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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.
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I’m a CDL truckdriver and I have had a stroke that has affected my field of vision, my vision is 20/20 in both eyes. My opthamoligist has put in his report that I have cerebral thrombosis with cerebral infraction(434.01)acute, and tells me my condition is permanent. He has said that I cannot drive at all on his report. I’ve read others reports on this site and have found all types of eye conditions and these others are going to be able to drive. I’m confused why I would not be able to drive, I’m almost sure I could pass the DOT exam, I do have some blind spots but for the most part I can see well. Just wondering should I get another opinion,or could I get a waiver? I’ve researched every thing I can think of and coming up with nothing, any help would be greatly appreciated. THANKS
@Mark
Part of the issue here is going to be when was the stroke, where, what part of the brain, was the stroke in, how much visual loss in all planes and fields has been lost? So one of the first things I would do is get with a CME and sit down with him/her and try to explain your situation. They may be able to guide you in the best direction before you spend a lot of money trying things that are not going to work. Maybe take a CME to lunch and ask questions to make the best direction choice you can. Hope this helps. Good Luck
Quick question and I couldn’t find an answer anywhere for it. Can you have 20/20 vision and be color blind?
@Renee
Visual acuity is one thing and color blindness in another issue.
Mainly the examiner is looking to determine whether the driver can distinguish traffic signals and road signs.
I failed the eye test at a DOT physical location, so I called FMCA, and they told me to go to my local DMV, I spoke to someone there and they said I was eligible for an intrastate waiver and all I needed was to have the clinic doctor check a box on the medical form and bring back to DMV.
So I go back to clinic tell him what DMV said and he refuses to check the box and tell me that the DMV is wrong. What can I do, who can help me, my job is a risk, need help asap.
@Ray
The CME is incorrect. I would get the information directly from the state DLD and take it back. If the CME has a problem with that, go somewhere else and get what you need and then file a complaint with the FMCSA regarding this issue.
I thought the me who failed me is the only one that can reverse, is that true?
@Ray
Nope, any CME that performs a medical examination can enter the new information into the data base, as long as he can support his decisions.
I got the vision waiver and graduated trucking school, have Hazmat,double/triple,tanker endorsements but Werner says I need to 86 that waiver, ..because intrastate won’t get me a career!
how were you able to get the waiver without an employer to sponsor you?
I passed my DOT exam pending a waiver for monocular vision. 20/100 right eye from infant injury. I’m getting certified under UPS, does it matter if I get a state waiver only if I only plan to drive intrastate or is a federal waiver required? I live in Arkansas.
@Fred
This is a sticky one. Since the materials that you will be handling are considered interstate commerce, you will need a federal vision waiver.
I know that you may travel intra-state only, but your packages are considered interstate.
Check this with UPS, that their drivers are classified interstate.
Federal waiver? I have a vision waiver but no one wants to give me my career I worked so hard to get.
If the department of motor vehicle in my state says I can drive with corrective lenses. Why won’t the department of transportation pass me to drive a big rig truck.
@Korry
The state may have different rules and regulation from the FMCSA.
So to pass for the FMCSA (big rig) is 20/40 or better with both eyes and in each eye individually. Now that can be with corrective lenses as long as it correctes the eyes to 20/40 or better.
Not sure what your state requirements are but now you know what DOT wants.
Exactly!
If you fail your vision , will they give you a day or so to get glasses or contacts ?
@Matt
If you think you might fail the vision test, then go get the glasses before you take the exam.
You must be able to see at least 20/40 with both eyes and each eye individually.
Corrective lenses take a strain off your brain too.
Most DOT certified examiners will let you go get glasses then retake only the vision screening test.
Already have vision waiver. No company will hire because of intrastate! It’s a local job too!
I have one blind eye ! Can i get DOT medical card in MD
@Jon
You will need to get a vision waiver from the state or from FMCSA, depending on what type of driving you plan on doing.
If you get a vision waiver..it’s caused me nothing but grief. All my aps approved but they won’t let me train with intrastate only
Can I apply for a class B commercial driver’s license in California if I need glasses (20/20 with, much worse than 20/40 without)?
@Rob
You should have no problems at all. Make sure you have your glasses with you when you take the examination.