CDL physical exams in Palestine, Ohio

The physical examination covers several areas, including vision, hearing, blood pressure, heart rate, and overall physical condition. The DOT physical exam also checks for conditions that could impair a driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, and neurological disorders.

Vision Requirements

• One of the most important aspects of the CDL physical exam is the vision test. The FMCSA requires that a driver have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, and a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian. If a driver wears glasses or contacts, they must wear them during the examination.

Hearing Requirements

• Another important aspect of the CDL physical exam is the hearing test. The FMCSA requires that a driver have a hearing ability of at least 40 decibels in each ear. This is to ensure that the driver can hear warning signals and communicate effectively with others on the road.

Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

• The CDL physical exam also checks the driver’s blood pressure and heart rate. High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems, and can affect a driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The FMCSA requires that a driver’s blood pressure be under 140/90.

Overall Physical Condition

• The CDL physical exam also evaluates the driver’s overall physical condition. The medical examiner will check for any physical conditions that could impair the driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle, such as joint or back problems, arthritis, and other conditions that could affect mobility.

Sleep Apnea

• Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing for short periods during sleep. This can cause drowsiness and fatigue, and can greatly impair a driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The FMCSA requires that drivers who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea receive treatment, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), before they can obtain or maintain a CDL.

Diabetes

• Diabetes is another condition that can impair a driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The FMCSA requires that drivers who have been diagnosed with diabetes be treated and have their blood sugar levels under control before they can obtain or maintain a CDL.

Neurological Disorders

• Neurological disorders, such as seizures, can also impair a driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The FMCSA requires that drivers who have been diagnosed with a neurological disorder receive treatment and be seizure-free for at least three months before they can obtain or maintain a CDL.