If you are planning to get your medical certificate for your commercial driver’s license, you must have a lot of questions about the procedure. The medical examination is an essential part of the process which will determine whether you will be approved for the CDL or not. In this guide, we aim to simplify the process for you.
If you are applying for your Commercial License Medical Exam Florida, you can contact us at Transportation Medicine. Dr. Auren Weinberg, a certified medical examiner with more than 25 years of experience in medicine will be your guide and consultant, helping you navigate the entire process.
What To Expect During The Medical Examination?
It is helpful to understand the medical examination process beforehand so that on your examination day you will be prepared. The following aspects are what are generally assessed during the medical examination. However, it is important to read the latest guidelines and regulations set by the FMCSA.
- Health History: Understand that you will be required to present your entire medical history to your medical examiner with all the related documents and files. Your medical examiner will be reviewing your entire medical history, including any past conditions, surgeries, or medications.
- Vision: Your vision will be assessed during the examination. The current criteria mention that a driver should have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction. The driver should also have a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye.
- Hearing: The hearing assessment will be required to ensure that the driver’s hearing condition aligns with the FMSCA standards. The current requirement is that a driver should be able to hear a forced whisper from a distance of five feet or more, with or without any hearing aids.
- Blood Pressure: During the medical examination, the driver’s pulse rate will also be measured. It is important to read the criteria mentioned on the official website and discuss them with your medical examiner before the day of your examination.
- Urinalysis: You will be required to give a urine sample to check for any medical conditions such as diabetes or possible substance abuse.
- Physical Examination: During the examination, the driver will be assessed on their general physical health.
- Mental Health Condition: The driver’s mental health will also be assessed during the medical examination to ensure that there are no psychological conditions that may hamper the driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle for long hours.
- Medication Review: All current or recent medications will be evaluated by the medical examiner. You should bring a list of all the medications that you are currently taking along with the dosages.
With a professional medical examiner for truck drivers in Florida, you will be able to prepare better for the certification process, and in case of any medical complexities, they will also help you find solutions.
When you talk to your medical examiner, make sure to discuss all the documents that you will be required to bring. Ask about the specific reports required so you don’t forget anything important. This will help things go smoothly, save time, and make sure you have everything on the examination day. Bring documents like your health history, a list of the medicines you’re taking, and any other papers that might be important, along with any visual or hearing aids, and identification papers. Talking openly with the medical examiner will make the assessment process easier and help them decide if you’re fit for a commercial driver’s license.
How To Get Started?
- Check your eligibility requirements: Make sure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements. For instance, the age limit, a clean driving record, and having a valid non-commercial driver’s license.
- Determine your CDL class: Discuss your role with your employer and determine the class as well as the type of vehicle you will be driving based on your career goals and requirements.
- Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): Before getting your commercial driver’s license and applying for your truck driver medical exam in Florida, you will be required to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit.
- Complete a CDL Training Program: Although it might not be mandatory, it is suggested to complete a CDL training program because it can provide you with valuable knowledge and hands-on experience.
- Schedule Skills and Knowledge Test: Pass your skills and knowledge tests, where you will be assessed on your general knowledge and your ability to control the vehicle of your class to proceed further.
- Pass Your Medical Examination: Schedule your medical examination with a trusted and certified medical examiner.
Get your medical certificate today with a certified Medical Examiner for Truck Drivers in Florida. For any questions, contact Dr. Auren Weinberg at Transportation Medicine by calling (727) 648-2402 or sending an email to aweinberg@medavex.org