Commercial License Vision Requirements
Zareen Zapata
When applying for a license or permit for the 1st time, you will be required to have your eyes tested. Your eyes will be tested with a mechanical device at the customer service center. The applicant must meet the following requirements, with or without corrective lenses, to pass the vision exam:
Applicants who have a vision restriction on their driver's license and elect to have surgery to correct their vision must come into a Customer Service Center and pass the vision exam to have the restriction removed from their driver's license.
Operating commercial vehicles, commercial Class C vehicles, noncommercial Class A and Class B vehicles, fire vehicles and equipment, and vehicles hauling HAM is more physically and mentally demanding than operating other types of vehicles, which creates an increased risk to public safety. Additionally, challenging driving conditions make it difficult for drivers to adequately provide for any special medical, diet, exercise, or rest needs associated with a medical condition or physical impairment.
For these reasons, CDLs are generally denied to drivers who do not meet the federal medical standards. However, in accordance with statute and court decisions, each case must be considered individually to determine if the driver compensates adequately for any medical condition or physical impairment and if any restrictions apply (see Exceptions and Review Process below).
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) establish the criteria to determine when a person is physically qualified to drive a commercial vehicle (see 391.41 FMCSR). The following guidelines are provided as they apply to various medical conditions.
CVC 12804.9 requires that DMV determine whether the applicant is mentally and physically fit to operate a motor vehicle, and permits us to consider the standards required by federal regulations in establishing California medical requirements for commercial driver licenses. It also provides that any physical defect of the applicant which, in the opinion of DMV, is compensated for to ensure safe driving ability, will not prevent the issuance of the license. CVC 12809 authorizes DMV to refuse to issue a CDL to any person not meeting the medical requirements.
The MER (MCSA 5875) must be completed and signed by a health care professional who is licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to practice medicine and perform physical examinations in the United States (U.S.). Health care professionals are doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physicians assistants, and advanced practice nurses, or doctors of chiropractic who are clinically competent to perform the examination. An optometrist (O.D.) may perform the vision portion of the exam. Drivers who wish to perform interstate commerce must have their exam completed by a medical professional on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners and the certification number must be present on the form.
For 15 days after being issued a MEC (MCSA 5876), commercial drivers must have a copy of the MEC, signed by a health care professional, in their possession when operating any commercial motor vehicle. CCR 391.41(a)(2) After 15 days have passed, the driver no longer needs to carry it on their person. DMV is authorized to issue the Medical Certificate (form DL 51B), pursuant to CCR 28.19.
If the driver does not meet the medical standards or does not adequately compensate for a loss or impairment, the driver may be scheduled for a reexamination or issued an Order of Refusal. In certain instances, we may also issue the following outcomes:
DMV will conduct a drive test to determine whether the driver compensates for a condition that is waivable under federal standards (if the driver has not previously demonstrated compensation). If the driver compensates for the condition, DMV will issue a restricted license.
On original CDL applications, DMV may make rare exceptions to the medical requirements when the driver is able to demonstrate a history of adequate compensation. The commercial drive test will determine if the driver adequately compensates for any loss or impairment of a limb, vision, or hearing. If a CDL is issued, it will be restricted to driving intrastate only (within California), and without passengers or HazMat.
If the driver has been driving safely with the disqualifying medical condition, DMV may make exceptions from federal standards to allow the driver, when renewing a Class A or B license, to operate a commercial vehicle. However, the license must be restricted to driving intrastate only and without passengers or hazardous materials.
Occasionally a driver will contact DMV seeking a federal waiver or exemption. Such drivers may qualify for a federal waiver if they are employed driving in interstate commerce. The federal waiver and exemption program is designed to allow persons with specific conditions listed in FMCSR 391.41 to qualify under the FMCSR. Restrictions may be included on individual waivers when the Regional Federal Highway Administrator determines they are necessary for public safety.
A hearing officer may order a reexamination based on information such as medical reports, law enforcement or court referrals, Department of Health Services Confidential Morbidity Reports (CMR), or other contacts. California Vehicle Code (CVC) 13800
When DMV has refused, restricted, or revoked a CDL, the hearing officer must determine if the action is supported by the evidence. If the action is not supported and should be modified, the hearing officer must determine which, if any, restrictions should be imposed.
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The content currently in English is the official and accurate source for the program information and services DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated content, please refer to the English version.
The web pages currently in English on the DMV website are the official and accurate source for the program information and services the DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version.
Just like other governmental regulations change over time, the US Department of Transportation is no exception to this idea. When dealing with interstate commerce, the driver requirements also experience subtle changes that affect the lives of commercial truck drivers in numerous ways.
Drivers must meet and pass specific requirements for their visual acuity and field of vision, meaning they have the ability to see well during driving in most conditions for safe travel. Having these standards helps limit crash risks.
In the past, the visual requirements required that commercial drivers meet all of the mentioned above visual requirements in both eyes. However, the new amendment has changed this limitation by allowing drivers the opportunity to pass the vision test as long as one eye passes the criteria.
This change in rules affects drivers who have poor vision in one eye alone. In the previous ruling, having one eye that does not meet the standards would disqualify drivers from operating their vehicles altogether.
Allow FMCA Filings to help you address your commercial driving requirements, complete a DOT safety audit, book medical inspections, provide various compliance checks, and meet the current FMCSA vision requirements.
With the new rules, individuals who did not initially qualify can now pass these conditions with one eye that meets all of the vision standards. To stay on top of the current news and needs, check out FMCA Filings for permits, medical exams, regulations, and more to manage every commercial trucking need online today!
The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.
This document, which is one of a series of question-and-answer documents addressing particular disabilities in the workplace,[1] explains how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to job applicants and employees with visual disabilities. In particular, this document addresses:
Title I, the employment provision of the ADA, covers employment by private employers with 15 or more employees, as well as state and local government employers. Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehabilitation Act) provides similar protections to federal applicants and employees. In addition, most states have their own laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of disability. Some of these state laws may apply to smaller employers and may provide protections in addition to those available under the ADA.[4]
Many individuals with vision impairments can successfully and safely perform their jobs, with or without reasonable accommodation. Under the ADA, these individuals should not be denied employment opportunities for which they are qualified based on stereotypes or incorrect assumptions that they may cause safety hazards, may increase employment costs (whether related to provision of reasonable accommodation or for other reasons), or may have difficulty performing certain job duties.
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