If you’re preparing for your Physical for CDL Florida, you already know how important it is. This mandatory checkup ensures you’re healthy enough to operate a commercial vehicle safely — and without a valid medical certificate, you can’t legally drive.
While many pass with no issues, others run into unexpected roadblocks. To help you avoid surprises, here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons Florida drivers fail their CDL physical — and how to prevent them.
- Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is among the leading causes, because of which drivers fail the DOT physical.
Why it’s important:
Uncontrolled blood pressure is also a safety issue during driving because of the possible risk for stroke or heart attack.
What you can do:
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- Follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not consume the salted food, alcohol and caffeine,etc before 24 hours of your test.
If your blood pressure is borderline, your physician may be able to give you a temporary certificate and allow you some time to control it.
- Poor Vision
Your eyes are your most valuable safety device on the road.
What’s tested:
- Distance vision (at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction)
- Peripheral vision
- Ability to tell the difference between red, green, and amber colors
Common issues:
- Expired prescriptions
- Not bringing corrective lenses
- Untreated eye disorders such as glaucoma or cataracts
Pro tip:
Get your vision checked by your eye doctor prior to your CDL physical so your prescription is up to date. Bring your contacts or glasses and be ready for a quick eye exam.
- Uncontrolled Diabetes
Drivers with diabetes can pass a CDL physical — but only if the condition is well-managed.
What causes failure:
- Severe blood sugar levels
- A history of recurring hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) attacks
- Not maintaining a stable treatment plan
How to pass:
- Monitor your blood glucose levels with medication and diet.
- Submit recent results of the A1C test and your insulin-use records, if any.
- Be upfront with your Truck Driver Medical Exam Florida about your condition.
- Hearing Loss
To pass, you must hear a forced whisper from five feet away in at least one ear — or use a hearing aid that brings you to that level.
Reasons for failure:
- Not bringing your hearing aid
- Outdated or uncalibrated hearing aids
- Untreated ear blockages or infections
What to do:
- Get a hearing test before your physical if you’re unsure.
- Bring all devices and documentation with you.
- Let your examiner know if you’ve had recent changes in hearing.
- Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can disqualify you if you have it untreated, or unable to prove compliance with your CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine or device.
Why they flagged:
Untreated sleep apnea is tiring and fatigue is a common driver safety issue.
What can you do to be compliant:
- Use your CPAP every night.
- Bring a 30-day usage report to your exam.
- Share your diagnosis and treatment plan with your examiner.
If your condition is under control, you can still be issued a Medical Certificate for CDL Florida with proper documentation.
- Substance Use (Including Medications)
Drug testing is mandatory, and certain medications can raise concerns — even if they’re prescribed.
Common issues:
- Positive results for marijuana (even if legal recreationally)
- Narcotics or stimulants without a doctor’s clearance
- Not revealing prescription medications
Stay safe by:
- Bringing your prescription list to the exam.
- Informing your doctor if you drive commercially.
- Avoiding any substance that can impair your alertness before the test.
- Heart Conditions
Heart health is a serious factor for CDL qualification.
Why drivers fail:
- History of heart attack or stroke without clearance
- Irregular heartbeat or pacemaker issues
- Not providing cardiologist reports or test results
What helps:
If you have a known heart condition, bring:
- A letter from your cardiologist stating you’re fit to drive
- Results from stress tests or echocardiograms
- Medication and treatment documentation
- Missing or Incorrect Paperwork
You’d be surprised how many people fail their exam simply because they didn’t bring the right documents.
Must-have items:
- A government-issued ID
- Your current driver’s license
- Any required glasses, hearing aids, or medications
- Medical history or specialist documentation, if applicable
Book smart:
When you make your appointment for the exam, ask your CDL Medical Examiner Florida to tell you what to bring so you’re fully prepared.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Failing a CDL physical isn’t the end of the road—but it can delay your ability to work. The good news: most problems are avoidable with some preparation and paperwork.
If you need your Physical for CDL Florida, get your prescriptions up to date, collect required records, and see your specialists. Choosing a provider like Dr. Weinberg at Transportation Medicine ensures you’re in expert hands.
Call now at (727) 648-2402 or email us at aweinberg@medavex.org to schedule your CDL physical with Dr. Weinberg and keep your career moving forward.