Please read through the Q&A before posting a question. This will help everyone to not have duplicate questions. Thank you!
If you still can’t find a related answer, then you are welcome to ask your question in the comments section below.
Q&A
What are the vision requirements to get a DOT medical card?
What if I have monocular vision?
Can I wear contact lenses to do the vision test?
What if I have had laser eye surgery?
I need to obtain a vision waiver. Where can I get the forms?
What are the vision requirements to get a DOT medical card?
You must have a distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 with or without corrective lenses:
- see at least 20/40 with both eyes together
- see at least 20/40 with the right eye
- see at least 20/40 with the left eye.
Monovision is a disqualification. Use of a contact lens in one eye for distant visual acuity and another lens in the other eye for near vision is not acceptable, nor are telescopic lenses acceptable for driving a commercial motor vehicle.
Exemption: A driver with monocular vision may be able to get a Federal Vision Exemption Certificate, if medically fit for duty in all other categories of the physical exam.
What if I have monocular vision?
If you pass all other aspects of the DOT physical, and you meet all vision requirements in the functioning eye, then you may be considered for a Federal Vision Exemption.
Can I wear contact lenses to do the vision test?
You are permitted to wear contact lenses provided you’re used to wearing them and have a good tolerance for wearing contacts. Be aware that monovision is a disqualification, so use of a contact lens in one eye for distant visual acuity and another lens in the other eye for near vision is not acceptable.
What if I have had laser eye surgery?
Provided you meet the vision requirements, you should have no problem.
I am legally blind in one eye from an injury? With documentation from my eye specialist can I pass the DOT physical?
This type of injury will require documentation.
If you are going to drive only within your state borders, it will be easier. Just check with your DMV to see what the states rules and regulations are.
To pursue an interstate medical card will require an exemption that you can only get from FMCSA. Check out the requirements to determine if this is something you want to pursue. It is possible, but a bit tough to do. Lots of hoops, but do-able.
I need to obtain a vision waiver. Where can I get the forms?
FMCSA has a Vision Exemption Program which has specific requirements for each application. You will get a decision within 180 days of completing your application. To find out more and get the forms go to this FMCSA official webpage.
I have 20/20 vision corrected, right eye. 20/200 uncorrectable in my left eye, 70 degree plus horizontal left and right. Does this fail the DOT physical?
DOT requires you have a minimum of 20/40 vision in each eye, and in both eyes together, either non-corrective or with corrective lenses. Your peripheral vision is within normal limits.
All that being said, you could be driving skills tested with a FMCSA exemption. Check with the FMCSA for the requirements for that particular exemption.
I’ve been a CDL driver for 16 years. Last week, for my DOT physical the doctor made me do the color test from a book with numbers and dots. I could get only half of them right. I have always been able to see the colors red, green and amber and pass my DOT physical. Now the book test has made me fail the color portion of the DOT physical. What’s going on with this?
It looks like the doctor is trying to determine if you may be color blind. But the primary reason for the DOT physical color test is to determine your ability to distinguish red, amber/yellow and green – not a color blindness examination. Not really sure as to why they would do this. Especially since you have been driving for so long. You are correct to question this.
Can’t Find An Answer For Your Question?
If you have a question that you feel has not been answered, scroll down to the Questions and Comments box and post your question.
- Before posting, please make sure you are on the appropriate Category page, so that relevant questions and answers can be found by other drivers too.
- To save us all from zombie spammers, your question will not appear on this page until it has been approved.
- Trucker Docs™ will answer your question as soon as possible.
- Visit this page again soon to see our response.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.
Your comments are also welcome.
I have a slight case of Strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), so while I don’t quite “see double” all the time, but I am worried that it will cause me to fail the vision test. From what I read, do I need to have it waived, or will getting 20/40 in both eyes be enough to pass?
@ Brad
The eye test is completed with 1. both eyes reading the chart. 2. then each eye individually. 20/40 with both test process’s is passing. That can be with or without corrective lenses.
I have to wear tinted glasses for night driving after a tbi. Will this disqualify me from my dot medical card?
@ Brian S
It should not be an issue at all.
Peripheral vision needs to be “normal” to qualify for DOT, how does DOT define normal peripheral vision?
@ Kevin
70 degrees from center or 140 degrees with both eyes.
I never wore glasses before but now I started wearing them will this effect anything when I go take the dot physical
@ Alex
Depending on whether the corrective lenses are for distance or reading. For distance, it may become mandatory to wear them during driving and would be marked on your medical card as such. Reading, no big issue.
Lost vision in left eye 2020 on a wild fire passed eye exam last year have to renew med card do I have concerns any new surprises to worry about
@ DaveS
Depending on the class cdl you hold. If you passed last year, then you should be good for this year.
IS CATARACT SURGERY A PROBLEM WITH THE DOT REQUIREMENTS FOR ANYTHING..VISION, IMPLANTS, ETC.
@ Nancy
No issues unless there are limits, such as, loss of peripheral vision, or loss of visual acuity.
After having a corneal replacement over a year ago, I still have stitches in my eye. One eye tests 20/40, however the one with stitches is 20/80. It’s improving and my Specialist is removing the remaining stitches in 2 weeks. She wants to follow up with removal of cataracts Deadline for testing is in 4 Days. Any suggestions for me?
@ Diane K
You are not ready to take a class A medical certification examination. Get fully healed and released to return to work, without restrictions or limitations. Then take the examination.
If I can pass my vision test at eye Dr but when I go for DOT they say differently and I have no problems when I am driving, what can happen.
@ Carl P
Your eye doctor does a more thorough examination then the CME, asking you to read a Snelling chart at 20 feet in odd lighting conditions. The CME should take your eye doctors findings into consideration during his decision making process.