Does a driver need a new physical when they return to work after a medical leave?

Any driver who has received a physical or mental injury or disease which has impaired their ability to perform normal duties must have a physical examination and obtain a new medical examiner’s certificate. However, if a driver returns from a medical leave, a new physical is not necessarily required unless the employer questions the driver’s abilities to perform his/her job duties. If the driver has a current, valid medical examiner’s certificate, a motor carrier can continue to accept this card if the driver’s abilities are not in question. In some cases, a motor carrier may wish to send a driver into a medical examiner who is familiar with the DOT regulations rather than accept a driver’s family physician’s opinion, especially if that physician is not familiar with the FMCSRs. The Interpretations for 391.45 emphasize the carrier’s role and responsibility to ensure that only medically qualified drivers are put behind the wheel.