| CDL Medical Examination & Physical Qualifications |
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| Overview |
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This page shows the requirements and qualifications needed to aquire an Oregon Commercial Driver License.
Use any of the links below to go directly to any section:
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| Requirements |
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To qualify for a commercial driver license (CDL) you must undergo a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination performed in accordance with CFR 49 §391.41 and CFR 49 §391.43.
DOT medical examinations are conducted by a licensed medical examiner as defined in CFR 49 §390.5. This includes but is not limited to:
- Doctors of Medicine (MD);
- Doctors of Osteopathy (DO);
- Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine (ND);
- Advanced Practice Nurses (APN);
- Physician Assistants (PA); and
- Doctors of Chiropractic (DC).
To find a medical examiner, you may contact your primary care provider to inquire if they will conduct a "DOT medical exam". You may also find a medical examiner in the yellow pages of your telephone book, or on the internet by using an Internet directory or search engine.
The examiner will provide you with a medical examiners certificate that you must carry with you whenever you operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). In addition, you must submit a copy to DMV before original issuance of a CDL or CDL instruction permit. To retain your commercial driving privileges, you must then send a copy of a new medical certificate to DMV before the previous certificate expires.
You’ll need to carry a valid medical certificate, even if you don’t have a CDL, if you operate a CMV in interstate commerce or operate a CMV for hire in intrastate commerce that:
- Has a gross vehicle rating in excess of 10,000 pounds; or
- Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers, including the driver, for compensation.
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| Required Forms |
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If your medical examiner does not have the required forms, they may be obtained from:
- J.J. Keller (item WW-015-MP) by calling 1-877-564-2333 or via the Internet using the "Medical Examinations and Reports" link at: www.jjkeller.com; or
- Willamette Traffic Bureau (item 202B and 20A) by calling 1-800-727-7293 or (503) 236-1183, or via the Internet using the "Driver Qualification" link at http://www.wtbtraffic.com.
Alternatively, your examiner may print a copy of the forms directly from the FMCSA web site.
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| Expiration |
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Medical examiners certificates are valid for no more than two years. Some medical conditions may require you to have a physical examination more frequently and others may disqualify you from driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
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| Physical Qualifications |
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Physical qualifications are listed in CFR 49 §391.41.
If you do not meet the vision or diabetes physical qualification standards or have a loss or impairment of limbs (arms, hands, fingers, legs or feet) and want to operate an interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV), you may be able to satisfy alternative physical qualifications or qualify for an exemption. Contact the Oregon State office of FMCSA at (503) 399-5775 for additional details. Information is also available on the FMCSA web site.
If you cannot meet the federal medical qualifications for CMV operation, you may qualify for a Waiver of Physical Disqualification. This waiver, available from DMV, would permit operation of a CMV used in Oregon intrastate commerce or in excepted interstate commerce only. Call (503) 945-0891 for specific details.
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| Related Information |
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Additional information that may be relevant includes:
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