CDE CDE Driver Fitness & Medical Standards 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal agency establishes medical qualification standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers?
- OSHA
- FMCSA (Correct answer)
- NHTSA
- FAA
Correct answer: FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes and enforces medical qualification standards that commercial motor vehicle drivers must meet.
Question 2: What is the minimum far vision requirement for a commercial driver in each eye?
- 20/40 in each eye with or without correction (Correct answer)
- 20/20 in each eye without correction
- 20/100 in each eye with correction
- 20/60 in each eye without correction
Correct answer: 20/40 in each eye with or without correction
Federal regulations require commercial drivers to have at least 20/40 visual acuity in each eye, with or without corrective lenses such as glasses or contacts.
Question 3: What is the maximum blood pressure reading that qualifies a driver for a full 2-year medical certificate?
- 120/80 mmHg
- 140/90 mmHg (Correct answer)
- 160/100 mmHg
- 180/110 mmHg
Correct answer: 140/90 mmHg
Commercial drivers with blood pressure at or below 140/90 mmHg are eligible for the standard 2-year medical certification under FMCSA guidelines.
Question 4: Which medical condition automatically disqualifies a commercial driver under FMCSA regulations?
- Well-controlled Type 2 diabetes
- Mild hearing loss corrected by aids
- Epilepsy with seizures within the past 8 years (Correct answer)
- Red-green color blindness
Correct answer: Epilepsy with seizures within the past 8 years
Epilepsy with a history of seizures is a disqualifying condition for commercial drivers under FMCSA regulations due to the risk of sudden incapacitation.
Question 5: How frequently must a commercial driver pass a DOT physical examination to maintain qualification?
- Annually
- Every 6 months
- Every 2 years, or more frequently if medically required (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Every 2 years, or more frequently if medically required
Commercial drivers must pass a DOT physical examination at least every 2 years, though medical examiners may require more frequent exams based on specific health conditions.
Question 6: What official document proves a commercial driver has passed the DOT physical examination?
- State-issued commercial driver's license
- Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) (Correct answer)
- Motor Vehicle Record printout
- Employer fitness declaration form
Correct answer: Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC)
The Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) is the official document confirming that a commercial driver has passed a DOT physical and is currently medically qualified to drive.
Which federal agency establishes medical qualification standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers?