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DOT Qualifications

The US Department of Transportation requires all drivers to pass a physical examination as part of the qualifications for a CDL license or permit. The qualified medical professional will provide you a ‘Medical Examiner’s Certificate’ or 'DOT medical card' if you meet the medical guidelines the Department of Transportation has established. To help you understand the requirements, we have highlighted some of the major conditions below. Consult the FMCSA website for further information.

  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 from 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.