It is mandated by federal guidelines that every commercial diver passes the Department of Transportation health exam. The goal 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.

Passing the exam successfully means you have 24 months before you need to do it again, although in some cases this period might be decreased if serious health issues could appear in the future.

Department of Transportation Requirements

To pass the physical for the CDL you:

• With or without vision corrections, each eye, as well as both eyes combined, need to have 20/40 vision.
• Must be capable of distinguishing colors found on traffic signals.
• 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.
• Your blood sugar level must be at most 200.
• No use of a Schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic or any habit forming drug is allowed.
• If you are currently diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease such as congestive cardiac failure, collapse or cardiac insufficiency, then you will be required to present the Medical Examiner with a stress test along with a note from your physician stating that you are able to drive a commercial motor vehicle with no restrictions.

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