DOT/FMSCA primer

Question 1

The goal is to keep the driver working if possible. Only limit the driver if there is a condition that may cause an ________ event.

Answer 1

incapacitating

Question 2

1 cause of fatalities in the US involving commercial motor vehicles are due to __________.

Answer 2

driver fatigue

Question 3

The DOT contains of several different transportation entities. Name them.

Answer 3

1.FMCSA
2.Federal Railroad Administration
3.US Coast Guard
4. Federal Aviation Admin
5. Federal Transit Admin
6. Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Admin
No two organizations have the same rule regarding physical exam, drug testing, alcohol testing, etc.

Question 4

What does FMCSA stand for?

Answer 4

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
This course only covers requirements for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It doesn’t cover stuff for any other DOT transportation entity.

Question 5

What is 49 CFR 391.41?

Answer 5

This statute is Physical Qualifications For Drivers.
Describes physical qualifications for drivers. Review the instructions in this statute before doing the physical exam.

Question 6

What is 49 CFR 391.43?

Answer 6

describes responsibilities of the person examining the driver, discussing side effects of drugs and medications that can affect driving ability, discussing effects of fatigue, lack of sleep, etc. on drivers ability to drive, encouraging following primary care practitioner purpose, etc.

Question 7

Some, not all, commercial drivers are req by the DOT to be a random drug and alcohol testing program. Which drivers are required to have random drug testing?

Answer 7

those driving a commercial motor vehicle weighing > 26,000 lb
ex: drivers of 18 wheeled tractor-trailers are req to have a physical exam AND participate in a random drug/alcohol testing program

Question 8

Some, not all, commercial drivers are req by the DOT to have a physical exam. Which drivers must have a physical exam but are not req to be in a random drug and alcohol testing program?

Answer 8

-drivers of commercial vehicles that weigh > 10,000 lb and < 26,000 lb

Question 9

Some, not all, commercial drivers are exempt from having a physical exam. Which drivers of commercial motor vehicles are not required by the DOT to have a physical exam?

Answer 9

Drivers of commercial vehicles that weigh < 10,000 lb are not req by the DOT to have a physical exam UNLESS the vehicle carries 16 or more passengers (incl the driver) OR the vehicle is placarded as carrying hazardous waste.

Question 10

To be physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle, the person cannot have loss of ___, _____, _____, or _____, unless a _______ is granted.

Answer 10

foot, leg, hand, arm

SPE certificate
SPE=skill performance evaluation

Question 11

To be physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle, the person cannot have diagnosis of insulin dependent diabetes that is _____ or ______ controlled.

Answer 11

partially or poorly controlled

Question 12

To be physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle, the person cannot have cardiac conditions that could produce syncope, ______, _____, or ____.

Answer 12

dyspnea
collapse
congestive heart failure

Question 13

What would cause a driver to have to get a SPE (skill performance evaluation) ?

Answer 13

-driver is missing a foot, leg, arm, hand, or finger
-driver has a physical impairment that affects his/her ability to operate a CMV

SPEs are done at regional centers throughout the US.

Question 14

Once a driver passes the DOT exam, a copy of the medical examiner’s certificate can be issued. Who gets a copy of the certificate?

Answer 14

-driver (gets short form)
-employer (only needs short form, but might want the long form)
-examiner, who must retain copy of the exam for three years
-be sure driver signs the certificate