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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 was told recently by my eye doctor that I have 20/25 vision on both eyes with my corrective(prescription) glasses. Will I qualify fore cdl In state of Texas? Will I pass the dot eye exam? Will I we able to drive interstate? Please get me some answers!!! Thanks.
@Eddie
20/25 in both eyes and each eye individually will not keep you from passing the examination. You should be good to go.
I’m trying to get into truck school and could not pass the DOT physical because my eyes! Left eye is 20/20 and right eye is 20/100! Wondering if it is possible to get into school with this medical waver?! Please help all I’ve ever wanted to do is drive truck! Thank you in advance
@Ken
Is there any level of correct-ability?
As a driver you must have at least 20/40 in both eyes and each eye individually. That can mean wearing corrective lenses of some sort. If there is no correction, then you would need a vision waiver before you would be able to drive commercially.
I’m preparing to take dot test and I wanted to know how they test for color is it just the three colors red green and amber to distinguish or is it find the numbers
@Shane
Just signal colors, not the numbers.
If I have monocular vision can I get a vision exception waiver
To drive a school bus in the state of maryland my vision is 20/40
@James
You need to ask this question at your local drivers license department. You are a local school bus driver and may fall under the states rules, not FMCSA. Check with your state first. Each state is different and your state may have a vision waiver for you.
My left eye is 20/20 with corrective lenses .my right eye is 20/40 with corrective lenses .my right eye has a loss of about 50 per cent of the peripheral vision . also left eye has 100 per cent peripheral vision will I pass the exam
@Mike
If it limits your vision, then yes it will restrict your obtaining a valid medical certificate.
You correct to a passing level, but you will need to see peripherally at least to 70 degrees from straight ahead.
I have class A licence. I took renewal test failed Dot testing because of colorblind took second test and passed. What will happen next?
@Shane
It should have been reported to the FMCSA as a passed examination and your new medical card should be good to go.
If I have a cataract will this keep me from obtaining my CDL permit?
I have glaucoma of left eye with 20-40 corrected and 20-20 corrected on right eye. My peripheral vision on glaucoma eye on left is diminished and I failed the 70 degree peripheral. My right eye works very well, my left is mildly hazy. Because of the 70 degree rule, I failed the DOT for school bus driver. It seems odd because all I have to do is move my left eye to the left without moving my head to compensate. My right side is fine. Can I contest this?
@John
Not as a Class A driver.
You might want to check with your local driver license department and see what they have to say.