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Commercial driver license medical requirements

To drive in intrastate or interstate commerce, you must have passed a medical examination, within the past 2 years, in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 49 CFR 391, Subpart E, as defined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Medical Examination Report (415 KB).

Acceptable proof of examination for the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a fully completed Medical Examiners Certificate found on the last page (415 KB). A medical examiner will need to complete the FMCSA Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination as well as the certificate at the end of the packet. You will need to carry a copy of this certificate with you when operating a commercial motor vehicle. We recommend that you make a copy of your card to keep in your files. Instructions for the medical examiner are included in this document.

A medical examiner is defined as any person who is licensed, certified, and/or registered, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to perform physical examinations. The term includes, but is not limited to, doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses and doctors of chiropractic. It is important that the person completing it understands the qualifications. Instructions for the examiner.

A waiver of certain physical impairments or diseases may be available. For information on federal exceptions or waivers see FMCSA Exemptions Programs or Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE).

If you do not hold a federal medical card or are not grandfathered, you will be issued a restricted commercial driver license. This license would only be valid if you are a school bus driver or are employed by a political subdivision (village, town, state).

Refer to Chapter Trans 327 Motor Carrier Safety Frequently Asked Questions for answers to some of the most common questions about federal medical standards and grandfathering. Federal medical standard questions only may be directed to:

1 Point Place
Suite 101
Madison, WI 53719-2809
Phone: (608) 662-2010

If you have other questions about your Wisconsin CDL:

• E-mail: dre.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
• Call: (608) 264-7049

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Questions about the content of this page:
Bureau of Driver Services, dre.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: December 8, 2009