the checks for peripheral vision and color blindness. In case you are unable to pass the forced whisper test you will then have to take an audiometry test. Failing both tests means there is hearing loss and this is a DOT disqualifying medical condition.

There are certain medical conditions for which the FMCSA allows you to apply for an exemption. You may also get a temporary disqualification till the time you are under treatment for your medical condition. Once treatment is over you will need to take a re-test and clear your DOT physical to qualify for a CDL. In the case of an impaired limb, a skill performance evaluation certificate needs to be procured. Drivers have to take a road test to prove they will be able to operate safely on the road without any assistance.

Miami Accident Center Understands Your Challenges

We know the hassles you are going through to procure your CDL. To take a DOT physical in Miami our experienced MEs take care of all the paperwork that needs to be done before the physical exam. They ensure you do not have a tough time during the DOT physical. With years of experience in conducting these physical exams, they can help you with all your issues and queries. To know more you can call 305-389-9040 and speak to our experts today.