It is mandated by federal guidelines that all commercial drivers pass the DOT physical exam. The goal of this exam is to determine whether a potential driver is fit enough to drive safely now and in the foreseable future.

Successfully passing the exam usually means you only have to take the exam in 24 months. However, in some cases, this period might be decreased if serious health problems might appear in the future.

Health Requirements

To pass the physical for the CDL you:

• 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.
• Must be able to distinguish 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.
• If you are currently diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease such as congestive cardiac failure, collapse or cardiac insufficiency, then you will have to provide the Medical Examiner with a stress test along with a note from your physician which states that you are capable of driving a commercial motor vehicle with no restrictions.

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