The following individuals must be medically examined and certified as physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Persons who must be medically examined and certified include:
(a) Any person who has not been medically examined and certified as physically qualified to operate a CMV;
(b) Any driver who has not been medically examined and certified as qualified to operate a CMV during the preceding 24 months unless the driver is required to be examined and certified in accordance with paragraph (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g) of this section;
(c) Any driver authorized to operate a CMV only with an exempt intra-city zone pursuant to 49 CFR 391.62, Limited exemptions for intra-city zone drivers, if such driver has not been medically examined and certified as qualified to drive in such a zone during the preceding 12 months;
(d) Any driver authorized to operate a CMV only by operation of the exemption in § 391.64, if such driver has not been medically examined and certified as qualified to drive during the preceding 12 months;
(e) Any driver who has diabetes mellitus treated with insulin for control and who has obtained a medical examiner’s certificate under the standards in 49 CFR 391.46, Physical qualification standards for an individual with diabetes mellitus treated with insulin for control, if such driver’s most recent medical examination and certification as qualified to drive did not occur during the preceding 12 months;
(f) Any driver who does not satisfy, with the worse eye, either the distant visual acuity standard with corrective lenses or the field of vision standard, or both, in § 391.41(b)(10)(i) and who has obtained a medical examiner's certificate under the standards in § 391.44, if such driver's most recent medical examination and certification as qualified to drive did not occur during the preceding 12 months;
(g) Any driver whose ability to perform his/her normal duties has been impaired by a physical or mental injury or disease, and
(h) On or after June 23, 2025, any person found by a medical examiner not to be physically qualified to operate a CMV under the provisions of paragraph (g) (3) of § 391.43 Medical examination; certificate of physical examination.
See our blog: Driver CDL Physical Examination Checklist
For more information regarding NRCME guidelines and regulations, please contact the DOT directly at FMCTECHSUP@dot.gov (recommended) or by telephone at 617-494-3003.
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