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NRCME (DOT) Medical Examiner
Certification Exam 2026 – 2027 Update,
Questions & Verified Answers
With Rationales | Complete A+ Guide
1. Under FMCSA regulations, who must be medically certified
to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate
commerce?
• A) Any driver operating a vehicle over 10,000 lbs
• B) Any driver operating a vehicle over 26,001 lbs
GVWR, transporting hazardous materials, or carrying
16+ passengers
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• C) Any driver operating a vehicle over 26,000 lbs for
any purpose
• D) Only drivers with a history of medical conditions
✅ Answer: B
Rationale: 49 CFR 390.5 defines a CMV for interstate
commerce as: >26,001 lbs GVWR/GCWR, or any size if
carrying hazardous materials requiring placarding, or
designed to carry 16+ passengers (including driver).
2. A driver is moving intrastate but operating a vehicle that
meets interstate CMV definitions. Does the driver need an
FMCSA medical certificate?
• A) No, intrastate is exempt
• B) Yes, if the state has adopted FMCSA standards
• C) Only if crossing state lines
• D) No, if the trip is less than 150 miles
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✅ Answer: B
Rationale: Many states have adopted FMCSA medical
standards for intrastate CMV drivers. The ME must check state-
specific rules.
3. How long is a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC),
Form MCSA-5876, typically valid for an interstate CMV
driver?
• A) 6 months
• B) 1 year
• C) 2 years
• D) 5 years
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: 49 CFR 391.43 – Maximum 2 years. May be less if
the ME determines a shorter interval based on a medical
condition.
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4. Which of the following is NOT a disqualifying physical
qualification standard for interstate CMV drivers?
• A) Distant visual acuity less than 20/40 in each eye
• B) Use of insulin for diabetes mellitus
• C) Hearing loss with forced whisper test at 5 feet
• D) Uncorrected monocular vision with proper field
✅ Answer: D
Rationale: Monocular vision is disqualifying unless the driver
has at least 70° horizontal field in the good eye and has
adapted for at least 1 year (grandfathered only if prior to
1971). New monocular vision = disqualify.
5. A driver reports a history of epilepsy but has been seizure-
free for 10 years without medication. Can they be certified?
• A) No, epilepsy is an automatic disqualifier
• B) Yes, if off antiseizure meds and seizure-free >5 years
• C) Yes, only if on antiseizure meds
NRCME (DOT) Medical Examiner
Certification Exam 2026 – 2027 Update,
Questions & Verified Answers
With Rationales | Complete A+ Guide
1. Under FMCSA regulations, who must be medically certified
to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate
commerce?
• A) Any driver operating a vehicle over 10,000 lbs
• B) Any driver operating a vehicle over 26,001 lbs
GVWR, transporting hazardous materials, or carrying
16+ passengers
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• C) Any driver operating a vehicle over 26,000 lbs for
any purpose
• D) Only drivers with a history of medical conditions
✅ Answer: B
Rationale: 49 CFR 390.5 defines a CMV for interstate
commerce as: >26,001 lbs GVWR/GCWR, or any size if
carrying hazardous materials requiring placarding, or
designed to carry 16+ passengers (including driver).
2. A driver is moving intrastate but operating a vehicle that
meets interstate CMV definitions. Does the driver need an
FMCSA medical certificate?
• A) No, intrastate is exempt
• B) Yes, if the state has adopted FMCSA standards
• C) Only if crossing state lines
• D) No, if the trip is less than 150 miles
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✅ Answer: B
Rationale: Many states have adopted FMCSA medical
standards for intrastate CMV drivers. The ME must check state-
specific rules.
3. How long is a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC),
Form MCSA-5876, typically valid for an interstate CMV
driver?
• A) 6 months
• B) 1 year
• C) 2 years
• D) 5 years
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: 49 CFR 391.43 – Maximum 2 years. May be less if
the ME determines a shorter interval based on a medical
condition.
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4. Which of the following is NOT a disqualifying physical
qualification standard for interstate CMV drivers?
• A) Distant visual acuity less than 20/40 in each eye
• B) Use of insulin for diabetes mellitus
• C) Hearing loss with forced whisper test at 5 feet
• D) Uncorrected monocular vision with proper field
✅ Answer: D
Rationale: Monocular vision is disqualifying unless the driver
has at least 70° horizontal field in the good eye and has
adapted for at least 1 year (grandfathered only if prior to
1971). New monocular vision = disqualify.
5. A driver reports a history of epilepsy but has been seizure-
free for 10 years without medication. Can they be certified?
• A) No, epilepsy is an automatic disqualifier
• B) Yes, if off antiseizure meds and seizure-free >5 years
• C) Yes, only if on antiseizure meds
