Many drivers have called and coming in because they have received a downgrade letter in the mail from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you failed to return your self-certification letter to tell the DMV the type of driving you engage in or expect to, that is usually the reason for that dreaded letter (see earlier post for information on how to self-certify). If you did fill out and return the self-certification letter, not keeping a current and valid medical examiner’s certificate on file at the DMV is the other reason for a downgrade notice.
If you are or employ a CDL driver who allows medical certification information that the state has on file to expire, it could cause the driver or carrier to receive a serious violation. The driver’s CDL could also be downgraded, meaning the driver would no longer hold a commercial driver’s license. This downgrade will happen within 60 days of the medical certification expiring. Drivers with a downgraded CDL could result in violations and fines for the carrier, whether the issue is discovered through an audit or at the roadside. Click here to read more.
As an employer or driver, you have a lot of responsibilities to make sure you or your drivers are safe and productive on the road. A duty of all commercial drivers is to abide by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) requirement to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate. Below is a list of questions and answers on what to do in order to make sure you or your drivers don’t get downgraded so you can stay on the road and productive!
What if the driver’s medical certificate expires before providing a new one?
If a driver’s medical certificate expires before providing a new one, the Department of Revenue will notify the driver that he/she is no longer medically certified to operate a commercial motor vehicle and remove the CDL privileges from the driver’s license.
What should a driver do if his/her medical certificate is about to expire?
If a driver’s medical certificate is about to expire, the driver must have a new medical examination and obtain a new medical certificate. This medical certificate should be provided to the Department of Revenue.
How can a driver get his/her CDL privileges back?
First, the driver must obtain a medical examiner’s certificate and provide to the Department of Revenue. If the variance waiver has expired, the driver must renew with FMCSA. Retesting may be required if the driver let the CDL license remained expired for more than six months.
How can you as an employer ensure that your drivers don’t get downgraded?
