{"id":2118,"date":"2017-07-11T10:52:33","date_gmt":"2017-07-11T14:52:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alltruckjobs.com\/blog\/?p=2118"},"modified":"2019-08-21T12:05:14","modified_gmt":"2019-08-21T16:05:14","slug":"vision-requirements-for-cdl-drivers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alltruckjobs.com\/blog\/vision-requirements-for-cdl-drivers\/","title":{"rendered":"Vision Requirements for CDL Drivers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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As just about anyone in the industry will tell you, commercial driving<\/a> is a job that demands the utmost precision, safety, and continued awareness of your surroundings in order to be successful. Most are aware of the fact that trucking across the country is a profession12 depending on people with a high capacity for physical and mental endurance. With all sorts of regulations and health standards, commercial drivers need to meet strict criteria in terms of their health and physical requirements. One of the single most important aspects of staying safe and efficient on the road is meeting vision requirements for CDL drivers.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Vision Requirements for CDL Drivers<\/h2>\n

With millions of people on the road each second of the day, one of the most important aspects of someone\u2019s ability to operate a commercial vehicle is their vision. Whether you are considering becoming a commercial driver or have been in the business for years, it\u2019s important to maintain the health of your eyes however possible! These vision requirements for CDL drivers are very strict, though it\u2019s all for good reason.<\/p>\n

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Tests to Determine Good Eyesight<\/h2>\n

The most common test for ensuring someone has met the vision requirements for CDL drivers is known as the Snellen Test. This is the standard doctor\u2019s eye chart or vision chart test measuring a driver\u2019s ability to see as clearly as a person with average vision can see at the same distance. People with 20\/20 vision are able to distinguish the same size text from 20 feet away as the standard for average vision.<\/p>\n

However, the vision requirements for CDL drivers go one step further. To obtain your CDL, individuals must have 20\/40 vision, meaning they can read text from 40 feet away with the same accuracy of the average person being only 20 feet away. If a driver doesn\u2019t meet this requirement, it\u2019s likely they\u2019ll receive glasses or contact lenses to achieve this Snellen score.<\/p>\n

Range of Vision<\/h2>\n

Seeing the vision requirements for CDL drivers isn\u2019t all about being able to read small text from 40 feet away \u2014 you must also have a healthy range of vision. In order to be safe on the road, it\u2019s required that a driver\u2019s vision extends at least 70 degrees to each side. Having a full range of peripheral vision is extremely important in terms of becoming aware of other vehicles, making turns, or just avoiding objects on the road. Unfortunately, for drivers who suffer from a visual impairment such as tunnel vision, it can become unlikely that they will ever earn a CDL.<\/p>\n

Seeing the Right Colors<\/h2>\n

Another factor that can disqualify individuals from meeting the vision requirements for CDL drivers is color blindness. Although most people are aware of whether or not they are colorblind to start with, there are several different types<\/a>, each presenting different difficulties for people with these traits. Essentially, any type of color blindness which makes it difficult for someone to identify the colors of traffic lights and signs will likely cause them to become ineligible for a commercial driving career.<\/p>\n

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An example of a vision test used for certain types of color blindness.<\/p><\/div>\n

How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy<\/h2>\n

Whether you have perfect vision or there\u2019s room for improvement, there are several things you can do to ensure your eyes stay healthy for a long career of commercial driving.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

1. Eat for Your Eyes<\/strong> \u2014 Foods rich in Vitamins A, C, and E such as strawberries, oranges, eggs, salmon, almonds, carrots, crab, and turkey can all support healthy eyes.<\/p>\n

2. Exercise your Eyes<\/strong> \u2014 Rolling your eyes in circular motions, massaging your temples, and even warming your eyes with the palms of your hands for minutes at a time can help you avoid fatigue and keep these muscles strong.<\/p>\n

3. Wear Sunglasses<\/strong> \u2014 This is huge! Driving on the road during all times of the day can really take a toll on your eye\u2019s health. Always opt for UV protecting lenses and make sure the tint of the lenses still allow you to accurately identify colors when necessary.<\/p>\n

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