Over 12 million people over the age of 40 in the United States have visual impairment. The DOT physical is intended to guarantee that any driver of a big commercial vehicle weighing more than 10,000 lbs is physically fit to operate the vehicle safely. If you've suddenly discovered that your eyesight has worsened, or if you're getting ready for your first DOT physical eye requirements, it's a good idea to become acquainted with the DOT vision criteria.
The Snellen eye chart, that can be found in every doctor's or optician's office, is the DOT physical standard eye chart and the requirement is to be 10 feet away from it and read the lines. The Titmus Vision Tester, a tiny instrument that measures vision, may also be used, however this is uncommon.
We took this video from Easy DOT Physicals YouTube channel.
You must have 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without glasses, and a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye to pass the DOT physical. You must also be able to detect distinct colors of traffic lights and signals.
If you need glasses to correct your eyesight to this level, you must wear them at all times while driving, and your certificate will state "Qualified only if corrective lenses are used." If you want to use contact lenses, you may as long as you're used to wearing and using them. Telescopic lenses are not permitted when operating a CMV.
If you do not satisfy the Federal vision standard, you may apply for the Federal vision exemption if you fulfill all other physical requirements.
The DOT eye test is intended to ensure that you have sufficient natural vision or corrected vision to operate a CMV safely. It assesses your distant vision, peripheral vision, and color vision.
Changes have recently been made to the Driver Exemption Programs that control the Federal Vision Exemption Program.
Obtaining an exemption will necessitate satisfying the Alternative Vision Standard, which is divided into four parts:
Following the completion of the eye test, the relevant documents must be given to a professional medical examiner, who will make the ultimate judgment.
The needed form is a Vision Evaluation Report, which is valid for 45 days. It will require information such as the driver's name, date of birth, driver's license number, and state will be required for the report. This form may be used in conjunction with a certified medical examiner evaluation.
In addition, all drivers who are physically qualified for the first time will be required to take a road test. This road test follows the medical exam, and the medical examiner has no role in it. The employer (or motor carrier) will usually conduct the road test and provide the certificate. There are extremely few exemptions from the road test, however there are several for drivers who have previously operated for three years with the same deficit or under other exemptions.
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