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.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

As of January 30, 2015, Class A, B, or C commercial drivers which certify as “non-exempted interstate” drivers are no longer required to carry their Medical Examiner Certificate in their possession.

Last Updated : August 20, 2015

No.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

No. There is no fee schedule.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

Does the legalization of the use and possession of marijuana by a State, or other country that has drivers who operate in the United States, change the treatment of marijuana use under federal regulations applicable to drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) (as defined in 49 CFR § 390.5)?

No. Marijuana, including a mixture or preparation containing marijuana, continues to be classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 21 CFR § 1308.11. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), a person is not physically qualified to drive a CMV if he or she uses any Schedule I controlled substance such as marijuana. (See 49 CFR §§ 391.11(b)(4) and 391.41(b)(12)). In addition to the physical qualification requirements, the FMCSRs prohibit a driver from being in possession of or under the influence of any Schedule I controlled substance, including marijuana, while on duty, and prohibit motor carriers from permitting a driver to be on duty if he or she possesses, is under the influence of, or uses a Schedule I controlled substance. (See 49 CFR §§ 392.2 and 392.4). Legalization of marijuana use by States and other jurisdictions also has not modified the application of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing regulations in 49 CFR parts 40 and 382. (See https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/medical-marijuana-notice and https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/odapc-notice-recreational-mj.pdf.)

Last Updated : October 23, 2017

Employer Requirements for Positives: Medical Review Officers (MROs) are required to maintain a signed or stamped and dated copy of Copy 2 of the control custody form (CCF) for positive drug test determinations. Are employers subject to the same requirement?

MRO record retention requirements for drug test results are found at §40.163.  Pursuant to §382.401, employers must maintain certain drug and alcohol testing records for five (5) years, including positive drug test results. Employers may maintain these records electronically so long as they are able to produce the records for inspection pursuant to §390.31.

Last Updated : May 14, 2015

The certificate is valid for 2 years. In addition, drivers with specific medical conditions require more frequent certification:
Hypertension (high blood pressure) stable on treatment 1 year
Heart disease 1 year
Qualified under 391.64 the original diabetes and vision waiver program 1 year
New insulin and vision exemption program 1 year
Driving in exempt intra-city zone 1 year
Determination by examiner that condition requires more frequent monitoring, such as diabetes mellitus or sleep disorders.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

You can contact the Medical Examiner that conducted your evaluation for a copy of your medical certification examination.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

Contact the MRB staff on (202) 366-4001 or fmcsamrb@fmcsa.dot.gov

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

For exemptions from Federal standards other than Diabetes or Vision, please refer to the FMCSRs in Section 381.210 and391.310

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

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. More information on MROs is available online at http://www.dot.gov/ost/dapc/mro.html.

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.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

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.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

The agency will issue a final decision within 180 days of the date it receives your completed application. However, if you leave out required information, it takes longer to complete your application.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

The Medical Examiner would advise FMCSA of the location of the records and the range of dates during which examinations were conducted for that employer.The Agency would then contact the previous employer to obtain the necessary information.

Last Updated : May 30, 2019

The driver should not return to driving sooner than 3 months after CABG, to allow the sternal incision to heal. The driver should meet all the following criteria:
Clearance by physician (usually cardiologist)
Resting echocardiogram with an LVEF >40% after CABG
Asymptomatic status with no angina

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

The fact that the driver possesses a valid Canadian commercial driver’s license, with the proper class for the vehicle configuration being operated, is proof that the driver demonstrated his/her ability to drive a commercial motor vehicle.

Last Updated : December 22, 2014

Yes, if you are a resident of Mexico or Canada. Drivers certified in Canada are certified to drive in the United States, providing they meet U.S. requirements. For Mexican drivers, the medical examination is part of the Licencia Federal. It is not necessary for Mexican drivers to carry a separate medical certifying document.

A CMV operator from Canada or Mexico who has been issued a valid commercial driver’s license by a Canadian Province or the Mexican Licencia Federal is no longer required to have a medical certificate. The driver’s medical exam is part of the driver’s license process and is proof of medical fitness to drive in the United States. However, Canadian and Mexican drivers who have epilepsy or who are hearing-and-vision impaired are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States. Furthermore, Canadian drivers who do not meet the medical fitness provisions of the Canadian National Safety Code for Motor Carriers but who have been issued a waiver by one of the Canadian Provinces or Territories are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States. Similarly, Mexican drivers who do not meet the medical fitness provision of The Licencia Federal de Conductor but who have been issued a waiver by The Licencia Federal de Conductor are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States.

Last Updated : February 12, 2020

Medical Examiners should follow the most current clinical guidelines; therefore after an MI, drivers should obtain an ejection fraction and ETT before returning to work and because of the CABG keeping the driver off work 3 months (not 2 as for MI) to allow time for sternal wound healing.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

There is surgery for Meniere's Disease. The FMCSA is now reviewing this issue in relation to certification.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

This is the Medical Examiner's decision.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014