DOT Physical and your CDL

Here in Calif. they keep the long form. I'm presuming they put it in their database. I carry a little green card that basically states that my CDL medical exam is current.

 

Roadmedic.... yes the HIPPA issues on this are "interesting".

Currently the FMCSA reg requiring the medical certificate to be on file with the state issuing the CDL calls for ONLY the medical certificate not the full long form physical that would contain your medical history and HIPPA protected medical information.

Yet, at least one state that has been piloting the CDL-Medical Card program for FMCSA (Indiana) was requiring the long form physical and applying its own intrepretations of FMCSA medical guidelines if they saw something on the long form they did not like. (For example a driver with an implanted cardiac defilibrolator - an automatic DQ medical condition ... medical examiner still gave them a one year card.)

There may be some interesting HIPPA and ADA aspects to this new medical card issue.

My advise to anyone is.... you want to see a written request listing the HIPPA protection policy in place for anyone asking for a copy of your long form physical. Motor carriers are NOT required to have the long form on file.. only the certificate. FMCSA guidlines to medical examiners remind them that HIPPA protects the information contained on the long form and they should get a signed HIPPA release from their patient (the driver) before releasing a copy of the long form.

 

In SC you can get a class "F" license. It is basicly a class "A" without the commercial status.

You can drive the same vehicles that you would under a class "A" and are not required to have a medical card because it is not commercial.

However, If you plan on going back to work, you may have to retest to reinstate the commercial status.

 

I got my CDL when I was 18. I don't drive commercially anymore, but I like to keep the license as a backup.

If you don't operate commercially, do you still need the medical card to renew? (when you apply or renew, I believe you check a box saying you don't fall under CFR 391, but I don't know what this box actually does).

I recently moved to California, and the DMV tried telling me I need a medical card on file with the state at all times otherwise my license would be reduced. I find this hard to believe, especially if I'm not driving commercially, but, unlike other states where you can easily find the laws and challenge the DMV (I've done this before, it is amazing how they don't know their own laws and will readily tell you the wrong information), I was not able to find this in the California code anywhere.

My second question is about the actual license process. Have any of you ever transferred your CDL to California? They waive the drive test, but I have to take 6 written tests for each of my endorsements. I failed some already (it's been a while since I read the CDL manual). Do you know, if you fail more than 3 times and have to start the process over, is it simply pay the money and re-test, or does it mean I have to do the entire process over from the start?

Thanks for your help!

 

I'm not from CA, but many states mimmick each other. Usually 3 fails and there is mandatory waiting period to retest, like 30 days. Medical cards are required for renewals. They expire after 2 years when your license is good for 5 years. I do know the DOT is tightening the strings on medical cards where all the info will be computerized and states can access the info. The DMV doesn't know whether you are employed driving or will be. So I think that is why all have to comply. It cost around $2.50 a month to keep a medical card. I would consider it a privilege tax to keep the CDL in storage.

I would go to the www.dmv.ca.gov website and download the pdf CDL manual.

You should find all your answers there.

 

The med card for renewal still varies by state.

Everybody is doing it their way, and haven't gotten on the band wagon YET.

Perhaps by the end of this year it will be standardized...............

 

That's a bunch of crap to make someone have a medical card to renew a CDL.

I live in Tx, and my license is due renewel next year. I'll have to look into this. I have kept my CDL-A current, even though I don't drive anymore, as a backup.

 

It all depends on the state for a medical card. Some require it some don't.

 

In Illinois you need one before you test even for permit. So I would say each check with your state.

 

But until this year, the renewal did not require a medical card.