Hearing Requirements for DOT Physicals: Passing the Whisper and Audiometer Tests

Safe commercial driving requires adequate hearing to detect horns, sirens, emergency signals, and vehicle anomalies. The FMCSA establishes two ways for drivers to pass the hearing portion of the physical.

The Two Ways to Pass the Hearing Test

Drivers only need to pass one of the following tests (usually, the examiner starts with the whisper test):

1. The Forced Whisper Test

• Requirement: You must hear a forced whisper in your better ear at a distance of not less than 5 feet, with or without a hearing aid.
• Procedure: The examiner blocks one ear, stands 5 feet away, and whispers a series of numbers or words. You must repeat them correctly.

2. Audiometric Testing (Audiogram)

• Requirement: If you fail the whisper test, you must pass an audiogram. The average hearing loss in your better ear must be 40 decibels (dB) or less at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz.
• Procedure: You will wear headphones and press a button when you hear tones at different frequencies.

If you wear hearing aids, bring them to the clinic. If you pass using a hearing aid, you must wear it while driving.

Check your requirements using the DOT Checklist. Ready? Schedule your DOT physical for $85.