A driver must be physically capable of operating a commercial vehicle. If you choose to pursue a career driving the “big rig,” you must hold a valid CDL and DOT medical card.
A commercial driver’s license medical card is legal for two years. If you have a medical condition, there are specific parameters you will need to follow or adhere to until you are eligible for the CDL. You may only use physicians listed on the National Medical Registry for the physical.
It is essential that you are informed of what is needed to obtain a commercial driver’s license. Check out this article and find out more about the CDL medical card.
What Determines How Long CDL Medical Card Is Good For?
The Commercial Driver’s License Medical Card is good for two years. Drivers who have medical conditions need more frequent or conditional certification.
The criteria that need to be considered include the following:
- Hypertension needs to renew after one year
- Heart disease needs to renew after one year
- Qualified under 49CFR 391.64 original diabetes and vision waiver program renewed after one year
- New insulin and vision exemption program renew after one year
- Driving in exempt intracity zone renewed after one year
- Determination by the examiner that the condition needs more frequent monitoring, such as diabetes and sleep disorders
Medical examiners will test for fitness using an FMCSA form known as the Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination.
State regulations now require that you acquire a Medical Examiner’s Certificate demonstrating your physical and mental capability to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
What is the DOT Physical Exam?
DOT stands for Department of Transportation. It is a federal government prerequisite that every commercial driver passes the DOT physical exam. It is a physical test created explicitly for commercial drivers.
The DOT exam consists of the physical exam and the questionnaire. Before the physical exam, the doctor will review your medical history. You will be asked questions concerning your current medications, your drug history, and history of medical complications.
What Are the Medical Requirements to Get a CDL?
You need to meet specific requirements if you obtain a CDL medical card. The DOT physical exam is necessary for moving onto a commercial driver’s license. They want to make sure that you are in good enough physical condition to drive a commercially licensed vehicle.
The following include the medical requirements necessary to get a CDL.
Vision
The driver is required to have at least 20/40 visual acuity in each eye, which can be with or without correction. They should also have at least 70 degrees of peripheral vision in each eye. The person must also be capable of distinguishing colors found on traffic signals. Glasses or contact lenses are permitted.
Diabetes
Someone with insulin-controlled diabetes cannot have a commercial driver’s license without a diabetic waiver. Diabetes Mellitus that is treated with medication will also need a waiver.
Hearing
The driver must be able to hear a forced whisper from over a five feet range without using a hearing aid or have a moderate degree of hearing loss in the better ear. The test’s purpose is to determine problems such as hearing loss, tinnitus, or perforated eardrums.
Blood Pressure
The driver must not have a current diagnosis of any blood pressure-related issues that could potentially interfere with their ability to drive their truck safely. The safe blood pressure range is less than 140/90. Blood pressure can be regulated through medication.
Elevated Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar that is 200 or above is considered in the dangerous range. Someone who has these high blood sugar levels is not allowed a commercial driver’s license.
Sleep Disorders
A condition such as obstructive sleep apnea does not necessarily prohibit you from CDL medical certification. Treatment and lifestyle changes could be required.
Heart Issues
The driver must not have cyanosis, abnormal breathing, and varicose veins. The exam also dictates whether there are blood or lung-related issues that may interfere with the ability to drive a commercial vehicle. Angina, myocardial infarction, and coronary artery bypass are also investigated.
Drug Use and Abuse
Under no circumstances will a commercial driver be allowed to operate a commercial vehicle while under the influence of drugs. A history of alcohol abuse can also block someone from getting a commercial driver’s license.
The Above May Require a Three Month Certificate
Some of these conditions will require medical supervision and conditional certification before the driver can be given full certification. Some aspects of the job will also require that the driver lift heavy objects and load and unload the vehicle, requiring a certain fitness level.
Conclusion
A commercial driver’s license medical card is good for two years. Commercial drivers need to be healthy and responsible people. You need to be someone who can handle all different hours on the road.
There are many instances in which disqualification is only temporary. Depending on the medical condition, you can proceed with another examination later. Eventually, you may pass and get a commercial driver’s license.
