CDME Module 1: Intro and Overview (2025)-Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 49CFR Part 391, Including Appendix A

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 49CFR Part 391, Including Appendix A

Pdf Summary

49 CFR Part 391 outlines the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations concerning the qualifications of drivers and Longer Combination Vehicle (LCV) driver instructors. It sets forth the criteria for driver qualifications, responsibilities, disqualification, and medical requirements, among other regulations.<br /><br />**General Qualifications:**<br />To be qualified, a driver must be at least 21 years old, able to read and speak English, possess the physical qualifications outlined in Subpart E, and hold a valid commercial motor vehicle operator’s license. Drivers are also required to pass a road test unless they have an equivalent certification.<br /><br />**Medical Qualifications:**<br />Drivers must meet specific physical requirements, documented through a medical examiner's certificate. This includes vision and hearing standards and the ability to distinguish colors. The physical condition must not affect their ability to operate a vehicle safely. There are exceptions for those with certain medical variances, such as diabetes mellitus controlled with insulin, or impairments remedied by a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate.<br /><br />**Disqualification:**<br />Drivers can be disqualified for offenses such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, losing driving privileges, criminal offenses, or failing to adhere to out-of-service orders. Disqualification durations vary depending on the severity and frequency of the offenses.<br /><br />**Investigation and Records:**<br />Motor carriers are mandated to investigate driver histories and maintain qualification files. Records must include employment applications, driving records, certificates of road tests, and medical examiner’s certificates.<br /><br />**Limited Exemptions:**<br />Certain exceptions apply to farm vehicle drivers, multiple-employer drivers, and drivers of private motor carriers. These exemptions affect requirements for specific qualifications and records maintenance.<br /><br />**Subchapter Appendices:**<br />Appendix A provides Medical Advisory Criteria to assist medical examiners in evaluating driver qualifications, addressing issues such as hypertension, epilepsy, drug use, and other health conditions pertinent to driving safety.<br /><br />These regulations aim to ensure the safe and efficient operation of commercial motor vehicles on public highways by maintaining high standards for driver qualifications and ongoing medical fitness.

Keywords

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

driver qualifications

LCV driver instructors

medical requirements

disqualification criteria

commercial motor vehicle

medical examiner's certificate

Skill Performance Evaluation

driver investigation records

limited exemptions