During your DOT Physical Exam, the Certified Medical Examiner determines your medical certification based on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines, which include standards for vision, urine analysis, and blood pressure. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent issues such as vision problems, elevated glucose or protein levels in urine, and high blood pressure.

We understand some individuals may have medical conditions requiring ongoing care. Ross Health Care is supportive of you, and we’ve provided simple, practical guidelines you can follow before your exam to help ensure a smooth and successful experience.

Vision Guidelines:

The minimum vision requirement is 20/40 in each eye, along with at least 70 degrees of peripheral vision per eye, with or without corrective lenses.It is strongly advised to consult your eye care professional before the exam, as the FMCSA mandates that anyone who fails to meet these vision standards will be immediately disqualified at the time of physical examination until the requirements are met.

If you have monocular vision or other vision impairments but meet all other medical standards, you may still qualify for a one-year certification. To be considered, you must provide a completed Vision Evaluation Report (MCSA-5871) from your eye specialist. The specialist will assess your condition and determine whether your vision is stable and if you can safely operate a commercial vehicle. This evaluation must be completed and submitted no later than 45 days before your physical exam.

Glucose Guidelines:

If your urine glucose level is 500 mg/dL or higher, the Certified Medical Examiner (CME) may issue a time-limited certification.In such cases, the CME will refer you to your primary care physician for further evaluation and management to better assess your blood sugar control. Providing documentation from your doctor can greatly assist the CME in making a well-informed decision, potentially resulting in a longer certification period.

Insulin Guidelines:

If you are using insulin, it is not an automatic disqualification.Download the Diabetes Assessment Form (MCSA 5870) and have it completed by your Primary Care Doctor no later than 45 days prior to the physical exam.The report will inform us if your diabetes is stable, allowing the CME to make an informed decision concerning the certification period issued.

Hypertension Guidelines:

It is important for commercial drivers to manage their blood pressure effectively to ensure their own safety and maintain their CDL certification.

Stage 1 Hypertension (140-159/90-99 mmHg)

• If this is the first time diagnosed (confirmed by 2 readings taken on the same day), the driver may be certified for one year.

• If the driver has a history of hypertension and is currently taking medications, then he/she only receives a 1-time 3-month certification.  Within 3-month time frame, he/she must have a BP reading below 140/90 to be certified for one year.  If not, then he/she will be disqualified.

• Annual certification exams will be required thereafter, with blood pressure at or below 140/90.

Stage 2 Hypertension (160-179/100-109 mmHg)

• A one-time, three-month certification may be issued to allow the driverto reduce his/her blood pressure.

• If the driver achieves blood pressure readingbelow 140/90 within that period, then he/she may become eligible for a full one-year certification.

Stage 3 Hypertension (≥180/110 mmHg)

• The driver is automatically disqualified until his/her BP is below 140/90.
• Once the driver achieves blood pressure reading below 140/90, then he/she will be certified for 6 months for the rest of the driver’s career.