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

If you’re a commercial vehicle driver, you probably need to pass a DOT physical exam before you hit the road. But what happens if you don't pass? Learn how to navigate the process of the DOT exam and what to do if you don't get a passing score.

Driving a commercial truck or any vehicle that weighs over 10,000 pounds, carries 15 or more people, or carries hazardous materials requires a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam every two years. The exam aims to ensure you're healthy enough to drive a large vehicle without posing a threat to passengers or other drivers.

The DOT exam consists of a detailed physical that checks every aspect of your physical and mental health. A certified examiner performs the exam and gives you a passing or failing score, depending on your health.

If you need a DOT physical, Reginald Ebirim, MD, and the Lake Immediate Care and Clinic team offer these exams and can help you navigate a pass or fail.

What is a DOT physical exam?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation are the governing bodies responsible for the DOT exam criteria. Included are a full-body physical exam and a mental health screening, and an approval is good for two years.

Specific requirements are in place to pass the DOT exam. For example, you may fail if you have a disqualifying medical condition or mental health problem that our team deems unsafe for regular driving.

If you fail, the DOT revokes your commercial driver’s license (CDL), and you must take the necessary time off work to address the medical issues, retake the physical, and reinstate your license.

DOT disqualifying medical conditions

The exam guidelines list certain medical conditions that would disqualify you from passing. They include:

Specific heart conditions
Vertigo or balance issues
Epilepsy or seizures
Severe hearing loss
Poor vision with or without corrective lenses
Current drug use
Uncontrolled diabetes
Severe high blood pressure
Respiratory conditions requiring oxygen therapy

Not all of these conditions are immediately disqualifying; our team carefully examines your medical records and lifestyle to determine if you can safely operate a commercial vehicle. You may also provide exemption paperwork if you've met the guidelines set out by the FMCSA.

Am I able to retake the DOT physical exam?

Yes, you can retake a DOT physical exam. You may have to wait a certain period to retake it, depending on why you failed. You must address the reason for the failed exam before trying again.

For instance, if you have high blood pressure, get treatment with medications, exercise, and lose weight before retaking the exam. As long as you address the reason for failing the exam and take your health seriously, our team can provide the paperwork to reinstate your CDL.

Other steps to take after failing the exam

Failing your DOT physical may seem devastating, but it's not necessarily the end of your commercial driving career. If your score comes back lower than expected, taking prompt, informed action can help you understand the cause and determine next steps. Consider the following:

Inform your employer
Look over the report
Consult your doctor
Follow medical advice
Keep all medical documentation

You can also get a second opinion from our team if you had your exam at another provider's office. You may qualify for medical exemptions in some cases.

To schedule a DOT physical exam with our team, call Lake Immediate Care and Clinic in Island Lake, Illinois, or request an appointment online.