EXAM 2026/2027 | Connecticut DDS
Medical Certification | Verified Q&A |
Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: FMCSA Physical Qualification Standards
Q1: What is the maximum certification period allowed for a commercial driver (CDL) who has no
detectable medical conditions that could affect safe driving?
A. 6 months.
B. 1 year.
C. 2 years (24 months). [CORRECT]
D. 5 years.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under 49 CFR 391.45, the medical examiner may determine the physical qualification of a
driver for a period of up to 24 months. If a condition requires monitoring, the certification must be for a
shorter duration.
Q2: A driver presents for examination with a Blood Pressure (BP) of 138/88 mmHg. The driver has no
history of hypertension and is not on medication. How should the medical examiner proceed?
A. Disqualify the driver until BP is below 120/80.
B. Certify the driver for a period of 1 year.
C. Certify the driver for a period of 2 years (24 months). [CORRECT]
D. Issue a 3-month certificate to allow time for lifestyle changes.
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: A BP of 138/88 falls within the "Normal" range (BP <140/90). According to FMCSA guidelines,
a driver with BP <140/90 and no hypertension history is qualified for the maximum 2-year certification
period.
Q3: Which form must the Medical Examiner complete to document the results of the physical
examination for interstate drivers?
A. Form MCSA-5876 (Medical Examiner's Certificate). [CORRECT]
B. Form MCS-150.
C. Form 649-F (Connecticut State Form only).
D. Form MCSA-5875 (Medical Examination Report Form only).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) is the official document given to the
driver. While the Medical Examination Report (Form MCSA-5875) is the detailed record retained by the
examiner, the MCSA-5876 is the certificate the driver carries and submits to the DMV.
Q4: A Medical Examiner (ME) must be listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
(NRCME) to perform physicals for:
A. Only CDL holders operating in Connecticut.
B. All interstate drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs). [CORRECT]
C. Only hazardous material transporters.
D. All drivers over the age of 65.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FMCSA regulations require that any ME performing physical examinations for interstate CMV
drivers must be certified and listed on the NRCME. This ensures standardized training and competency
in FMCSA physical qualification standards.
Q5: A driver is certified for 1 year due to a controlled medical condition. When does the certificate
expire?
A. 365 days from the date of the examination.
,B. The last day of the month, one year from the date of examination. [CORRECT]
C. The first day of the next month, one year later.
D. 12 months from the date of the previous exam.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to 49 CFR 390.5 definitions and standard interpretation, a medical certificate
expires at midnight of the last day of the month shown on the card. For example, an exam on January
15, 2026, with a 1-year duration, expires on January 31, 2027.
Q6: "Interstate Commerce" differs from "Intrastate Commerce" in that Interstate Commerce involves:
A. Trade solely within the borders of Connecticut.
B. Trade, traffic, or transportation between two states or between a state and a foreign country.
[CORRECT]
C. Transportation of hazardous materials only.
D. Driving a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Interstate commerce involves crossing state lines or trading with another country. Drivers
engaged in interstate commerce must meet federal FMCSA standards (49 CFR 391), whereas intrastate
drivers are subject to Connecticut state statutes (though CT largely adopts federal standards).
Q7: A driver holds a CDL but operates exclusively within Connecticut (Intrastate). Which statement is
generally true regarding their medical certification?
A. They do not need a medical card.
B. They must meet the federal physical qualification standards (49 CFR 391.41) as adopted by
Connecticut. [CORRECT]
C. They only need a vision test.
D. They are exempt from the National Registry requirement for the examiner.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Connecticut General Statutes adopt the federal standards for intrastate drivers. Therefore,
even drivers who never leave the state must generally meet the same physical qualification standards as
, interstate drivers, though specific variances or waivers (like for age 18-21 drivers) might apply
differently.
Q8: If a medical examiner determines a driver is physically unqualified to drive, the examiner must:
A. Provide the driver with a 30-day temporary card to find a new doctor.
B. Issue a certificate marked "Not Qualified."
C. Not issue a medical examiner's certificate and provide the driver with the reason for the
disqualification. [CORRECT]
D. Notify the driver's employer immediately by law.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: If a driver does not meet standards, the ME cannot issue a certificate. The ME must inform
the driver of the reason(s) for the disqualification so the driver can seek treatment or remediation.
Q9: What is the primary purpose of the Medical Examination Report (MER) Form MCSA-5875?
A. To serve as the driver's proof of medical certification for law enforcement.
B. To document the driver's complete medical history and the examiner's findings. [CORRECT]
C. To bill the insurance company.
D. To report the driver's health to the FMCSA clearinghouse.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The MER (MCSA-5875) is the comprehensive internal document used by the examiner to
record history, exam findings, and the rationale for the certification decision. It must be retained by the
ME for at least 3 years. The Certificate (MCSA-5876) is what the driver carries.
Q10: A driver presents with a valid medical certificate issued 3 months ago. He states he lost his copy.
What should the Medical Examiner do?
A. Perform a new full examination.
B. Issue a replacement certificate if the previous examination record is available and the driver is still
qualified. [CORRECT]