• Drivers in California who wish to obtain a CDL must meet certain medical standards.dump truck image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
  
  Those wishing to apply for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for truck driving in California must meet certain medical standards before obtaining the license. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations provides criteria to establish when a person is physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle.
  
  

Federal Standards

• Commercial vehicle drivers in California, must file a medical report every two years with the California Department Of Motor Vehicles. Drivers are required to carry an approved medical certification card with them at all times and it must be signed by a physician. The Federal Highway Administration requires all commercial drivers to provide a medical examination report with the new blood pressure guidelines, which were revised after February 2004.
  
  

Denial/Restrictions

• The Federal Highway Administration requires commercial drivers to meet higher medical standards than drivers holding an operators license. Commercial driving is physically demanding, mentally taxing and has an increased risk to the safety of the public. Drivers may not be able to get adequate rest or follow a specific diet required by those with special medical needs. Issuance of a commercial drivers license is usually denied to those with medical conditions for these reasons. Cases are reviewed individually and exceptions are made in certain situations. Exceptions to the medical requirements are made if drivers demonstrate a history of compensating for their medical condition. Factors that are considered in these cases include the history of the medical condition, length of condition, driving history, hours of operation, side effects of current medical condition, type of commercial vehicle operated and geographical location. Drivers who obtain a commercial driver's license in California through an exception are restricted to driving within the state of California and cannot transport passengers or hazardous materials.
  
  

Medical Conditions

• The Federal Highway Administration provides guidelines for medical conditions such as high blood pressure, loss of limbs, diabetes, respiratory disorders, cardiovascular disorders or disease, musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis or vascular disease and seizure disorders. Other factors such as vision, mental capacity, hearing and dependency on drugs or alcohol are also considered. Commercial drivers will be denied licenses if any of these conditions are present and uncontrolled. Drivers can apply for a license through an exception by requesting a hearing and a re-examination by an approved Department of Transportation physician.