Commercial Driver Physical Fitness as Part of the Commercial Driver's License Process

Resumen

The FHWA is requesting comments on whether to include the certification of fitness to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in the commercial driver's license (CDL) process. Incorporating the commercial driver fitness determination into State-administered CDL procedures may allow elimination of the requirement that CMV drivers carry a separate medical certificate. The two systems were initially developed separately with one being a motor carrier-based medical qualification program and the other a State licensing program. However, the FHWA believes that logically the two systems should be merged in order for the States to make the medical fitness determination at the time the license is being issued. Thus, the CDL would be evidence that the CMV driver is physically fit as well as operationally qualified to operate CMVs safely. This notice also requests comments concerning whether such a process could be implemented nationwide.