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['Physical exam - Motor Carrier']
['Physical exam - Motor Carrier']
07/02/2025
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InstitutePhysical exam - Motor CarrierFleet SafetyPhysical exam - Motor CarrierTransportationWhat Would you Do QuestionsEnglishAnalysisFocus AreaUSA
Is an exam required after a medical leave?
Scenario: Ron is a commercial driver whose last medical certificate was issued nine months ago. He has over a year left on his current medical card.
Ron recently took a leave of absence to take care of a hernia issue. He is due back to work in a few days, and Shaya, the carrier’s driver supervisor, has concerns whether Ron needs a new medical exam upon return. According to Ron, his family doctor is clearing him to return to work with no limitations. But Shaya wants to protect her company from using a medically unqualified driver.
Shaya wants to schedule a DOT driver physical exam before Ron’s return date. She would rather be safe than sorry.
Question: Is Shaya permitted by the DOT to request a new physical exam of Ron?
Click below to see answer.
Is an exam required after a medical leave?: Answer
Answer: Yes.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires a new exam anytime the driver’s medical qualifications change and call into question fitness for duty. This is specified in 391.45(g) when it states a new exam is required if the driver’s ability to perform normal duties has been impaired by a physical or mental injury or disease.
The following guidance to 391.45 from FMCSA gives Shaya permission to seek the new exam and even places an obligation on the motor carrier to only use medically qualified drivers:
- Question 3: Must a driver who is returning from an illness or injury undergo a medical examination even if his current medical certificate has not expired?
- Guidance: The FMCSRs do not require an examination in this case unless the injury or illness has impaired the driver’s ability to perform his/her normal duties. However, the motor carrier may require a driver returning from any illness or injury to take a physical examination. But, in either case, the motor carrier has the obligation to determine if an injury or illness renders the driver medically unqualified.
physical-exam-motor-carrier
Physical exam - Motor Carrier
physical-exam-motor-carrier
Physical exam - Motor Carrier
Is an exam required after a medical leave?
Scenario: Ron is a commercial driver whose last medical certificate was issued nine months ago. He has over a year left on his current medical card.
Ron recently took a leave of absence to take care of a hernia issue. He is due back to work in a few days, and Shaya, the carrier’s driver supervisor, has concerns whether Ron needs a new medical exam upon return. According to Ron, his family doctor is clearing him to return to work with no limitations. But Shaya wants to protect her company from using a medically unqualified driver.
Shaya wants to schedule a DOT driver physical exam before Ron’s return date. She would rather be safe than sorry.
Question: Is Shaya permitted by the DOT to request a new physical exam of Ron?
Click below to see answer.
Is an exam required after a medical leave?: Answer
Answer: Yes.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires a new exam anytime the driver’s medical qualifications change and call into question fitness for duty. This is specified in 391.45(g) when it states a new exam is required if the driver’s ability to perform normal duties has been impaired by a physical or mental injury or disease.
The following guidance to 391.45 from FMCSA gives Shaya permission to seek the new exam and even places an obligation on the motor carrier to only use medically qualified drivers:
- Question 3: Must a driver who is returning from an illness or injury undergo a medical examination even if his current medical certificate has not expired?
- Guidance: The FMCSRs do not require an examination in this case unless the injury or illness has impaired the driver’s ability to perform his/her normal duties. However, the motor carrier may require a driver returning from any illness or injury to take a physical examination. But, in either case, the motor carrier has the obligation to determine if an injury or illness renders the driver medically unqualified.
Scenario: Ron is a commercial driver whose last medical certificate was issued nine months ago. He has over a year left on his current medical card.
Ron recently took a leave of absence to take care of a hernia issue. He is due back to work in a few days, and Shaya, the carrier’s driver supervisor, has concerns whether Ron needs a new medical exam upon return. According to Ron, his family doctor is clearing him to return to work with no limitations. But Shaya wants to protect her company from using a medically unqualified driver.
Shaya wants to schedule a DOT driver physical exam before Ron’s return date. She would rather be safe than sorry.
Question: Is Shaya permitted by the DOT to request a new physical exam of Ron?
Click below to see answer.
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Answer
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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.