How are medical certifications for commercial drivers officially documented?

Medical certifications for commercial drivers are officially documented through the Medical Examination Report Form and the DOT medical card. The Medical Examination Report Form is a comprehensive document that records the results of the physical examination, including the driver's medical history, vital signs, and any findings from the exam. This form serves as a detailed account of the driver's health status and eligibility to operate commercial vehicles.

The DOT medical card is issued to the driver upon successful completion of the examination, indicating that the driver meets the necessary health requirements set forth by the Department of Transportation. Both documents function together to ensure compliance with federal regulations and provide proof of certification that can be presented to employers and enforcement officials.

Other methods, such as verbal communication, do not provide an official record and may lead to misunderstandings regarding the driver's medical status. Sending a letter to the driver's employer lacks the formal documentation that the Medical Examination Report and card provide. Creating a digital file in the examiner’s computer, while useful for record-keeping, does not serve as official documentation unless it is backed by the appropriate forms that detail the examination outcomes.