It is mandated by federal guidelines that all commercial drivers pass the Department of Transportation health exam. The goal of this test is to check whether an applicant is fit enough to drive safely now and in the near future.

Successfully passing the exam usually means you only have to take the exam in 24 months, unless you have some health problem which could become worse in the future, in which case you’ll have to take the exam sooner.

DOT Conditions

Passing the DOT physical will require at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction. At least 70 degrees peripheral in horizontal meridian measured in each eye. The use of corrective lenses should be noted on the Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

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.
Last updated on Friday, March 6 2020.