NRCME (DOT) Medical Examiner Certification Exam -
Version 2 Actual Exam 2026/2027 | Comprehensive Practice
Test with Verified Answers | FMCSA Blueprint Aligned |
Already Graded A+ (Brand New!!)
SECTION 1: REGULATORY FRAMEWORK (15 Questions - 15%)
Q1: According to 49 CFR Part 391.41, what is the maximum certification period a medical
examiner may issue to a driver who meets all physical qualification standards without any
qualifying conditions?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Correct Answer: B. [CORRECT]
Rationale: FMCSA regulations under 49 CFR 391.45 specify that the maximum certification
period is 24 months (2 years) for drivers who fully meet all physical qualification standards
without any conditions requiring more frequent monitoring.
Q2: A medical examiner discovers that a driver falsified information on the medical history form.
What is the examiner's responsibility under FMCSA regulations?
A. Issue a warning and proceed with the examination
B. Report the driver to law enforcement immediately
C. Document the falsification and may disqualify the driver
D. Ignore it if the physical examination is normal
Correct Answer: C. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Medical examiners must document any falsification of information on the medical
examination report. Intentional falsification is grounds for disqualification as it undermines the
integrity of the certification process and public safety.
Q3: Under the FMCSA National Registry requirements, how often must certified medical
examiners complete periodic training to maintain their certification?
,2
A. Every year
B. Every 3 years
C. Every 5 years
D. Every 10 years
Correct Answer: C. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Medical examiners listed on the National Registry must complete periodic training
every 5 years and pass the certification examination every 10 years to maintain their active status
and continue performing DOT physical examinations.
Q4: What is the minimum retention period for copies of completed Medical Examination Reports
(MCSA-5875) and Medical Examiner's Certificates (MCSA-5876)?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
D. 7 years
Correct Answer: B. [CORRECT]
Rationale: FMCSA requires medical examiners to retain copies of completed examination forms
for at least 3 years from the date of examination. This retention period supports compliance
monitoring, audits, and potential investigations.
Q5: Which drivers are subject to FMCSA physical qualification standards under 49 CFR Part
391?
A. Only interstate commercial drivers operating vehicles over 26,000 lbs
B. All drivers operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce
C. Only drivers transporting hazardous materials
D. Only drivers with CDL licenses
Correct Answer: B. [CORRECT]
Rationale: FMCSA physical qualification standards apply to all drivers operating commercial
motor vehicles in interstate commerce, regardless of vehicle weight, cargo type, or license class,
as defined in 49 CFR 390.5 and 391.41.
Q6: A driver operates solely within one state (intrastate commerce) but the state has adopted
federal FMCSA standards. Which regulations apply to the medical examination?
,3
A. Only state-specific medical standards
B. FMCSA federal standards as adopted by the state
C. No medical certification required
D. OSHA standards instead of FMCSA
Correct Answer: B. [CORRECT]
Rationale: States that have adopted federal FMCSA standards for intrastate commerce require
medical examiners to apply the same 49 CFR Part 391 physical qualification standards used for
interstate drivers, ensuring consistency in medical certification.
Q7: What is the medical examiner's responsibility regarding driver privacy and medical
information obtained during the DOT examination?
A. Share all findings with the driver's employer automatically
B. Maintain confidentiality per HIPAA while complying with FMCSA reporting requirements
C. Post examination results on the National Registry publicly
D. Only share information if the driver pays an additional fee
Correct Answer: B. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Medical examiners must maintain driver privacy and confidentiality in accordance
with HIPAA regulations while fulfilling FMCSA requirements to report certification status and
specific medical information to the National Registry and relevant authorities.
Q8: A driver requests a copy of their completed Medical Examination Report (MCSA-5875).
What is the examiner required to do?
A. Refuse because the form belongs to the examiner
B. Provide a copy upon request
C. Charge a $100 fee for the copy
D. Destroy the original and provide a summary only
Correct Answer: B. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Drivers have the right to obtain a copy of their completed medical examination
documentation. Medical examiners must provide copies upon request, as the information pertains
to the driver's personal health and certification status.
Q9: Under what circumstances may a medical examiner issue a certificate for less than the
maximum 2-year period?
, 4
A. Only when the driver has a temporary medical condition
B. When the driver has a medical condition requiring periodic monitoring or has not fully met
standards with a variance
C. Only when requested by the employer
D. Only for drivers over age 60
Correct Answer: B. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Medical examiners may issue limited certification periods when drivers have medical
conditions requiring periodic monitoring, when standards are met through a variance/exemption,
or when conditional certification is appropriate to ensure continued medical fitness for duty.
Q10: What action must a medical examiner take if a driver does not meet FMCSA physical
qualification standards?
A. Immediately notify the driver's employer
B. Document the findings and may issue a determination of failure to meet standards
C. Refer the driver to a specialist and certify temporarily
D. Ignore the disqualifying condition if the driver promises to seek treatment
Correct Answer: B. [CORRECT]
Rationale: When a driver fails to meet standards, the examiner must document the specific
disqualifying condition(s) and may issue a determination that the driver does not meet physical
qualification standards, while explaining the reason and any potential for future certification.
Q11: A driver holds a valid Federal Vision Exemption. How does this affect the medical
certification process?
A. The exemption eliminates the need for any DOT examination
B. The examiner must verify the exemption and may certify if all other standards are met
C. The driver automatically receives a 2-year certificate
D. The exemption is only valid for intrastate driving
Correct Answer: B. [CORRECT]
Rationale: Medical examiners must verify valid exemptions through the National Registry or
FMCSA, ensure the driver meets all other physical qualification standards, and may then issue
certification with appropriate notation of the exemption and its expiration date.