What Happens If I Don't Pass My DOT Physical?

If you’re a commercial driver in the United States, you have to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical once every two years in order to keep your commercial driver’s license (CDL).

This requirement applies if you:

• Operate a motor vehicle for interstate commerce with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of more than 10,000 pounds
• Drive a vehicle that is made to carry more than 15 people
• Are paid to drive a vehicle designed to transport more than eight people 
• Carry hazardous material in your vehicle that requires a placard

The physical, which is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), must be performed by a certified healthcare provider.

At A+ Athlete Sports Medicine in Robbinsville and Neptune, New Jersey, Dr. Adam Redlich and our team understand how important DOT physicals are to commercial drivers. We also know that sometimes you may not pass the physical, often through no fault of your own. Here’s what you need to know about the process.

What is included in a DOT physical?

The purpose of a DOT physical is to ensure you’re physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to drive a commercial vehicle. We’ll check your vital signs, such as your height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate, as well as your hearing and vision.

We’ll ask about any surgeries you’ve had, any physical problems you’re currently experiencing, and any medications you’re taking. We’ll also do a complete, head-to-toe physical exam, which includes: 

• Listening to your heart and lungs
• Checking your reflexes and gait
• Checking your eyes, ears, mouth, throat, abdomen, nervous system, back, spine, arms, and legs

We’ll also do a urinalysis and any other tests your provider thinks necessary.

All DOT physical results are sent to the FMCSA within 24 hours. If you pass, you’ll get a copy of the necessary card or form to keep with you, and you won’t have to take another physical for two years. If you have an underlying condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure (hypertension), you may be required to get a physical each year.

Why can you fail a DOT physical?

Sometimes, people do not pass the DOT physical. This usually happens because of a medical issue, including poor vision or deafness, narcolepsy or epilepsy, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or respiratory disease. If your condition is well-managed or corrected (i.e., you wear glasses for bad vision), you should still pass.

If your provider finds a new condition or a current condition has gotten worse, you may not pass.

What happens next?

If your provider says you have failed the physical, you should clarify with them exactly why you failed, and have a conversation about what to do next. If the problem is something you can’t change (i.e., you’ve lost a limb), you may be able to apply for an exemption.

If you fail because of something that can be corrected or changed, your provider will work with you to take those steps and then retake the physical. This includes things like getting glasses or hearing aids, making lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure, or getting a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine if you have sleep apnea.

Once you’ve taken these steps, you can retake your DOT physical. Be sure to explain your entire medical history, including why you failed the first exam and what you’ve done to improve your health.

If you fail a second time, your CDL will be revoked, at least until you can address your health issues. You may not “doctor shop” to try to get a better opinion — all results must be sent to the FMCSA. Also, don’t lie during your physical to try to get a better result. This is a serious offense that can constitute fraud.

If you need to take a DOT physical or get a second opinion, our team at A+ Athlete Sports Medicine is ready and willing to help. Just call our location nearest to you to schedule an appointment or use our online scheduler to book anytime.