How Lifestyle Changes Can Help You Pass Your CDL Medical Exam in Florida

The CDL medical examination is an evaluation of some major health aspects, primarily vision, hearing, blood pressure, and chronic health issues. Failing your medical exam can impact your ability to get certified or recertified, but a lot of these issues could be improved through some lifestyle changes to help you stay safe, compliant and on the road.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

For most people, being overweight is not only affecting how you look and feel, it can potentially lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea; and that will most likely impact passing your exam. 

What Can You Do:

• Stay away from shelf-stable junks and sugary drinks – they provide a fast source of fuel, but not a good one!
• Lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is a great basis of a healthy meal plan.
• Eat smaller meals, more often to keep your blood sugars steady.
• Drink plenty of water – drinking water is good for you overall as well.

2. Exercise Regularly

Being active doesn’t have to mean you have to spend hours at the gym. Even small amounts of movement will help your heart, manage weight and lower your stress level, all of which can help you during your Physical for CDL Florida.

Simple Ways to Stay Active:

• Get in at least 150 minutes of light to moderate activity a week – different options include walking, biking, or even dancing.
• Add some simple strength activities a couple times a week.
• Take breaks to stretch or move your body while driving, it all adds up!

3. Control your blood pressure

Elevated blood pressure is considered one of the most common reasons for drivers not passing their exam, and it is preventable!

Here are some recommendations to help lower blood pressure:

• Reduce salt intake.
• Limit or abstain from alcohol intake.
• Drop a few pounds (it helps a lot!). 
• Learn a few relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. 
• Take your medicine regularly (if prescribed). 

4. Manage Sleep Apnea 

Sleep apnea interferes with your breathing while you sleep, and if untreated it may also interfere with your certification.

What you can do:

• Look for symptoms (snoring, morning headaches, tired from sleeping).
• If your doctor recommends a sleep test, don’t delay as it can take you in the direction of appropriate treatment.
• Wear your CPAP machine (if prescribed).
• Do not engage in substance use, alcohol or pills close to when you go to bed, it can worsen sleep apnea.

5. Reduce smoking and drinking

Smoking and abusing alcohol can cause issues with your body and your lungs, heart and liver in particular. These habits also reduce your likelihood of passing your exam.

Consider healthier options:

• If you smoke, quit. Talk to your doctor, or find a quit-smoking program. 
• Replace smoke breaks with a walk or stretch. 
• Drink little alcohol—or none at all.

6. Manage Your Blood Sugar

If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar under control is key—not just for your health, but for your exam results too.

Stay on Track By:

• Checking your blood sugar regularly.
• Eating foods that support stable blood sugar (low sugar, high fiber).
• Exercise regularly, even if it’s a daily walk. 
• Take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
• Having regular check-ups and lab tests. 

7. Be Prepared on Exam Day

Seeing a CDL Medical Examiner Florida doesn’t have to be stressful—especially if you show up ready.

How to Prep:

• Bring your medical history, particularly if you have any chronic health issues.
• Get a solid night of sleep the night before.
• Avoid the coffee or energy drinks beforehand—they can heighten your blood pressure.
• Dress in comfortable clothing so the examiner has easy access to check everything out.
• Be honest about your medical history—it serves you better.