A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical isn’t aimed at testing your driving skills. Instead, it is to assess your health conditions to determine if you’re physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle.
Is there anything that can hinder you from passing a DOT physical? There are a number of reasons why you may fail a DOT physical; some of these are within your control, while there may be those that are not. You may be denied a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for any of the following reasons:
· If You Have Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a condition characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and an uncontrollable urge to sleep. Regardless of treatment, you will fail a DOT physical if you have narcolepsy, as it causes sudden muscle weakness, which will render you unable to drive safely.
· If You Are an Insulin-Dependent Diabetic
If you are living with diabetes and require insulin to manage it, you may fail a DOT physical, unless you have a waiver. You can find the diabetic waiver application and program details on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
· If You Have Poor Eyesight
If you are unable to meet the 20/40 standard for visual acuity for both eyes, with or without corrective lenses, you will be denied of a DOT certification for a CDL.
· If You Have a Cardiovascular Problem
Part of your DOT physical includes an evaluation of your heart and vascular system. The examiner will evaluate you for signs of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), heart failure, thrombosis (blood clots), or similar conditions.
Without proper treatment, these conditions could lead to fainting spells or difficulty breathing. You may be eligible for a commercial driver’s license once you receive treatment, and your doctor confirms that you’re responding well to it.
· If You Have Active Epilepsy
You will only be allowed to obtain a commercial driver’s license if you no longer have active seizures for the last 10 years.
· If You Have a Respiratory or Pulmonary Disease
There are certain respiratory or pulmonary conditions that may interfere with how oxygen moves from your lungs to your bloodstream and cause breathing problems. These include chronic asthma, tuberculosis (TB), and chronic bronchitis (infection of your airways).
If the medical examiner identifies signs that point to any of these conditions—which may impede your ability to safely control a motor vehicle—you may be disqualified from a DOT certification. You will likely be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
· If You Tested Positive for Alcohol or Drugs
Alcohol and/or drug testing aren’t a standard part of a DOT physical. However, your employer can request for any, or both of them in addition to the other DOT requirements. Testing positive for drug and/or alcohol substances can cause you to get disqualified from a DOT certification.
Occupational Health Services in Grand Junction, CO
If you’re in search of a practice that offers high-quality occupational health services within the Grand Junction area in Colorado, look no further than WorkPartners Occupational Health Specialists. We’re essentially a one-stop-shop for all your occupational health needs – from DOT physicals, pre-employment physicals, to injury care management and rehabilitation services.
And since we’re not part of a specific hospital system, we are able to utilize any of the networks in the community, thereby maximizing efficiency and promptness, reducing costs, and ultimately improving the quality of service we provide.
For more information about our occupational health services or to schedule an appointment for an employee, call us at (970) 241-5585 or use our online appointment request form.
