It is mandated by federal guidelines that every commercial diver passes the Department of Transportation physical exam. The purpose of this test is to check whether an applicant is fit enough to drive safely at the present time as well as in the foreseeable future.

Successfully passing the exam usually means you have 24 months before you need to do it again. In some instances, this period might be decreased if serious health issues might appear in the future.

Health Requirements

Passing the DOT physical will require:

• 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.
• 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 permitted.
• 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.
• Use of schedule 1 drugs is strictly disallowed.
• In case 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 along with a note from your physician stating that you are capable of driving a commercial motor vehicle with no restrictions.

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