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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 have passed my DOT physical a couple of weeks ago, they said then that I will probably need glass next year when I have to get another physical, now I have to renew my license, what if I don’t pass the DMV test? will I not be able to drive? will they give a temp. license and tell me to come back after I get glasses? I live in Colorado, just drive intrastate. thanks. Rick
@Rick
That’s up to DMV.
I ve been driving with a Texas cdl for over 40 years. I have had to get a vision wayver and use it for 7 years. Have monocular vision ,well just lately i was grandfathered in but local trucking companies say the co. stills wants me to have a dot med card. ok fine but dont have signed grandfathered in paper to prove im g-fathered in.So no Med card. I can’t get any numbers from state to have them resend me that document .What do you think I should do.
@Jon
FMCSA will have to provide you with waiver or “grandfather” documentation to be able to have a valid medical card.
I am trying to get my intrastate cdl but have 20/100 in one eye and 20/20 in my other eye they said I need a medical waiver where do I get the medical waiver for my doctor to fill out? In Washington state.
non cdl driver in va, i drive a small rollback under 26000 pds failed my vision on med card[right eye was 20/70] left was 20/20. Dr said i need to have a vision wavier to use med card again this is a non cdl truck but is a cmv? also where do you get the wavier if needed? thanks
@Tim
1. You do not fall under FMCSA regulations. 2. You fall under your state’s variance. So you want to check with you local drivers license department for information regarding your situation, and their waiver if you need one.
I took my physical today. I failed the vision part. I have 20/160 in my left eye non corrected and 20/16 in my right. I have normal peripheral vision in both. I am in the state of Illinios. Am I disqualified from getting my CDL’s?
@Tremayne
Can’t answer you question because these numbers don’t make sense.
The requirement is 20/40 or better, corrected or uncorrected.
See if you can get corrective lenses to meet the requirement.
If you are interstate then you must obtain a vision waiver from the USDOT. Go to the FMCSA web site for the forms. They will instruct you to see a specialized optometrist to take a thorough eye exam. Your peripheral vision must be good at 120 degrees in both eyes. Sounds impossible but it is not that difficult. There is a ton of info they (USDOT) Will require. It takes anywhere between 4 to 6 months to get this done. The waiver is good for 2 years. When you go to renew it start that process about 6 months before the waiver expires. USDOT (703) 448-3094. They are very helpful. If you have to leave a message plan on calling them back. Not real good about returning calls. If you are intrastate then all you have to do is contact your states BMV.
Can I wear glasses from Wal-Mart or do I need a prescription? Getting my class c renewed I couldn’t see the numbers. Colors are fine. Trying for a interstate cdl in Texas to drive a school bus.
@Amanda
It really doesn’t matter as long as the glasses you get corrects your vision to what you need. If you need to wear them all the time it’s best to get prescription glasses.
Indiana CDL driver has an exemption for interstate transport due to loss of vision in one eye. How often must the driver get vision re-tested? How often must driver get medical certification done?
Is vision every year or once every two years?
Is physical every year or once every two years?
@Tom
Interstate or intra-state?
If intra-state you will need to check with your local drivers license department for that information.
Interstate requires a vision waiver from the federal DOT/ FMCSA.
I have very bad lazy eye since childhood. I had eye surgery to correct it but failed. I’ve been driving the last 15 yrs with the condition without any problems and I was certified without further questions by the DOT doctor. Now, I apply with a new company and the doctor that the company sent me requires me to have a vision exemption. As for the driving, I do use my normal eye to drive while the other eye (lazy one) look over the passenger side. This is monocular vision that what the doctor said and what the reason he needs me to apply for the exemption.
Do I need the exemption when I was driving more than 15 yrs without any accident?
@Paul
A lot will have to do with the class drivers license you hold. Also our answers will depend on the same question. What class driver are you?
Can a cdl driver friendly do a eye test and will it be good for DMV?
@Tony.
No. DMV does their own eye test.
I passed the vision at the doctors office. The first vision test at the DMV, was difficult but I passed. I really struggled to pass the second vision test at the DMV. I was told to read the third line which to me seemed much smaller than 20/30 or 20/40. Am I close to failing or will the person at the DMV tell me to read another line that’s bigger. The line I read was line C.
@Brandon
Sorry, can’t help you with what DMV will do.
So 20/80 is totally out of the question! I have had a lazy eye from birth. I am currently trying to get my interstate waiver. I have driven all my life but let my license expire ten years ago. I got it back last year and have a current card. The doctor at my refresher said the company I was applying for had tougher restrictions than most so I am looking for another company. How did I pass my first test from a qualified medical examiner?
@Steve
Interstate vs intra-state, with or without corrective lenses?
If you are going for interstate, you fall under FMCSA regs and federal DOT. Not sure which level of variances you qualified for during your last medical certification examination.
I am 63 years old, got a commercial license at 18 and drove trucks hauling logs ever since. When the new CDL came into play i quit for awhile then got a intrastate vision waiver in Texas and started back in 1998. Now intrastate no longer works. I must be able to drive in Arkansas and Louisiana to keep my contracts. I would still be operating witin a 150 miles of my home base. I have applied for federal waiver and they keep asking for same info over and over. My eye specialist seems to think for some unknown reason they are just making it tuff on me. I have never been involved in any accident, havent had a violation since 2006 and that was speeding in a personal auto and driven millions of miles. I have complied with and passed every test and request they have asked of me and still they wont say yes, no, or why. Is there legal help available to help. I will lose my contracts June 1, 2017 without this., Thanks
I am a 66 yr old truck driver.I’ve have held a commerical drivers license since i was 21. I currently have CDL in the state of Ks. Recently my right eye was removed because I had ocular
melanoma.My left eye is perfectly good. There is no more cancer. What can I do to get certified so I can keep my job.I took my eye exam and past with flying colors with my left eye.Can you help me. Thanks
@Tommy
If you must travel interstate, then you must pass the interstate medical certification examination. If that requires a vision waiver from the FMCSA then you are now dealing with a government agency. We do not know of any way to speed up that process. Be as persistent as possible with them on a near daily basis.
Hi, so I have Nystagmus. I was approved my eye doctor a little over a year ago to drive WITH corrective lenses. I have 20/40 with correction 20/70 without.
My problem is I have to change the address on my license and an eye exam is required just to do that. Do I have to take the eye exam if I wear corrective lenses?
My problem is with Nystagmus my head has to turn a few degrees one direction to slow the movement enough to see best. That’s why driving isn’t an issue because you are constantly looking around, not staring at one point the whole time.
Sorry. I should be a little clearer. With my eye condition and the way I resolve it, my head wouldn’t be straight on the machine the use to test. I wouldn’t be able to see into the machine.
@Chad
This is a question for your local drivers license department. Sorry we can’t give you an answer.
Hi,
I have completed my CDL physical exam, but I need a vision waiver for one of my eyes. It has been very difficult to find a doctor who does CDL vision examines.
Can anyone provide me with the name of eye doctor where I can be examine for a vision waiver?
I take eye drops for pressure in my eyes. My vision is 20/20 in each eye. Will I pass my vision test or will I need a medical form?
@WR
Get a medical release form from your doctor explaining your condition, if all else is acceptable you may be given a short term card until you are off the meds. A lot will depend on your ability to demonstrate medically fit for duty according to the FMCSA guidelines.
My husband needs to wear his reading glasses to read small print. Is he allowed to wear them to take the vision test to renew his driver’s license?
IF I have night blindness am I disqualified from driving a CMV for an interstate operation? If not what restrictions do I have and will I need a waiver?
@Dan
The medical examiner is going to have a lot of questions because of the night blindness. It can be caused by a multitude of issues. If you go in with a medical release form from your eye doctor explaining your condition and situation with a working prognosis, then you have a much better chance.
I’m from California. On the 5th of April I went to get my DOT Physical done and was told to see an eye doctor before I would be cleared to drive. I have a Class A CDL and I drive Interstate.
My vision tested at 20/50 and 20/70 uncorrected and 20/20 both eyes with corrective lenses (glasses). Also I passed the peripheral vision test and I am not colour blind. However the doctor did a cranial nerve test for ocular movement where he had a pen that he moved and he wanted my head to stay still but my eyes to follow the pen. That is where the issue is and my eyes hardly moved so he told me to see an eye doctor before clearing me. Is that within regulations? What are my options? My current physical expires on the 8th of April.
@Dale
Not sure why the examiner would go to such an extreme on your examination, especially since you passed the requirements of the DOT/FMCSA. Some examiners over-read the requirements and some look at obscure issues. You may want to go for a second opinion elsewhere.
How do I do that and not get in trouble for doctor shopping?
@Dale
It’s just requesting a second opinion, not doctor shopping.
A co-worker of mine lost an eye due to cancer. Being in a supervisory capacity, our department head has us maintain a valid DOT/CDL for buses, although it is highly unlikely we would drive one any more than around the shop. Would he qualify for an exemption under these circumstances?
@FT
All he has to do is check with your local drivers license department. Have him move his status to intra-state only and he will be just fine. The intra-state only status is for cdl, but he can operate his automobile anywhere.
Does it matter what your peripheral vision is for your DOT medical card?
@RJ
Yes it does. You must have at least 70 degrees of lateral vision from straight ahead with each eye individually.