A driver must pass a medical examination and be issued a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (49 CFR 391.41). For non-CDL holders, the carrier must keep a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate in the driver’s qualification file.
For CDL holders, the motor carrier employer must obtain the CDLIS MVR defined at 49 CFR 384.105. The CDLIS MVR must be obtained from the current licensing State and placed in the driver qualification file. See exceptions as noted in 49 CFR 391.51(b)(7)(ii). CDL drivers must submit a copy of their medical examiner’s certificate to their State Drivers Licensing Agency.
The driver must renew the certificate every two years, unless the medical examiner specifies a date of less than two years on the certificate. Medical examinations must be performed by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners under subpart D of part 390.
See 49 CFR 391.41 to learn more about the physical requirements for drivers.
Drivers with physical impairments which affect their ability to safely operate CMVs according to their medical examiners, or with missing limbs (e.g., hand, arm, foot, or leg), are required to obtain a Skill Performance Evaluation certificate.