Published: November 2025 | Charlotte DOT Exam Center | Reviewed by Dr. Lemuel P. Byrd, Jr., FMCSA Certified DOT Medical Examiner
A failed DOT physical is not a permanent career ending. In fact, 90% of drivers who work with their physician to address the failure reason will pass their next exam. You have more control over this outcome than you might think right now.
If you just failed your DOT physical, take a breath. The most important thing is your next step, not the failure itself. Here’s what to do immediately:
Ask the medical examiner to clearly explain which standard you didn’t meet. Don’t leave until you understand:
Keep this documentation. You’ll need it when talking to your doctor.
Tell your doctor:
Your doctor may want to see you quickly to evaluate the condition and determine next steps. Many drivers get an appointment within 2-3 days.
If you’re fleet-employed, inform your dispatcher or HR department. Most companies are understanding—failed DOT physicals are relatively common, and drivers who address them are back on the road quickly.
If you’re an owner-operator, document this in your records.
Next Step: See your primary care physician. Most likely outcome: You’ll start blood pressure medication or adjust existing medication. You can typically retest in 2 weeks once your physician confirms your blood pressure has stabilized on medication.
Read: Managing Borderline Blood Pressure Before Your DOT Exam for prevention strategies if you didn’t use medication.
Next Step: Schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If your vision is correctable with glasses or contacts, you can get them and retest immediately. If not correctable to 20/40, you may qualify for an FMCSA vision waiver.
Timeline to Retest: 1-2 weeks (after getting glasses/contacts).
Next Step: Schedule a hearing test with an audiologist. If hearing aids help you meet the standard, get them fitted. Retest with your hearing aids.
Timeline to Retest: 2-4 weeks (after fitting hearing aids).
Next Step: Your doctor will order a sleep study. If sleep apnea is confirmed, you’ll start CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy. You’ll need to demonstrate 2+ weeks of consistent CPAP use before retesting.
Timeline to Retest: 4-6 weeks. Many drivers report feeling significantly better with more energy once on CPAP therapy.
Next Step: Work with your physician or specialist to optimize treatment and demonstrate stable management with documentation (glucose logs, A1C results, medication list).
Timeline to Retest: 4-8 weeks depending on the condition and treatment adjustments needed.
Most drivers are back on the road within 2-6 weeks of failing an exam. Here’s the typical timeline:
Your actions: Meet with your physician, get diagnosed, start treatment if needed (medication, CPAP machine, glasses, etc.).
Outcome: You have a clear treatment plan and timeline from your doctor.
Your actions: Follow your physician’s treatment plan consistently. If on new medication (like blood pressure meds), give it 2 weeks to stabilize. If using CPAP, aim for 2+ weeks of consistent use.
Outcome: Your physician confirms you’re ready for retest, or advises waiting a bit longer.
Your actions: Schedule your retest with Charlotte DOT Exam Center. Bring any new documentation (prescription receipts, CPAP usage reports, new glasses, etc.).
Outcome: You pass your retest and get your DOT medical card.
You can retest at any FMCSA-certified medical examiner. However, there are strategic reasons to choose Charlotte DOT Exam Center for your retest:
Come prepared. Bring:
The reality: 90% of drivers who follow their physician’s treatment plan pass on their second attempt. But if you don’t pass:
Charlotte DOT Exam Center is here to help you recover from your failed exam and get back on the road with a valid medical certification.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm | Saturday 9am-12pm
Location: 8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28226
Cost: $70 | No Wait Policy | Walk-ins & Appointments Welcome
Convenient to I-485, I-77, and I-85. FMCSA certified examiners. Immediate results.
Thousands of drivers fail DOT physicals every year. The vast majority address the underlying condition and pass their next exam. Your failure is not a reflection of your driving ability or your career viability—it’s a reminder to take care of your health. Address the condition, follow your doctor’s guidance, and you’ll be back on the road.
I am the administrator for the Charlotte DOT Exam facility, located in Charlotte NC. I oversee the facility services providing DOT exams in accordance with the standards of the FMCSA. We also provide DOT drug testing with MRO support when required. Drug testing can also be done for non-DOT exams such as pre-employment. In order to minimize wait times, I always encourage our clients to contact us first and make an appointment.
I would also suggest that each individual wanting to test for the CDL health card read the article “Preparing For Your DOT Exam” as it lists several things to bring to the test, such as CPAP usage reports and medicine lists.
Published: November 2025 | Charlotte DOT Exam Center | Medical Review by Dr. Lemuel P.…
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