CDL DOT Physical exam and vision

Understanding CDL DOT Medical Examinations & Vision Requirements With Expert CDL Physicals by Dr. David Moreland – Rolla, MO

Commercial drivers carry enormous responsibility on the road, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all CDL drivers to undergo regular DOT medical examinations to ensure they are physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. One of the most important components of the CDL medical exam is vision.

If you’re a driver in or around Rolla, Missouri, you’re in luck—Dr. David Moreland of Moreland Chiropractic Clinic provides high-quality, FMCSA-certified DOT physicals with exceptional service and attention to detail.

📍 Moreland Chiropractic Clinic – Rolla, MO 📞 573-364-8086

Below is a clear overview of what drivers can expect during the vision portion of their DOT medical exam, and how glasses, contacts, monovision, and monocular vision affect certification.

Vision Requirements for a CDL DOT Medical Exam

FMCSA regulations set specific vision standards to ensure that drivers can operate commercial vehicles safely.

1. Visual Acuity (Sharpness of Vision)

To pass the DOT exam, drivers must have:

20/40 vision or better in each eye with or without corrective lenses

20/40 vision or better using both eyes together

A minimum of 70° of peripheral vision in the horizontal meridian for each eye

If you use glasses or contact lenses, be sure to bring them to your appointment. Corrective lenses are fully permitted—the exam simply documents whether you require them to drive.

Glasses and Contacts During the DOT Exam

Many drivers rely on corrective lenses, and this is completely acceptable under FMCSA guidelines.

Glasses

Must provide the clarity needed to reach the 20/40 requirement.

Drivers should bring their most current prescription to the exam.

If lenses are scratched or outdated, consider updating them before your exam.

Contact Lenses

Soft, rigid, and toric contacts are all acceptable.

Drivers must be able to pass the test while wearing both lenses.

Bring backup glasses if possible, in case your lenses cause dryness or irritation during testing.

Monovision & DOT Certification

Monovision is a vision correction strategy—often with contact lenses—where one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision.

Important: 🔸 FMCSA does not allow monovision correction for CDL drivers, because having one eye focused for distance and one for near can impair depth perception, reaction time, and visual judgment at highway speeds.

Drivers using monovision correction must switch to full-distance correction in both eyes (glasses or contacts) to meet DOT standards.

Monocular Vision & the DOT—Possible but Requires a Federal Exemption

Monocular vision means the driver has only one functioning eye or has vision worse than 20/200 in one eye. Historically, monocular drivers were automatically disqualified, but FMCSA now offers a vision exemption program for qualifying individuals.

To be certified, monocular drivers must:

Meet strict criteria and pass a vision evaluation

Have stable vision in the remaining functional eye

Request certification under FMCSA’s Vision Evaluation Program

This process must be handled carefully, ideally with guidance from an examiner who understands the regulations—such as Dr. Moreland.

Color Vision Requirements

CDL drivers must be able to recognize traffic signals and device colors such as red, green, and amber.

A standard DOT color test may include:

Ishihara plates

Lantern tests

Alternative screening methods to confirm functional color recognition

Drivers do not need perfect color vision. However, they must be able to distinguish key traffic control colors well enough to operate safely.

Why Drivers in Rolla Choose Dr. David Moreland for CDL Exams

If you’re looking for a smooth, efficient, and professional CDL physical, Dr. David Moreland stands out as one of the top providers in the Rolla, Missouri area.

⭐ What Drivers Appreciate About Dr. Moreland:

FMCSA-Certified Medical Examiner

Fast, driver-friendly examinations

Clear explanations of all vision and health requirements

No unnecessary delays or hidden fees

A respectful, supportive environment for professional drivers

Drivers repeatedly praise his professionalism, friendliness, and efficiency—qualities that are invaluable when your livelihood depends on maintaining your certification.

📍 Moreland Chiropractic Clinic

Rolla, MO 📞 573-364-8086