GreatCDLTraining.com » How Paid CDL Training Works » DOT Physical

The DOT Physical For CDL

To obtain a CDL license or permit, you must successfully pass a DOT 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’. In the interest of public safety, please review all the DOT physical requirements outlined below:

  1. You must have 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. Glasses or contact lenses are permitted.
  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 be under 160/100.  Prescription medication to control blood pressure is permitted.
  4. Your blood sugar level must be under 200.
  5. Use of a Schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic or any other habit forming drug is not permitted.
  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.

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.