1730 Haines Ave.
Rapid City, SD 57701
P: (605) 718-2778
F: (605) 718-2780
New Requirements for CDL Physicals
Changes Official May 21, 2014
Please be advised that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued updated federal
guidance that goes into effect May 21, 2014 regarding who can perform CDL physicals. As a result, operators
of commercial motor vehicles will experience more restrictive physical requirements.
Who can perform a CDL Physical? Effective May 21, 2014 CDL physicals will have to be performed by medical
professionals who are certified through the US Department of Transportation and are listed on the National
Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
The days of renewing your physical on expiration date or the
day before are gone.

Drivers are required by law to file their medical
certificate with the state of their license. Take care of
this prior to the expiration of the current medical card
or risk suspension or cancellation of your CDL. In SD,
you may mail, fax, or email a copy of your medical card
to the SD Department of Motor Vehicles .

Some medical conditions require additional testing
and/or documentation. To help ensure efficiency in
obtaining your medical card, bring documentation with
you. To follow are the most common conditions we see
that require additional documentation. (Please note,
maximum certification length is one year for all of the
below.)
Some Medical Conditions that Require Documentation
Diabetes (not taking insulin)

Hemoglobin A1C blood test result been completed within the last 6 months.
Hypertension (must be less than 140/90 to obtain a one year certificate)

List of all medications you are taking to include dosage.
1730 Haines Ave.
Rapid City, SD 57701
P: (605) 718-2778
F: (605) 718-2780
Heart Disease (History of Heart Attack, Bypass Graft, Stent Placement)




Yearly exam by cardiologist.
Letter from your cardiologist indicating you are fit to drive a DOT regulated vehicle.
See BHOccMed.com for example form letter.
Results of an exercise tolerance test (treadmill test) done in the last 2 years for a heart attack or the
last year for heart surgery of any type.
Echocardiogram (ultrasound test) done after heart attack or surgery.
Sleep Apnea on CPAP


Print out from your CPAP machine indicating how often CPAP was used. Regular use of your CPAP is
required to get your medical card.
Yearly Multiple Sleep Latency test (nap test) or Maintenance of Wakefulness test (how well you stay
awake). Results must be brought to DOT exam.
Psychological Diagnosis (ie Depression, Bipolar, Anxiety, Personality Disorder)

Letter from treating psychiatrist or psychologist stating that the driver is stable on their current
medications with no adverse effects, and that the driver has not had any exacerbations of their mental
condition in the last year. Psychiatrist or psychologist must give medical clearance and indicate length
of time before re-evaluation is needed. Maximum certification is one year.
See BHOccMed.com for example form letter.
These are just a few examples. Additional information may be needed depending on the individual and
severity of the condition. Please do not hesitate to call Black Hills Occupational Medicine at (605) 718-2778
with any questions you may have regarding the CDL physical process.
Helpful websites:
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Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator (http://fmcsa.dot.gov)
South Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles (http://dps.sd.gov)
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
(https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/NRPublicUI/SearchResults.seam)