Federal law stipulates that all commercial drivers have to pass a health exam given by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Its purpose is to verify that the health condition of the commercial driver is fit to drive now and in the near future. A DOT physical exam is required every 24 months.

Health Requirements

The basic requirements for passing a DOT physical exam are:

• With or without vision corrections, each eye, as well as both eyes combined, need to have 20/40 vision.
• Ability to distinguish color is necessary.
• Hearing needs to be good enough to notice a forced whisper at a minimum distance of 5 feet.
• Your blood pressure has to be lower than 160/100. Prescription medication may be used to control blood pressure.
• Cannot have diabetes that requires insulin injections; diabetes controlled through a diet or oral medication is permitted.
• Blood sugar may not be higher than 200.
• No use of a Schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic or any habit forming drug is permitted.

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