Am I eligible for a CDL if I have a defibrillator?
No.
What medications disqualify a CDL driver?
You cannot take a controlled substance or prescription medication without a prescription from a licensed practitioner.
You are not qualified if you use a controlled substance identified in 21 CFR 1308.11 Schedule I, an amphetamine, a narcotic or any other habit-forming drug.
There is an exception. The prescribing doctor can write that you are able to operate a commercial vehicle safely while taking the medication. In this case, the medical examiner may, but does not have to, certify the driver.
What happens if a driver is not truthful about the health history on the DOT Medical Examination Report?
The FMCSA medical certification process is designed to ensure drivers are physically qualified to operate commercial vehicles safely. Each driver is required to complete the Health History section on the first page of the examination report and certify that the responses are complete and true.
Am I prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle if I have a medical condition that developed after my last medical certificate was issued?
You are required to notify us of a physical condition that develops or worsens, causing noncompliance with the CDL physical qualifications, as soon as your medical condition allows. Once the medical condition is resolved and before resuming operation of commercial vehicles, you are responsible for obtaining recertification from a medical examiner.
For how long is my medical certification valid?
A medical certification is valid for two years, unless otherwise specified for a shorter period by the medical examiner.
What is the procedure if the DOT Medical Examination Report and/or Medical Examiner Certificate is damaged, is lost or cannot be read?
A copy should be on file in the medical examiner's office. You may request a replacement copy from the medical examiner, or a copy may be available from your employer.
What is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)?
Effective Jan. 1, 2000, the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 created the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as a separate administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation. The primary mission of FMCSA is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. FMCSA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and employs more than 1,000 individuals in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. For more information, go to About FMCSA on the FMCSA website.
What medical criteria are required to obtain a medical certification?
Please visit Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.