If you plan on getting behind the wheel of a big rig, then you’ll need a CDL medical certification before you can hit the road.
A CDL medical certification is a medical card that is required for CDL drivers and interstate commerce drivers to be able to operate safety-sensitive driving equipment.
The Department of Transportation requires these cards and the CDL medical card to ensure that truck drivers are healthy and fully capable of doing the regular duties of their job. Medical certification is required for commercial drivers who operate interstate commerce. Without having this card, a truck driver can run the risk of losing their career.
Who Is Required To Have Medical Certification?
The requirements for who needs a CDL medical certification can vary from state to state.
- If you do any interstate driving, then you will need your CDL medical certification except for certain drivers. However, when it comes to intrastate work you need a medical card for certain situations.
- Vehicles with gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight rating of 1,001 pounds or more are required to have your medical card.
- Any vehicle that was designed to transport more than 15 people or more than 8 people when there is direct compensation involved.
- If you operate any vehicles transporting hazardous materials you are required to have your medical certification.
Your state licensing agency may also require you to certify what type of driving you will be doing and there are some exemptions for who needs a medical card.
What Drivers Don’t Need a CDL?
Now that you know who needs CDL, who doesn’t qualify?
These people don’t need a CDL:
- Government employees
- Firetruck or rescue drivers
- Drivers who transport children between home and school
- Anyone operating farm equipment
Of course, if you are unsure if you need a CDL medical certification or not, you can simply contact your state licensing agency. Different states also have their medical requirements, so be sure to check on that.
How To Get CDL Medical Certification
The process for getting your CDL medical certification card is fairly easy and requires a few steps.
Getting Your Medical Certification Card
- Contact an approved medical provider
- Take DOT physical exam
- Submit your info to the local DMV
Now, let’s get into each of these steps in more detail below.
Find a FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner
To get your medical certification you need to find an approved Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certified medical examiner.
Complete the DOT Physical Exam
When you find an examiner that can give you the exam, they’ll give you a physical where they’ll check your vitals, testing your urine, hearing, and vision.
The exam consists of two parts, the physical is the first part. The second part of the exam entails the examiner asking you a few questions. They will outline and ask if you’ve had any surgeries if you take any medications and your medical history.
There is no weight requirement, however, there are some medical conditions that can disqualify you. Those conditions are hearing loss, vision loss, loss of limb, and epilepsy. If you have lost a limb you can take an additional skills test to get your medical certificate. And if your hearing and vision can be corrected then you can also pass your exam.
Submit Your Info to Your DMV
If you meet all the requirements for a medical card, then you will be approved and the card is good for 24 months. If for some reason the examiner feels that you do not meet the standards for a CDL medical certification, then you can get a second opinion.
Once you have your certification card, you need to make a copy of the certificate and turn in the results to your state driving agency.
Stay On Top Of Renewal
It’s important to follow the renewal guidelines for your medical card. Your certification can be renewed every 24 months and commercial drivers who have a documented health condition that doesn’t impair their performance may have to renew it every 12 months.
Some conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea could require a driver to renew their certification every 12 months.
If you don’t complete your CDL medical certification on time you will lose your CDL privileges and some states can require you to redo the testing process all over again.
Final Thoughts
By keeping your CDL medical certification current, you won’t run into problems or lose money because your driving privileges are revoked. Make sure you’re always on top of your CDL medical certification renewal date that way you can stay on the road.