From the Guidelines
A commercial driver's license (CDL) medical examination requires drivers to meet specific health standards to ensure road safety, and the exam must be conducted by a certified medical examiner listed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's National Registry. The exam includes assessments of vision, hearing, blood pressure, and physical ability to operate commercial vehicles safely 1. Drivers need to pass these assessments, which include having at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction and 70-degree peripheral vision, being able to hear a forced whisper from 5 feet away, and having a blood pressure generally below 140/90 mmHg. The examiner will also review the driver's medical history, including conditions like diabetes, heart disease, seizures, sleep apnea, and substance use disorders 1.
Some key points to consider during the examination include:
- The evaluation of drivers with diabetes, which should include an assessment by the treating physician or another diabetes specialist to determine whether the driver has a condition that impairs their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle 1
- The consideration of a history of hypoglycemia, which does not necessarily mean an individual cannot be a safe driver, but rather should trigger an evaluation to determine the cause and likelihood of recurrence 1
- The importance of not determining risk for driving mishaps based on a driver’s glycosylated hemoglobin, as episodic transitions into hypoglycemia increase the risk of driving mishaps 1
- The need for insulin-dependent diabetics and drivers with certain cardiac conditions to provide additional documentation, and for most drivers to undergo the examination every two years, though some medical conditions may require more frequent monitoring 1
The goal of the CDL medical examination is to ensure that commercial drivers are physically and mentally fit to operate large vehicles for extended periods, making public safety the top priority. By following these guidelines and considering the individual circumstances of each driver, certified medical examiners can help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users 1.
From the Research
Requirements for a Commercial Driver's License Medical Examination
To obtain or maintain a commercial driver's license, individuals must undergo a medical examination to ensure they can safely perform all driving and non-driving work-related tasks. The following are key points to consider:
- The medical examination aims to assess the driver's ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle, considering their medical history and current health status 2.
- The examination must follow mandated medical standards and consider medical advisory criteria, with the medical examiner providing substantial expert guidance in making certification determinations 2.
- Common medical conditions that may impact a driver's certification include obesity, hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, seizures, stroke, neurological, and vascular conditions 3.
- The prevalence of these conditions is high among commercial drivers, with some conditions linked to an increased risk of crashes, emphasizing the importance of health assessments 4.
- Medical examiners should consider the driver's overall health and medical history, as well as any potential risks associated with their condition, when making certification decisions 3, 2.
- The medical examination should include an assessment of the driver's vision, cognitive, and neurological function, as well as their medical history and any medications they are taking 5.
- Drivers with certain medical conditions may be required to undergo more frequent medical examinations or may be subject to specific restrictions on their driving privileges 3, 2.