Recently, we have been made aware of several discrepancies between how Medical Examiners have been processing driver’s medical exam report forms and certificates, and what California DMV employees are insisting is the correct procedure. This has led to confusion and questions of whether there has been a possible change in policy.

The Medical Examiner (ME) uses page 4 and disqualifies the driver by marking the box “Does not Meet Standards”. The ME indicates the reason such as visual acuity, hearing, or the medical condition causing the disqualification from driving in interstate commerce. The ME DOES NOT issue a medical certificate to the driver. It may be helpful to write, “Driver to be evaluated for a CA Restricted Medical Certificate”. 

Fax the entire medical exam form to the CDL Safety Division at 916-657-5856. Tell the driver it may take a week for the CDL Safety Division to contact them. Give the driver the phone number to the CDL Safety Division: 916-657-6452 in case they are not contacted after a week.

No CA Restricted Medical Certified needs to be issued. MEs should use page 4 and qualify the driver for “Interstate” driving if otherwise medically qualified, for up to one year. The ME indicates the reason for the one-year limitation by writing in “Federal Vision, Hearing, or Seizure Exemption” in the space. The driver then goes to a local DMV office.