ATTN Commercial Drivers

As of May 21, 2014 all new USDOT physicals for commercial drivers must be performed by Certified Medical Examiners. The FMCSA physical examination is required to help ensure that a person is medically qualified to safely operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). In the interest of public safety, CMV drivers are held to higher physical, mental and emotional standards than passenger car drivers.These physicals are required at least every two years to obtain a valid medical certificate, maintain their CDL and legally operate a commercial motor vehicle. Carriers who have a current medical certificate, are not required to obtain a physical through a certified medical examiner until the expiration shown on their current medical card.

FMCSA developed the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners program as part of the agency’s commitment to enhancing the medical oversight of interstate drivers, and preventing commercial vehicle-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Currently there are approximately 22,000 listed on the National Registry with another 27,000 that have begun the certification process. To learn more, visit http://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov.

To find out more information see the full news release from the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.