Commercial Driver License (CDL) Physical Exam Q&A
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) physical exam is required for commercial drivers to meet Department of Transportation (DOT) health standards. The exam evaluates vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall fitness to ensure drivers are safe to operate vehicles. At Priority Urgent Care, our team provides convenient CDL physical exams to help you meet the requirements for your CDL. For more information, please contact us today. We have convenient locations to serve you in Chicopee MA, Ellington CT, Unionville CT, East Haven CT, Cromwell CT, Oxford, CT and Newington, CT.


Table of Contents:
Who needs to take a CDL physical exam?
What does a CDL physical exam involve?
How long does it take to get a CDL?
What medical conditions can disqualify me from passing a CDL physical exam?
At Priority Urgent Care, we understand the importance of keeping our roads safe, which is why we offer comprehensive CDL physical exams for commercial drivers. As a key requirement set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these exams ensure that drivers are fit to operate large vehicles like trucks and buses safely.
A CDL physical exam is required for individuals who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to ensure they meet the health standards necessary for safe driving. This exam is mandatory for drivers of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, and those transporting hazardous materials.
The exam assesses vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall physical fitness to determine if the driver is fit to handle the demands of commercial driving. CDL physical exams are required for first-time applicants, license renewals, and certain job-related requirements. They may also be necessary after traffic violations or health concerns. The frequency of the exam depends on age, health, and specific job circumstances, but it helps ensure that drivers are in good health and safe to operate commercial vehicles.
CDL physical exams are crucial for identifying health conditions that could impact your ability to drive safely. We prioritize your health and safety, helping you maintain your CDL status and ensuring road safety for all.
We provide comprehensive CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) physical exams, also known as DOT (Department of Transportation) physicals, as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Our experienced medical professionals ensure drivers meet the necessary health standards for compliance and safety on the road.
A CDL physical exam is a comprehensive health evaluation required for individuals who operate commercial vehicles. The exam ensures that drivers meet the necessary physical and medical standards for safe driving. It begins with a review of the driver’s medical history, including past surgeries, chronic conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol use.
The physical exam includes measurements of height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), as well as blood pressure and pulse rate to assess cardiovascular health. Vision and hearing tests, including color vision and auditory assessments, are performed to ensure drivers meet the required standards for commercial driving. A respiratory evaluation checks for any breathing difficulties, and a musculoskeletal examination ensures drivers have the strength and mobility needed for safe driving tasks. A urinalysis may also be done to screen for conditions like diabetes.
The exam further screens for medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and epilepsy to ensure these do not interfere with driving. Cognitive functions like attention, memory, and motor skills such as reaction time and hand-eye coordination are also evaluated. CDL physical exams are required for new applicants, renewals, or as mandated by employers.
The main goal of the CDL physical exam is to ensure that drivers are both physically and mentally capable of safely operating commercial vehicles, thereby protecting the drivers and the public by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Upon successful completion, the driver receives a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, which is valid for up to 24 months.
Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) involves several steps, including meeting medical eligibility, completing training, and passing skills tests. A critical part of the process is ensuring that candidates meet medical standards, which requires passing a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam conducted by a certified medical examiner. This exam ensures that the candidate does not have any medical conditions that could impair their ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Once the medical requirements are met, candidates can proceed with the application process, which may include state-specific documentation and additional health conditions based on local regulations. The timeline for obtaining a CDL varies depending on the class of CDL being pursued. Class A CDL candidates, which involve handling large, heavy vehicles over long distances, may undergo more extensive health evaluations, including assessments of cardiovascular health, vision, and overall physical fitness. Class B and C CDLs, typically for operating large vehicles or transporting passengers, require hearing and vision tests.
Before taking the skills test, candidates must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). Training programs that teach necessary driving skills generally take several weeks to complete. During this time, maintaining good health is crucial, and candidates may need routine health check-ups, vaccinations, or treatments for minor injuries to stay on track.
After completing training and passing the skills test, candidates can obtain their CDL and begin their careers. The overall process of obtaining a CDL can take several weeks to a few months, depending on individual progress, health evaluations, training, and readiness for the skills test. Regular health check-ups and maintaining physical fitness throughout the process can help ensure a smooth journey to obtaining the CDL.
Certain medical conditions can disqualify an individual from passing a CDL physical exam, as they may affect the ability to drive a commercial vehicle safely. A CDL physical exam evaluates various aspects of health to ensure that drivers meet the requirements for operating large and heavy vehicles.
Vision and hearing are essential, with drivers needing at least 20/40 vision and good peripheral vision, as well as the ability to hear important traffic signals. Cardiovascular issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and arrhythmias, as well as uncontrolled diabetes, epilepsy, and seizures, may disqualify drivers unless well-managed.
Musculoskeletal health is also assessed, ensuring that conditions like arthritis or joint issues do not hinder driving ability. Respiratory conditions like COPD and sleep apnea, particularly if not treated with CPAP therapy, can be disqualifying. Mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, as well as substance abuse, can impact eligibility. Finally, kidney disease and thyroid disorders may also be evaluated to ensure overall fitness to drive a commercial vehicle.
At Priority Urgent Care, we are dedicated to helping commercial drivers achieve and maintain the health standards required for their CDL physical exams. Our team provides personalized consultations and evaluations to support drivers in their professional responsibilities. Contact us today to schedule your CDL physical examination and ensure your eligibility for operating a commercial vehicle. We have convenient locations to serve you in Chicopee MA, Ellington CT, Unionville CT, East Haven CT, Cromwell CT, Oxford CT and Newington CT.

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Urgent Care
▸ DOT Physicals
▸ Worker’s Injury Treatment
▸ Drug Testing
▸ Physical Exams
▸ School/Sports Physicals
▸ Sports Injury Treatment
▸ X-Ray Services
▸ Pediatric Urgent Care
▸ Poison Ivy
▸ STD Testing
▸ Immunizations & Vaccinations
▸ Lab Testing
▸ Pre-Employment Physical
▸ Employer Services