A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination must be conducted by a licensed "medical examiner" listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. It is mandated by federal guidelines that every commercial driver pass the DOT physical exam. The purpose of this test is to check whether a potential driver is fit enough to drive safely at the present time as well as in the foreseeable future. A DOT physical exam is valid for up to 24 months. The medical examiner may also issue a medical examiner's certificate for less than 24 months when it is desirable to monitor a condition, such as high blood pressure.

​

​

​

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.

• Hearing needs to be good enough to notice a forced whisper at a minimum distance of 5 feet.

• Your blood pressure must be under 160/100. Prescription medication may be used to control blood pressure.

• An applicant can have diabetes which is controlled through diet or medication. Diabetes which is controlled though insulin injections is not premitted

• The maximum level of blood sugar an applicant is allowed to have is 200.

• No use of a Schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic or any habit forming drug is permitted.