Department of Transportation Exams

Introduction

The Federal Government and most states require physical examinations for motor vehicle operators of commercial vehicles. The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations §§391.41-49, which include the required physical qualifications applicable to drivers of common, contract, and private carriers. The regulations include instructions for performing and recording the physical examination and a form to be used as a medical examiner’s certificate. Noncompliance subjects the employee and employer to substantial fines and penalties.

Categories

Pre-placement
Periodic
Re-certification
Return to Duty

Contents of Examination

Review Health History for Indications:

Impairment of limbs	Respiratory dysfunction	Sleep Disorders
Diabetes Mellitus	Epilepsy	Alcohol and Drugs
Heart Disease	Psychiatric/Mental Disorder	Head or Spinal Injuries
Muscular Disease	Neurological Disease	Gastrointestinal Disease
Kidney Disease	Lung Disease

Physical Examination:

General Appearance Heart and Lungs Genitourinary/Hernia Vision Ears, Mouth and Throat Extremities Hearing (whisper) Abdomen Vascular System Blood Pressure  Hernia  Spine Pulse    Gastrointestinal            Reflexes

Laboratory:

Urinalysis-Specific Gravity, Albumin, and Sugar tests.

Report

The signed medical certificate will be sent to the employer for distribution.