Commercial drivers’ alertness is critical to highway safety. Driving a large truck or bus is not like driving a passenger vehicle. Blind spots, stopping time and distance, and limited maneuverability, require you to be in top driving performance.
As a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver, you are responsible for your own safety, as well as the safety of all the people who share the road with you. The physical exam you take for your medical certificate confirms that you are healthy enough to safely operate a CMV and help keep our nation’s roads safe.
Beginning May 21, 2014, those who are DOT required or applying/renewing their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) must have their medical examination performed by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Drivers can no longer get their DOT physicals performed by their general practitioner, internal medicine physician, chiropractor or other provider unless that provider is a DOT certified medical examiner and listed on the National Registry.
You can ask your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for DOT physical locations available in your area. Our San Ramon medical center is at the heart of San Francisco Bay Area’s East Bay. We offer a wide range of occupational, drug, DNA testing and other services in a multi-disciplinary team setting
Commercial Medical Exam FAQs
Is it possible to get exemptions for some medical conditions?
The FMCSA may grant an exemption from the FMCSRs if the agency determines it is in the public interest and would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by complying with the safety regulation. FMCSA currently has exemption programs for vision and insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, and offers a certificate program for drivers with limb impairments. FMCSA also has a special certification program for drivers with missing and/or impaired limbs. There are procedures applicants must follow to apply for exemptions and can be viewed at 49 CFR 381.330.
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Does my driving record affect my eligibility for a medical certificate?
No.
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Can I still get a medical certificate if I have a medical condition that is being treated by a physician?
The decision is made by the Medical Examiner. The examiner may request information about the driver’s condition from their treating doctor. In general, certification is permitted if the driver does not have a condition, use medication or receive treatment that impairs safe driving.
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
How long does it take to get my medical certificate once my medical examination is complete?
The FMCSRs do not specify that the Medical Examiner must give a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the driver immediately following the examination. The Medical Examiner may require additional medical tests or reports from your treating physician.
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
How do Medical Examiners differ from Medical Review Officers?
A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a licensed physician responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory results generated by an employer’s drug testing program and evaluating medical explanations for test results. Medical Examiner means a person who is licensed, certified, or registered, in accordance with applicable State laws and regulations to perform physical examinations. This includes but is not limited to doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses and doctors of chiropractic.
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
How can I get a copy of my medical evaluation file?
You can contact the Medical Examiner that conducted your evaluation for a copy of your medical certification examination.
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Will my employer have access to my medical evaluation?
Although the FMCSRs do not require the Medical Examiner to give a copy of the Medical Examination Report to the employer, the FMCSA does not prohibit employers from obtaining copies of the medical examination form (long form). Medical Examiners should have a release form signed by the driver if the employer wishes to obtain a copy of the medical examination form (long form).
Employers must comply with applicable State and Federal laws regarding the privacy and maintenance of employee medical information. For information about the Privacy Rule contact the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services toll-free 1-866-627-7748.
What medical criteria are required to obtain a medical certificate?
The physical qualification regulations for CMV drivers in interstate commerce are found at Section 391.41(b) of the FMCSRs. They are accessible on the FMCSA’s Web site at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm. FMCSA has published medical conference reports as recommendations to assist Medical Examiners determine whether a driver is qualified under Section 391.41(b).
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Read More Medical Requirements FAQs
For more information and or to schedule an examination, please contact us at East Bay Occupational Testing / San Ramon Occupational Center at 925-275-9350.
Serving and providing testing and evaluations for DOT and commercial drivers for San Ramon, Danville, Pleasanton, Tracy, Livermore, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Fremont, Lathrop, Stockton, Oakland, Concord, Antioch, Brentwood, and surrounding areas.
