DOT CERTIFICATION EVALUATION 2026
FULL SOLUTION VIEW AHEAD QUESTIONS
◉ Key point about corrective lenses
Answer: MUST be used while driving
Eyeglasses or contact lenses can be used to meet visual acuity
requirements
◉ What is used to measure vision for DOT exam? Key parameters.
Answer: SNELLEN CHART
The chart should be at least 20 feet away from the driver,
illuminated with white light. Can ask to skip to smaller lines. MUST
wear corrective lenses.
◉ Peripheral Vision
Answer: At least 70 degrees in horizontal meridian for EACH eye.
IF test results are inconclusive. must obtain specialist evaluation for
precise measurement of peripheral vision.
,◉ Color Vision
Answer: Red, Amber & Green even thought they may have some type
of color perception deficits.
Example: Showing 3 objects that correspond to colors OR Ishihara
Test
DO NOT DO TRAFFIC LIGHTS
◉ What part of the driver physical exam can be performed and
certified by another provider who is not the CME?
Answer: Vision
◉ Moncular Vision
Answer: When the individual only has ONE "good eye." This is
DISQUALIFYING. FMSCA created a rule called "Alternative Vision
Standard Final Rule" -- this got rid of the federal vision exemption.
Now, under this rule CMEs in consultation with eye doctor with new
report form can determine if they can certify.
If the person meets requirements in one eye only or has a prosthetic
eye, this is disqualifying.
,MONOVISION IS NOT DISQUALIFYING.
◉ Who can be certified even if they do NOT meet the vision
standards?
Answer: 1. People who have monocular vision
2. Those who do NOT meet FEILD OF vision standards in ONE EYE
DOES NOT APPLY TO PEOPLE WHO CANNOT SEE COLORS
◉ Alternative Vision Standard Final Rule
Answer: Before a driver can be certified under this regulation, the
driver must see an eye doctor who will complete the Vision
Evaluation Form MCSA-5871. Then within 45 days of having that
form complete, the individual can see the CME for DOT certification.
Medical examiner can ONLY accept the form within 45 days of it
being signed.
Can ONLY certify for up to 12 months.
◉ What are the regulations for someone who is using the 2022
Vision Regulation?
Answer: 1. In the better eye, must have at least 20/40 distant visual
acuity and > or equal to 70 degrees field of vision
, 2. Recognize the colors - red, green and amber
3. Have a stable vision deficiency
4. Enough time has passed since the person develop the vision issue
that they have adapted and been able to compensate
◉ How long can someone be certified if they do the 2022 Vision
Regulation? How long can someone be certified with monocular
vision>
Answer: 1 year or 12 months
◉ Person comes in without Form 5871 completed. Do you mark the
person as determination pending if they require it?
Answer: If they have active DOT certification or no active DOT
certification and no form -- must disqualify.
◉ Cataracts
Answer: - Opacification of lens which alters path of light to the optic
nerve and decreases visual acuity
- Certain conditions can accelerate cataract development including:
injury, exposure to radiation, gout, medications (steroids), and
diabetes
- Symptoms: night-time glare, diminished acuity/color/contrast,
light-scattering effects
- Treatment: Surgical removal and placement of artificial lenses
FULL SOLUTION VIEW AHEAD QUESTIONS
◉ Key point about corrective lenses
Answer: MUST be used while driving
Eyeglasses or contact lenses can be used to meet visual acuity
requirements
◉ What is used to measure vision for DOT exam? Key parameters.
Answer: SNELLEN CHART
The chart should be at least 20 feet away from the driver,
illuminated with white light. Can ask to skip to smaller lines. MUST
wear corrective lenses.
◉ Peripheral Vision
Answer: At least 70 degrees in horizontal meridian for EACH eye.
IF test results are inconclusive. must obtain specialist evaluation for
precise measurement of peripheral vision.
,◉ Color Vision
Answer: Red, Amber & Green even thought they may have some type
of color perception deficits.
Example: Showing 3 objects that correspond to colors OR Ishihara
Test
DO NOT DO TRAFFIC LIGHTS
◉ What part of the driver physical exam can be performed and
certified by another provider who is not the CME?
Answer: Vision
◉ Moncular Vision
Answer: When the individual only has ONE "good eye." This is
DISQUALIFYING. FMSCA created a rule called "Alternative Vision
Standard Final Rule" -- this got rid of the federal vision exemption.
Now, under this rule CMEs in consultation with eye doctor with new
report form can determine if they can certify.
If the person meets requirements in one eye only or has a prosthetic
eye, this is disqualifying.
,MONOVISION IS NOT DISQUALIFYING.
◉ Who can be certified even if they do NOT meet the vision
standards?
Answer: 1. People who have monocular vision
2. Those who do NOT meet FEILD OF vision standards in ONE EYE
DOES NOT APPLY TO PEOPLE WHO CANNOT SEE COLORS
◉ Alternative Vision Standard Final Rule
Answer: Before a driver can be certified under this regulation, the
driver must see an eye doctor who will complete the Vision
Evaluation Form MCSA-5871. Then within 45 days of having that
form complete, the individual can see the CME for DOT certification.
Medical examiner can ONLY accept the form within 45 days of it
being signed.
Can ONLY certify for up to 12 months.
◉ What are the regulations for someone who is using the 2022
Vision Regulation?
Answer: 1. In the better eye, must have at least 20/40 distant visual
acuity and > or equal to 70 degrees field of vision
, 2. Recognize the colors - red, green and amber
3. Have a stable vision deficiency
4. Enough time has passed since the person develop the vision issue
that they have adapted and been able to compensate
◉ How long can someone be certified if they do the 2022 Vision
Regulation? How long can someone be certified with monocular
vision>
Answer: 1 year or 12 months
◉ Person comes in without Form 5871 completed. Do you mark the
person as determination pending if they require it?
Answer: If they have active DOT certification or no active DOT
certification and no form -- must disqualify.
◉ Cataracts
Answer: - Opacification of lens which alters path of light to the optic
nerve and decreases visual acuity
- Certain conditions can accelerate cataract development including:
injury, exposure to radiation, gout, medications (steroids), and
diabetes
- Symptoms: night-time glare, diminished acuity/color/contrast,
light-scattering effects
- Treatment: Surgical removal and placement of artificial lenses
