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Mandatory training for new Class 1 and Class 2 commercial drivers will result in safer, more highly skilled drivers working in the truck and bus industries. Effective March 1, 2019, drivers seeking a Class 1 (tractor trailer) or Class 2 (bus) licence are required to complete Mandatory Entry-Level. TypesDMV now issues three different document types. Learn more about Enhanced, REAL ID and Standard documents. ClassesRefer to the table below for general New York State Driver License class descriptions.For more information, seeDriver license endorsement and restriction codesExplanation of License Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions (MV-500C).
This document provides guidelines for medical eligibility criteria for commercial drivers and class A and B non-commercial licensed drivers.
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Federal Standards

All commercial drivers who drive interstate must meet the standards of the Federal Highway Administration of the Department of Transportation as set forth in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), Subpart E, 391.41 through 49.

California Standards

Vehicle Code 12804.9 requires that the department determine whether the applicant is mentally and physically fit to operate a motor vehicle, and permits the department to consider the standards required by federal regulations in establishing California medical requirements for commercial driver licenses. It also provides that any physical defect of the applicant which, in the opinion of the department, is compensated for to ensure safe driving ability, will not prevent the issuance of the license. Vehicle Code 12809 authorizes the department to refuse to issue a commercial license to any person not meeting the medical requirements.

California Regulations

Title 13, Article 2.1, 28.18 and 28.19, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) provides the minimum physical and medical requirements for Class A, B, or Commercial Class C driver licenses. These are the same standards required of motor carrier drivers by the Federal Highway Administration of the Department of Transportation.

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Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations guidelines for various medical conditions.
Condition Driver is Qualified if: Exceptions/Considerations
Loss of or Limited Use of Extremities Loss or impairment of an extremity or any significant limb defect or limitation does not interfere with the ability to perform normal tasks associated with operating a motor vehicle. The driver may be granted a waiver pursuant to Title 49, §391.49 upon determination that the impairment will not interfere with the driver's ability to control and safely operate a motor vehicle. Exceptions may be made and a restricted commercial license may be issued. The driver must take a drive test in the type of vehicle to be driven, unless previously tested and qualified.
Insulin-Dependent Diabetes He/she has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control. The commercial driver generally is not in a position to balance dietary and rest needs. Injury, emotional stress, unrelated illness, diarrhea, vomiting, or infection may also affect control of the diabetic condition.
Additionally, residual effects of the disease may include nerve and vascular damage causing pain or numbness in the extremities and/or vision deterioration. When evaluating the condition of any diabetic, residual effects of the disease should not be overlooked. Diabetics who are well controlled with diet or oral medication usually do not pose a problem for the issuing of a commercial license. However, they too may be subject to these residual effects.
Thorough review of the entries for vision and extremities on the medical report and urinalysis is required. Indications from urinalysis of uncontrolled diabetes may disqualify an applicant from operating a commercial vehicle.
For the above stated reasons, the circumstances in which an insulin dependent diabetic may be qualified for a restricted intrastate commercial license will be very rare.
Under federal standards, a diabetic on insulin therapy, regardless of the degree of control, does not qualify for interstate driving, unless they were issued a federal waiver or exemption.
Cardio-vascular System He/she has no clinical diagnosis of any cardiovascular disease which is accompanied by syncope, dyspnea (shortness of breath), collapse, or congestive cardiac failure. The concern is whether there is a current clinical diagnosis or history of an uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, which is accompanied by and likely to cause symptoms of fainting, labored breathing, collapse, congestive cardiac failure, or sudden death.
Respiratory System He/she has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory condition that would interfere with the ability to control and drive a motor vehicle safely. The concern is whether a respiratory condition may result in a lapse of consciousness, dizziness, fatigue, or decreased mental awareness which may interfere with the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Blood Pressure He/she has no clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure likely to interfere with his/her ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. The complications that may arise from sustained hypertension such as damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys, and brain, are unacceptable for highway safety. Uncontrollable malignant (very dangerous) hypertension that is rapidly progressive is disqualifying.
Musculo-skeletal System He/she has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular disease that interferes with his/her ability to control and operate a motor vehicle safely. A driver with an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of these conditions and who cannot demonstrate compensation through a drive test does not qualify.
Seizure or Loss of Conscious-ness/Control He/she has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a motor vehicle. Clinical diagnosis of epilepsy is a key determinant of whether a commercial license applicant is qualified. A clinical diagnosis of epilepsy usually will require a controlling anti-convulsant medication and the driver will not qualify for interstate driving. Blackouts of known cause, when the cause is no longer present nor likely to recur, may not be disqualifying, such as a lapse of consciousness due to pregnancy, high fever, allergic reaction to prescribed medication, or insect bite. The physician should withhold certification until the driver has fully recovered from the condition.
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Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations guidelines for various medical conditions.
Condition Driver is Qualified if: Exceptions/Considerations
Mental or Functional Disorder He/she has no mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with his/her ability to drive a motor vehicle safely. Emotional or adjustment problems contribute directly to an individual's level of memory, reasoning, attention, and judgment. Physical disorders often underlie these problems. A variety of functional disorders can cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, weakness, or paralysis that may lead to poor coordination, inattention, loss of control, and susceptibility to accidents while driving. Physical fatigue, headache, impaired coordination, recurring physical ailments, and chronic 'nagging' pain may be present to such a degree that certification for commercial driving is inadvisable. Medications taken to relieve these disorders, such as pain relievers, tranquilizers, and mood elevators, may produce side effects which would also preclude commercial licensing. Refer to the 'Drugs' section in this matrix.
Vision He/she has distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separately corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) or better with corrective lenses, distant binocular acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without corrective lenses, field or vision of at least 70º in the horizontal meridian in each eye, and the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green and amber. Interstate drivers must have 20/40 vision or better in each eye and in both eyes together, with or without corrective lenses.
Color blind applicants may qualify for both interstate and intrastate commercial driving if the examining doctor determines they are able to distinguish the traffic light colors of red, green and amber, even if perceived in shades of gray. Restrictions (may not transport passengers or hazardous materials requiring placards, or limited to intrastate commercial driving only) are not applied if the doctor determines the driver meets the color vision standard.
Hearing First perceived a forced whispered voice at not less than five feet in the better ear with or without the use of a hearing aid, or if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, and 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz in the better ear with or without a hearing aid. Applicants who have a hearing loss in both ears which cannot be corrected to the federal requirements do not qualify for an interstate license, but may qualify for a restricted intrastate license (may not transport passengers or hazardous materials requiring placards), if a driving test shows adequate compensation for the deficit.
If the driver meets the criteria by using a hearing aid, the driver must wear the hearing aid and have it in operation at all times while driving, and have a spare power source for the hearing aid in possession.
Drugs He/she does not use an amphetamine, narcotic, or any habit-forming drug. The driver does not have to be addicted or an habitual user to be found unqualified. A person who takes a drug identified as a Schedule 1 drug in FMCSR Appendix D is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle, except under limited circumstances.
Alcoholism He/she has no current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism. Current clinical diagnosis is designed to include a current alcoholic illness or those instances where the individual's physical condition has not fully stabilized, regardless of the time element. The person must have ceased drinking for a sufficient period of time to:
have regained good judgment;
have no withdrawal effects, such as alcohol withdrawal seizures; and
no longer be physically or mentally unable to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Long term use of alcohol may lead to permanent deterioration of mental or physical function. If there is a history of past alcohol abuse, the overall physical condition of the driver should be carefully reviewed.
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Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations guidelines for various medical conditions.
Condition	Driver is Qualified if:	Exceptions/Considerations
Loss of or Limited Use of Extremities	Loss or impairment of an extremity or any significant limb defect or limitation does not interfere with the ability to perform normal tasks associated with operating a motor vehicle.	The driver may be granted a waiver pursuant to Title 49, §391.49 upon determination that the impairment will not interfere with the driver's ability to control and safely operate a motor vehicle. Exceptions may be made and a restricted commercial license may be issued. The driver must take a drive test in the type of vehicle to be driven, unless previously tested and qualified.
Insulin-Dependent Diabetes	He/she has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control.	The commercial driver generally is not in a position to balance dietary and rest needs. Injury, emotional stress, unrelated illness, diarrhea, vomiting, or infection may also affect control of the diabetic condition. Additionally, residual effects of the disease may include nerve and vascular damage causing pain or numbness in the extremities and/or vision deterioration. When evaluating the condition of any diabetic, residual effects of the disease should not be overlooked. Diabetics who are well controlled with diet or oral medication usually do not pose a problem for the issuing of a commercial license. However, they too may be subject to these residual effects. Thorough review of the entries for vision and extremities on the medical report and urinalysis is required. Indications from urinalysis of uncontrolled diabetes may disqualify an applicant from operating a commercial vehicle. For the above stated reasons, the circumstances in which an insulin dependent diabetic may be qualified for a restricted intrastate commercial license will be very rare. Under federal standards, a diabetic on insulin therapy, regardless of the degree of control, does not qualify for interstate driving, unless they were issued a federal waiver or exemption.
Cardio-vascular System	He/she has no clinical diagnosis of any cardiovascular disease which is accompanied by syncope, dyspnea (shortness of breath), collapse, or congestive cardiac failure.	The concern is whether there is a current clinical diagnosis or history of an uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, which is accompanied by and likely to cause symptoms of fainting, labored breathing, collapse, congestive cardiac failure, or sudden death.
Respiratory System	He/she has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory condition that would interfere with the ability to control and drive a motor vehicle safely.	The concern is whether a respiratory condition may result in a lapse of consciousness, dizziness, fatigue, or decreased mental awareness which may interfere with the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Blood Pressure	He/she has no clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure likely to interfere with his/her ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.	The complications that may arise from sustained hypertension such as damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys, and brain, are unacceptable for highway safety. Uncontrollable malignant (very dangerous) hypertension that is rapidly progressive is disqualifying.
Musculo-skeletal System	He/she has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular disease that interferes with his/her ability to control and operate a motor vehicle safely.	A driver with an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of these conditions and who cannot demonstrate compensation through a drive test does not qualify.
Seizure or Loss of Conscious-ness/Control	He/she has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a motor vehicle.	Clinical diagnosis of epilepsy is a key determinant of whether a commercial license applicant is qualified. A clinical diagnosis of epilepsy usually will require a controlling anti-convulsant medication and the driver will not qualify for interstate driving. Blackouts of known cause, when the cause is no longer present nor likely to recur, may not be disqualifying, such as a lapse of consciousness due to pregnancy, high fever, allergic reaction to prescribed medication, or insect bite. The physician should withhold certification until the driver has fully recovered from the condition.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations guidelines for various medical conditions.
Condition	Driver is Qualified if:	Exceptions/Considerations
Mental or Functional Disorder	He/she has no mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with his/her ability to drive a motor vehicle safely.	Emotional or adjustment problems contribute directly to an individual's level of memory, reasoning, attention, and judgment. Physical disorders often underlie these problems. A variety of functional disorders can cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, weakness, or paralysis that may lead to poor coordination, inattention, loss of control, and susceptibility to accidents while driving. Physical fatigue, headache, impaired coordination, recurring physical ailments, and chronic 'nagging' pain may be present to such a degree that certification for commercial driving is inadvisable. Medications taken to relieve these disorders, such as pain relievers, tranquilizers, and mood elevators, may produce side effects which would also preclude commercial licensing. Refer to the 'Drugs' section in this matrix.
Vision	He/she has distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separately corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) or better with corrective lenses, distant binocular acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without corrective lenses, field or vision of at least 70º in the horizontal meridian in each eye, and the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green and amber.	Interstate drivers must have 20/40 vision or better in each eye and in both eyes together, with or without corrective lenses. Color blind applicants may qualify for both interstate and intrastate commercial driving if the examining doctor determines they are able to distinguish the traffic light colors of red, green and amber, even if perceived in shades of gray. Restrictions (may not transport passengers or hazardous materials requiring placards, or limited to intrastate commercial driving only) are not applied if the doctor determines the driver meets the color vision standard.
Hearing	First perceived a forced whispered voice at not less than five feet in the better ear with or without the use of a hearing aid, or if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, and 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz in the better ear with or without a hearing aid.	Applicants who have a hearing loss in both ears which cannot be corrected to the federal requirements do not qualify for an interstate license, but may qualify for a restricted intrastate license (may not transport passengers or hazardous materials requiring placards), if a driving test shows adequate compensation for the deficit. If the driver meets the criteria by using a hearing aid, the driver must wear the hearing aid and have it in operation at all times while driving, and have a spare power source for the hearing aid in possession.
Drugs	He/she does not use an amphetamine, narcotic, or any habit-forming drug.	The driver does not have to be addicted or an habitual user to be found unqualified. A person who takes a drug identified as a Schedule 1 drug in FMCSR Appendix D is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle, except under limited circumstances.
Alcoholism	He/she has no current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism.	Current clinical diagnosis is designed to include a current alcoholic illness or those instances where the individual's physical condition has not fully stabilized, regardless of the time element. The person must have ceased drinking for a sufficient period of time to: have regained good judgment; have no withdrawal effects, such as alcohol withdrawal seizures; and no longer be physically or mentally unable to operate a motor vehicle safely. Long term use of alcohol may lead to permanent deterioration of mental or physical function. If there is a history of past alcohol abuse, the overall physical condition of the driver should be carefully reviewed.

Non-Commercial A and B Drivers

In come cases a physician's report is not required. Instead, upon application and every two years thereafter, drivers certify they meet the medical standards by completing a Health Questionnaire (DL 546). This report is permitted for the following three groups of drivers:

Hazardous Agricultural Materials (HAM)

Persons hauling hazardous agricultural materials (HAM) must meet commercial medical qualifications pursuant to Vehicle Code 12804.2.

Purpose of Higher Medical Standards

There are higher medical standards for commercial drivers, firefighters, and persons hauling hazardous agricultural materials, than for other drivers because the work environment is more physically and mentally demanding and because of the increased risk to public safety. Driving conditions make it difficult for these drivers to adequately provide for any special medical, diet, exercise, or rest needs associated with a medical condition or physical impairment. Therefore, issuance of a commercial license is generally denied to drivers who do not meet the federal medical standards. However, in accordance with statute and court decisions, each case must be considered individually to determine if the driver compensates adequately for his/her medical condition or physical impairment, and which, if any, restrictions apply.

Skills Required to Drive Commercial Vehicles

Exacting perceptual and manipulative skills are needed to:

turn the steering wheel,
apply the throttle and brakes,
shift the gears,
consistently monitor visual and auditory signals,
constantly pay attention to details, and
perform other driving tasks associated with operating a commercial vehicle.

Other mental and physical demands are imposed on these drivers due to:

driving conditions, such as road, traffic, and weather,
vibration, noise and other stresses,
paperwork,
hours of operation,
'living' away from home,
poor layover facilities,
boredom, and
fatigue.

Commercial License Renewal

If the driver has been driving safely with the disqualifying medical condition, the department may make exceptions from federal standards to allow the driver, when renewing a Class A or B license, to operate a commercial vehicle. However, the license must be restricted to driving intrastate only and without passengers or hazardous materials.

If the medical condition or physical impairment would affect coordination, strength, vision, hearing, or judgment, a drive test may be appropriate to determine the adequacy of compensation.

Medically Qualified With Conditions

When evidence proves the driver may not be medically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle, but the condition appears correctable, the driver will be contacted for further information, or a reexamination will be scheduled.

May not drive in interstate commerce.

Medically Disqualified For Any Class License

When a medical report indicates the driver does not qualify to drive any motor vehicle safely, revocation of the entire driving privilege is required.

Employer's Report of Medical Exam Failure

The driver's employer is required to report to the department when a person fails to qualify for a new medical certificate pursuant to Vehicle Code 14606(b). The Employer's Report of Medical Exam Failure (form DS 524), or the Health Questionnaire (form DL 546), may be used for this purpose; however, a letter from the employer stating that the driver does not qualify is acceptable.

If the review indicates further investigation is needed of the driver, a reexamination may be scheduled.
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The driver should send the waiver request to:
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Room W64-224
Washington, DC 20590
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Reexaminations

A hearing officer may order a reexamination pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 13800, based on information such as medical reports, law enforcement or court referrals, Department of Health Services Confidential Morbidity Reports (CMR), or other contacts.

The following factors will be considered by the hearing officer in the reexamination:

A detailed description of the medical condition or physical impairment and any related effects,
How it affects safe driving, if at all,
The medical regimen, if any,
The prognosis of the medical condition or physical impairment,
The scope of the driving,
The driving record and how it relates to the medical condition or physical impairment, if at all,
How compensation for the medical condition or physical impairment (or lack of compensation) was determined, and,
Any restrictions and the reasons the restrictions were imposed.

Driver's License Florida Check

The hearing officer will make a decision following the reexamination to take no action, or, if action is required, find that the driving privilege should be:

Revoked
Restricted to a Class C non-commercial driver license
Restricted to intrastate driving only, with no passengers and no hazardous materials requiring placards
Restricted to scope or geographical area of employment
Placed on probation based on a physical or mental condition

the department has refused to issue a commercial license,
the department has restricted an already issued Class A or B, or C commercial license to a Class C non-commercial license, or
the department has revoked the driving privilege of a commercial applicant.
When the department has refused, restricted or revoked a commercial license, the hearing officer must determine if the action is supported by the evidence. If the action is not supported and should be modified, the hearing officer must determine which, if any, restrictions should be imposed.
Since commercial license hearings and reexaminations concern the driver's failure to meet federal physical qualification standards, the hearing officer will be dealing with issues similar to those in other physical and mental hearings and reexaminations. However, the hearing officer must address additional issues specific to the commercial license.
In determining whether the driver qualifies for a commercial driver license, the hearing officer must consider the evidence received, which may include the following:
Hearing Officer Guidelines
Factors Considerations
Hours of Work
Are the hours stable and regular?
Are they compatible with the health needs and medical regimen required by the driver's medical condition or physical impairment?
If not, how has the driver dealt with unstable irregular hours in the past? How successfully?
Scope of Driving
Road and traffic conditions?
Type of vehicle driven?
Levels of stress and physical exertion within reasonable limits, considering the driver's limitations?
What are the most stressful conditions under which the driver must drive?
How does driving under these stressful conditions affect the driver?
Mileage
How large an area does or will the driver need to cover?
Are area or destination restrictions appropriate?
Driving Record
Does the driving record show any accidents? In a commercial vehicle? Related to the medical condition or physical impairment?
Does the driving record show any traffic law violations? In a commercial vehicle? Related to the medical condition or physical impairment?
Health Needs
What is the medical regimen required of the driver?
How well has the driver been able to adhere to it while driving?
If already driving a commercial vehicle, how has the driver adjusted his driving or medical regimen?
Have the adjustments been approved by his/her physician?
Is strict adherence to the medical regimen compatible with the scope of employment.
What is the prognosis of the medical condition or physical impairment?
Are there effects related to the medical condition or physical impairment which may affect driving?
Is there more than one medical condition or physical impairment?
What medication(s) does the driver use and what are their side effects?
How long has the driver been employed as a driver?
How long has the driver been driving a commercial vehicle with the medical problem or physical impairment?
When was the last episode, if any? Any episodes during working hours? Frequency of episodes?
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Hearing Officer Guidelines
Factors	Considerations
Hours of Work	Are the hours stable and regular? Are they compatible with the health needs and medical regimen required by the driver's medical condition or physical impairment? If not, how has the driver dealt with unstable irregular hours in the past? How successfully?
Scope of Driving	Road and traffic conditions? Type of vehicle driven? Levels of stress and physical exertion within reasonable limits, considering the driver's limitations? What are the most stressful conditions under which the driver must drive? How does driving under these stressful conditions affect the driver?
Mileage	How large an area does or will the driver need to cover? Are area or destination restrictions appropriate?
Driving Record	Does the driving record show any accidents? In a commercial vehicle? Related to the medical condition or physical impairment? Does the driving record show any traffic law violations? In a commercial vehicle? Related to the medical condition or physical impairment?
Health Needs	What is the medical regimen required of the driver? How well has the driver been able to adhere to it while driving? If already driving a commercial vehicle, how has the driver adjusted his driving or medical regimen? Have the adjustments been approved by his/her physician? Is strict adherence to the medical regimen compatible with the scope of employment. What is the prognosis of the medical condition or physical impairment? Are there effects related to the medical condition or physical impairment which may affect driving? Is there more than one medical condition or physical impairment? What medication(s) does the driver use and what are their side effects? How long has the driver been employed as a driver? How long has the driver been driving a commercial vehicle with the medical problem or physical impairment? When was the last episode, if any? Any episodes during working hours? Frequency of episodes?

Intrastate Exception