Perceive a forced whisper at 5 feet in the better ear
Blood pressure
Within FMCSA guidelines for the certificate's duration
Urinalysis
Checks kidney function and glucose, not a drug test
Only an examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners can perform this exam.
The June 2025 Electronic Submission Change
Starting June 28, 2025, North Carolina CDL applicants no longer turn in their medical certificate to NCDMV personally. Your medical provider now submits your certification electronically to the federal registry as part of FMCSA's National Registry II (NRII) system, which has been in effect since June 23, 2025. A temporary federal waiver currently allows a paper Medical Examiner's Certificate as backup proof for up to 60 days after issuance — confirm the current procedure with NCDMV before your appointment, since waiver periods are extended by FMCSA on a rolling basis.
The FMCSA Clearinghouse
A "prohibited" Clearinghouse status blocks CDL processing nationwide, including in North Carolina. If the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse reports a driver as prohibited from operating a CMV, NCDMV cannot issue, renew, upgrade, or transfer that driver's CDL until the driver completes the federal return-to-duty process.
After Your Physical — Study for the Knowledge Tests
Use the processing time productively. Practice free now.