Physical Examinations
If you are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, you must have a physical every two years.
To have a hazardous materials endorsement, you must meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations except for age requirements for intrastate travel.
Physical must be performed by a nationally certified examiner.
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (National Registry) is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) program. All commercial drivers whose current medical certificate expires must be examined by a medical professional listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Only medical examiners that have completed training and successfully passed a test on FMCSA's physical qualification standards will be listed on the National Registry.
CDL Medical Self-Certification
If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or are applying for a CDL, you are required to certify the following information with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):
- The type of driving you are engaged in (interstate or intrastate) and
- Whether or not you are subject to or exempt from the medical examination requirements of 49 CFR part 391
What you need to know:
- Applies to drivers applying for, renewing, upgrading, or replacing a commercial driver’s license, class A, B, or C
- As a commercial driver, if there is a change in your medical status or interstate/intrastate status, you must provide DMV with a new self-certification form, and if necessary new medical examination documents
- Self-certification is required by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Reference: 49 CFR 383.71 and 383.73.
FMCSA Driver Exemption Programs (Diabetes and Vision Exemption)
The Federal Diabetes and Vision Exemption Programs have specific requirements and requests for hearing and seizure exemptions. These requests may include medical exams, employment history, driving experience, and motor vehicle records which must be submitted with the application. The Agency will make a final decision within 180 days of receipt of the complete application. Visit FMCSA for details.
Updated medical certificates may be submitted online
If you have questions about the process or wish to submit your updated medical online use our contact form.