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CDL Medical Examination & Physical Qualifications
Requirements
To qualify for a commercial driver license (CDL) you must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination performed in accordance with CFR 49 §391.41 and CFR 49 §391.43.
 
DOT medical examinations are conducted by a licensed medical examiner as defined in CFR 49 §390.5. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Doctors of Medicine (MD);
  • Doctors of Osteopathy (DO);
  • Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine (ND);
  • Advanced Practice Nurses (APN);
  • Physician Assistants (PA); and
  • Doctors of Chiropractic (DC).
To find a medical examiner, you may contact your primary care provider to inquire if they will conduct a "DOT medical exam". You may also find a medical examiner in the yellow pages of your telephone book, or on the internet by using an Internet directory or search engine.
 
The examiner will provide you with a medical examiners certificate that you must show to DMV and carry with you whenever you operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). A medical examiners certificate will also be required, even if you don’t have a CDL, if you operate a CMV, in interstate commerce, with a gross vehicle rating in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Required Forms
If your medical examiner does not have the required forms, they may be obtained from:
 
J.J. Keller (item WW-015-MP) by calling 1-877-564-2333 or via the Internet using the "Medical Examinations and Reports" link at: http://www.jjkeller.com/browse/product.html?group_id=6232&ticket=7982571223965086058084107611&pageseq=10001, or
 
Willamette Traffic Bureau (item 202B and 20A) by calling 1-800-727-7293 or (503) 236-1183, or via the Internet using the "Driver Qualification" link at http://www.wtbtraffic.com.
 
Alternatively, your examiner may print a copy of the forms directly from the FMCSA web site.

Expiration
Medical examiners certificates are valid for no more than two years. Some medical conditions may require you to have a physical examination more frequently and others may disqualify you from driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).

Physical Qualifications
Physical qualifications are listed in CFR 49 §391.41.
 
If you do not meet the vision or diabetes physical qualification standards or have a loss or impairment of limbs (arms, hands, fingers, legs or feet) and want to operate an interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV), you may be able to satisfy alternative physical qualifications or qualify for an exemption. Contact the Oregon State office of FMCSA at (503) 399-5775 for additional details.  Information is also available on the FMCSA web site.

If you cannot meet the medical qualifications for CMV interstate commerce operation, you may qualify for a Waiver of Physical Disqualification. This waiver, available from DMV, would permit operation of a CMV used in Oregon intrastate commerce only. Call (503) 945-0891 for specific details.
 

 
Page updated: September 02, 2008

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