The DOT Physical For CDL

The Department of Transportation will require you to take and successfully pass a physical and provide proof with a ‘Medical Examiner’s Certificate’. Federal law requires CDL holders to receive periodic physical examinations, called a “Department of Transportation Medical Examination”, to ensure the ability of the driver to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Trucking companies and truck drivers typically refer to the ‘Medical Examiner’s Certificate’ as a ‘DOT medical card’.

Please review all the physical requirements defined by the US Department of Transportation:

1. You must have 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. Glasses or contact lenses are acceptable to correct a driver's vision.
2. You cannot be a diabetic on needle-injected insulin; diabetes controlled through a diet or oral medication is permitted.
3. Your blood pressure must meet the following criteria
   • 140-159/90-99 for 1 year certificate
   • 160-179/100-109 for a 3 month temporary certificate at examiners discretion
   • Greater than 180/110 is disqualifying
   * Prescription medication to control blood pressure is permitted.
4. Your blood sugar level must be under 200 for a fingerstick test or under 10% for a A1C test.
5. Use of medications varies. Please see your physician, contact your local DOT office, or visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
6. If you have a current diagnosis of cardiac insufficiency, collapse, congestive cardiac failure or any other cardiovascular disease you will be required to provide the Medical Examiner with a stress test (needs to be performed within the last 12 months) along with a release from your physician stating that you can drive a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions.

Other factors or conditions which could prevent you from obtaining the required DOT clearance include: sleep apnea, recent back injury, recent major surgery, a current hernia, or recent workmen's compensation claims. If you have questions about your medical health, please consult your physician before beginning the training program.

Watch a DOT physical video for more details.

In conjunction with the DOT physical, CDL drivers are required to take random drug screens throughout the drivers’ employment in the trucking industry. The DOT drug screen will detect the usage of illegal narcotic drugs including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates and phencyclidine (PCP).

The Driver Solutions Network will provide you with a DOT physical & DOT drug screen during the first week of CDL training.