It is mandated by federal guidelines that all commercial drivers pass the Department of Transportation physical exam. The goal of this test is to determine whether a potential driver is physically capable of driving safely now and in the foreseeable future.

Passing the exam successfully means you only have to take the exam in 24 months. In some cases, however, this period might be shortened in case that serious health problems could appear in the future.

Department of Transportation CDL Physical Requirements

To pass the physical for the CDL you:

• Vision in both eyes, as well as each eye individually, need to be 20/40, with visual improvement devices, such as glasses or contacts permitted.
• 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.
• Blood sugar may not be higher than 200.
• No use of a Schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic or any habit forming drug is permitted.
• In case you are currently diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease such as collapse, congestive cardiac failure 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 able to drive a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions.

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