Failing a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination can have severe repercussions on your career as a commercial driver. It is important to understand why one would not pass a DOT physical and what to do after that.
All kinds of medical problems can cause a person to have a failed DOT physical, such as hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, etc. It is crucial to disclose your entire medical history during the examination, as withholding information can compromise safety on the roads and result in severe consequences.
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has exemptions for drivers who are diabetic, have bad vision or hearing, or are missing a limb or part of a limb. Drivers with these conditions can take a variance know as a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE), but only after extensive medical testing to guarantee that the public’s safety is not compromised.
If you don’t pass a DOT physical you can have another medical examiner give a second opinion. The FMCSA allows drivers to seek a second opinion, provided they are truthful about their medical history. Lying or hiding information about your health when taking a DOT physical is punishable by fines.
What to Do After Failing a DOT Physical
If you fail a DOT physical, you can:
- Request a second opinion from a qualified medical examiner.
- Challenge the decision with medical proof to the FMCSA.
- And treat and get under control the health problems that caused the failure.
- Wait 14 days before retaking the exam.
Seeking a Second Opinion
If you have failed your dot physical try and get a second opinion from a different medical examiner. Be sure to give a thorough and truthful medical history here. Withholding information is illegal and can result in severe consequences.
The Best Place for a Second Opinion
The Charlotte DOT Exam Center is an excellent choice for seeking a reliable and thorough second opinion. They have a team of FMCSA certified medical examiners that will do a thorough examination and advice/help you on what you need to do to become medically certified again.
Next Steps and Options
If you fail a DOT physical it will be a big step back, however, knowing what to do next and what other options you have will get you right back in the game. You can:
- Wait 14 days before retaking the exam.
- Obtain medical certification from an approved medical examiner.
- Contest the decision with medical proof to the FMCSA.
- Seek a second opinion from a qualified medical examiner.
Moving Forward
Which might mean some lifestyle changes, change in medications, more medical work ups and treatments to get the underlying medical conditions that caused the failure under control. Be up front about your medical history and don’t lie during your exams.
Final Steps to Getting Your DOT Health Card
If you fail a DOT physical it is a scary thing but if you know what to do and what your options are, then you can get your medical certification back and be on your way down the road again. And don’t forget, you can appeal the decision, get a second opinion, and get those medical problems at the root of the failure taken care of.
For a complete and trustworthy second opinion call The Charlotte DOT Exam Center 704-544-3494. The team of FMCSA certified medical examiners will perform a thorough examination and will assist you in the process of getting recertified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What would cause me to fail a DOT physical?
Failing a DOT physical can occur due to various medical conditions that affect your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Common reasons include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Heart disease
- Epilepsy
- Narcolepsy
- Blind or Deaf, these disabilities have to be under control enough to pass the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards.
What would make you not pass a physical exam?
There are many reasons that could cause you to fail a physical:.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Elevated blood sugar levels (indicative of diabetes)
- Untreated sleep apnea
- Significant cardiovascular issues
- Neurological disorders such as epilepsy or narcolepsy
- Substance abuse or use of certain medications
- Inadequate vision or hearing
What does it mean to fail a physical?
Failing a physical means that you did not meet the medical standards required to perform your job safely. For commercial drivers, this means you are temporarily unfit to operate a CMV until the underlying health issues are addressed and managed properly.
What blood pressure will fail a DOT physical?
Should your blood pressure read 140/90 mmHg or greater, you will not pass a DOT physical. The FMCSA has specific guidelines for blood pressure:
- 140-159/90-99 mmHg: One-year certification
- 160-179/100-109 mmHg: Three-month temporary certification
- ≥180/≥110 mmHg: Disqualification until blood pressure is under control
What happens when I fail a DOT physical?
If you fail a DOT physical: If you fail a DOT physical:
- You must wait 14 days before retaking the exam.
- You can get an opinion from another FMCSA certified medical examiner.
- You have to deal with the health problems that led to the failure.
- IF you feel the decision was wrong you can appeal it and submit medical evidence to the FMCSA.
What will happen if you lie on a DOT physical?
Lying on a DOT physical is considered illegal and can lead to severe consequences:.
- Your medical certificate can be revoked.
- You may face fines and legal action.
- It jeopardizes your safety and the safety of others on the road.
- You risk being banned from operating a commercial vehicle.
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.
