Most drivers pass — but here's what to know
Most CDL drivers pass their DOT physical. The problems that cause failure are usually tied to safety: vision, hearing, blood pressure, seizures, heart risk, substance abuse, or a medical condition that is not documented.
Automatic disqualifiers
- Vision below 20/40 corrected in each eye.
- Unable to distinguish traffic signal colours.
- Hearing loss beyond threshold with or without aid.
- Epilepsy or seizure disorder, with exceptions.
- Current insulin use without required documentation.
- Blood pressure 180/110 or above untreated.
- Active substance abuse or positive drug test.
- Certain heart conditions.
Conditional disqualifiers
Some issues depend on treatment and documentation. Diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, mental health medications, recent surgery, and past seizures may be certifiable when stable and documented.
Related guides: diabetes, sleep apnea, and blood pressure.
What to do if you're disqualified
Ask for the reason in writing, schedule with your treating doctor, gather proof of treatment, and retest when the issue is controlled. Search for clinics experienced with complex cases.
Can you appeal a DOT physical disqualification?
Yes. You can correct the issue and retest. You can also seek another certified examiner's review, but you cannot hide a known disqualifying condition.