While the state driver licensing agencies are responsible for issuing licenses to commercial drivers, the FMCSA sets the standards (found in 49 CFR 391.41) for drivers' minimum levels of physical fitness, and determines who can perform the physical exams.

• The FMCSA Medical Programs website is the main source of information on FMCSA physical standards and programs.
• The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners lists medical professionals who have completed training and successfully passed a test on FMCSA's physical qualification standards, and are certified to perform FMCSA physical exams for commercial drivers.
• The Medical Examiner's Certificate is completed by the person who performed the exam, and certifies that the driver is physically qualified to drive a CMV. If they prefer a medical "card," Drivers can purchase a separate blank medical card from a supplier of motor carrier forms (e.g., State trucking association) before the exam and ask the examiner to complete and sign it, in addition to the Medical Examination Report form, or they can print the Certificate on cardstock.
• Drivers may apply for exemptions to some of the standards, such as loss of a limb, vision or diabetes standards. Information on how to apply for these exemptions is available on the FMCSA Medical Exemptions page.

For assistance with interpretation of FMCSA CDL medical standards, please contact the FMCSA Physical Qualifications Division directly:

• Email: FMCSAMedical@dot.gov
• Phone: 202-366-4001