CDL physicals are offered by appointment only. Space is limited, so schedule appointments as soon as possible. CDL physicals are not billable to insurance. The cost is $128.00.

CDL Standards

Everyone knows that being healthy enough to drive safely is important. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets medical standards that most truck drivers in the United States are required to meet in order to drive as a professional.

Vision

The purpose of the vision screening is to make sure your vision is good enough to see in the center and sides of the field of view, as well as to make sure you can see both near and far objects. The basic exam will check your ability to see clearly, your peripheral (side of your field of view) vision, and your color vision. If you have had an eye injury or certain diseases, additional tests may be required.

Hearing

The purpose of the hearing check is to make sure you are able to clearly hear sounds while driving that can relate to safety (such as a warning buzzer or horn). To test this, the basic exam will be a forced whisper test and/or a test using an audiometer. You may receive both or just one of these tests. The forced whisper test is to see if you can hear someone speaking in a whisper near your ear. The audiometer test uses a machine to see if you can hear certain tones at certain volumes. If you have had injuries to the ear, ear canal, or have other specific medical conditions, additional tests may be required.

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure puts you at a higher risk for heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure, all of which can put you at risk of a crash. Even worse, truck drivers are more likely to have high blood pressure than the average American. The good news is that high blood pressure can be treated (including things as simple as changing what you eat and getting a bit more exercise). Your blood pressure screening will check your blood pressure and look for any other signs of high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high, you may be required to be medically certified more frequently or take other medical tests.

Cardiovascular

The purpose of cardiovascular screening is to see if a driver has any cardiovascular problems that increase the risk of the driver losing control of the truck and crashing. During this part of the medical exam, you will be asked about your current health, your medical history and your family’s medical history.

Respiratory

Breathing well is very important for safe driving. Respiratory problems keep you from breathing as well as you should and can make you more likely to pass out or lose control of your truck. The respiratory check in your medical exam looks for any issues that can lead to breathing problems, such as asthma, sleep apnea, or emphysema. During the exam, you will be asked about your medical history, your family’s medical history, and your current state of health. The examiner will listen to your breathing and look for other signs of breathing problems.

Neurological

Driving a truck takes your full attention, and some neurological problems can take that away from you. The purpose of the neurological check is to ensure you are able to have the quick thinking and reactions needed to safety drive a truck. During the exam, you may be asked about your current and past health (including headaches, seizures, and head injuries) and what medicines you take. Your coordination, balance, movement, and reflexes will be checked.

Musculoskeletal

The purpose behind musculoskeletal screening is to make sure that a person does not have any physical impairment that prevents them from safely driving and performing other work duties. During this part of the exam you will be asked if you have any muscular diseases, have lost any limbs or appendages, have limited use of arms, fingers, or feet, or have any spinal or back problems. A physical evaluation will check to see that you have full use of your arms, legs, fingers, and feet, as well as have a healthy back and spine.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (or just, “diabetes”) is a condition that affects almost 8% of Americans. Many people don’t know that they have diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as seizures and passing out while driving. However, when controlled with good medical care, people with diabetes can safely drive a truck. During this part of the medical exam your blood sugar will be checked.

Psychological

Being a healthy driver requires a healthy mind. This means that you need good judgment skills and the ability to make the right call when driving your truck. Psychological disorders can interfere with this ability. This part of the medical exam will ask about your mental health history, your use of drugs and alcohol (since many people with psychological problems abuse drugs and alcohol), as well as examine your behavior, dress, and responses during the medical exam.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Drugs and alcohol, even in small amounts, can severely affect your ability to drive a truck. The purpose of this part of the exam is to make sure you are free of drugs and alcohol. During this process, you will be asked about your drug and alcohol usage.

Medications That Can Affect Driving

Some medicines, even those prescribed by a doctor, can make you unsafe on the road. There are three types of medicines: prescription, over the counter (OTC), and supplements or herbal medicines. While it is important to let your doctor know that you are a professional driver when you get a prescription, the medical screening exam will also ask about what medicines you take. The effect of your medicines on your ability to safely drive will be assessed.