It is mandated by federal guidelines that all commercial drivers pass the DOT health exam. The goal of this exam is to determine whether a potential driver is fit enough to drive safely at the present time as well as in the foreseeable future.

Successfully passing the exam means you only have to take the exam in 24 months time. In some instances, this period might be shortened in case that serious health issues could appear in the future.

Department of Transportation Requirements

The basic requirements for passing a DOT physical exam are:

• Need to have 20/40 correctable vision in each eye as well as both combined. Vision correction devices such as glasses or contacts are allowed.
• Ability to distinguish color is necessary.
• Should be able to perceive a forced whisper at a distance of at least 5 feet.
• Maximum allowable blood pressure is 160/100. Use of prescription medication to achieve this threshold is allowed.
• An applicant can have diabetes which is controlled through diet or medication. Diabetes controlled through insulin injections is not permitted.
• The maximum level of blood sugar an applicant is allowed to have is 200.
• Use of schedule 1 drugs is forbidden.
• If you are currently diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease such as congestive cardiac failure, collapse or cardiac insufficiency, then you will be required to provide the Medical Examiner with a stress test as well as with a note from your physician which states that you are capable of driving a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions.

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