Federal guidelines mandate that anyone applying for a commercial driver's license must pass the Department of Transportation health exam. The exam is also required for those driving a bus or a larger vehicle and some trailer hauling. The purpose of this test is to check whether an applicant is physically capable of driving safely at the present time as well as in the foreseeable future. Passing the exam successfully means you have up to 24 months before you need to re-test, in some instances this period might be decreased if health issues are present.

The physical for the DOT/CDL…

- Vision in both eyes as well as each eye individually needs to be at least 20/40. Glasses and/or contacts are permitted.

- Monovision is only permitted with an annual Form MCSA 5871 dated/completed within 45 days of DOT Physical exam.

- Ability to distinguish color is necessary.

- Should be able to perceive a forced whisper at a distance of at least 5 feet in the at least one ear. Use of hearing aids is permitted.

- Your blood pressure should be lower than 140/90. If higher I am able to evaluate to keep you on the road. Prescription medication may be used to control blood pressure.

- Diabetes that requires insulin injections requires an annual Form MCSA 5870 dated/completed within 45 days of DOT Physical exam; diabetes controlled through a diet or oral medication is permitted. All diabetes conditions require an annual HGA1C test with 45 days of exam. We can provide HGA1C checks for an additional fee.

- Blood sugar should not be higher than 200 and HA1c should be 10 or less.

- Use of schedule 1 drugs is forbidden

-Use of Marijuana even if legal to use in the state is forbidden.

This is a listing of the most commonly seen medical conditions. There are other conditions that can limit or disqualify a driver. Feel free to call our office if you have medical conditions that you are concerned about.

***What to bring to your DOT Physical***

- Valid driver’s license

- Glasses or contact lenses, if needed

- Hearing aids, if used

- CPAP Compliance Report, if applicable

- HA1C Lab Test within 45 days of exam, if being treated for Diabetes

- List of Medications

- Vision Form MCSA 5871 or Diabetes Form MCSA 5870, if applicable

- Skills Performance Evaluation Certificate, if applicable

Belinda Cohen Family Nurse Practitioner-BC is a Certified Medical Examiner in the National Registry.

Give us a call today at 704-400-1160 to schedule your exam or select the BOOK NOW button at the top of the page.

DOT/CDL Medical Exams are $120.

Note: We also perform DOT/Non-DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing services.