The Department of Transportation requires all Commercial Drivers License (CDL) holders to receive periodic physical examinations, entitled “Department of Transportation Medical Examination,” to ensure the ability of the driver to safely operate a commercial vehicle. The US Department of Transportation sets the following guidelines:
- CDL holders (Drivers) must have 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. Glasses or contact lenses are permitted.
- Drivers cannot be a diabetic on needle-injected insulin; diabetes controlled through a diet or oral medication is permitted.
- A driver’s blood pressure must be under 160/100. Prescription medication to control blood pressure is permitted.
- Use of a Schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic or any other habit forming drug is not permitted.
- If a driver has a current diagnosis of cardiac insufficiency, collapse, congestive cardiac failure or any other cardiovascular disease, he/she will be required to provide the Medical Examiner with a stress test (performed within the last 12 months) along with a release from the driver’s physician stating that he/she can drive a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions.
The Department of Transportation also requires clearance for drivers that have been diagnosed with the following conditions: sleep apnea, recent back injury, recent major surgery, a current hernia, or have had recent workers’ compensation claims.
DOT Drug Screening
CDL Drivers are also required to take random drug screens to maintain their license. The required procedure tests for the following: Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepine, Methadone, Propoxyphene, Alcohol (Urine Test)
