Everything You Need to Know About Truck Drivers’ Medical Requirements

Congratulations, you have been called for an interview at your preferred company for the commercial driver’s position. However, you will be required to submit a medical certification by a National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners member.

This certification is mandatory for all commercial drivers, and if you already have one released two years ago, you will need to renew it. Here’s all you need to know about truck drivers’ medical requirements.

The Physical Exam For Commercial Drivers

The examination is divided into two categories. The first one is the medical report that the candidate fills out. In this report or form, you must fill in your medical history, medication or recent injuries, allergies, etc. The examiner will then discuss these with you.

The second part of the test will take longer, and it includes the following,

• Vision examination
• Hearing examination
• Blood pressure examination
• Urinalysis
• Heart, Lungs, Limbs, Skin, and Throat examination

Once you clear the examination, the medical examiner has the full authority to declare you fit or otherwise for the job. A successful medical will get you the certificate you need for your job. However, this will be valid for two years only.

What are the ​​Disqualifying Conditions of the Examination

Here are significant issues that may lead to disqualification. 

​​Disqualifying Conditions

• Commercial drivers must have stable blood pressure. You will need your blood pressure around 140/90 or below to pass your physical.
• The urinalysis examination is for your blood, sugar, and proteins. It will enable the examiner to look for health problems affecting your performance. Drug testing has a set of other procedures that come later.
• If you have diabetes, your certificate will have an expiry of one year only.
• Epilepsy or seizures are a no-go; you get an automatic disqualification.
• Suppose you take any medication that may affect your performance as a commercial driver. In that case, you should notify the doctor because the effects will show in your blood tests.

Here’s everything a commercial driver should know about the medical

Yearly Renewal:

The medical certificate is valid for two years; however, with commercial drivers suffering from abnormal blood, heart diseases, diabetes, and hypertension, a yearly renewal is required.

Keep the Certificate At Hand At All Times

You will need to keep your valid certificate of health with you at all times. A copy of the certificate will suffice as proof.

Medical examiners have All The Authority.

As mentioned earlier, the examiner has all the authority to pass or fail the candidate. Even if the medication the candidate takes is prescribed, the medical examiner can disqualify the candidate based on posing a risk to himself or the public.

Honesty is Essential

The blood and urine tests reveal all, so if you think of lying on the form, beware; you may be disqualified. Not only that, but you may also face a civil penalty for lying about your health.

Conclusion

Your employer will get a notification whether you pass the test or not. A commercial driver’s job isn’t easy. Pre-employment medical is an effective way to judge the candidate’s mental and physical health.