Are you a professional driver who drives a commercial vehicle such as a passenger bus, heavy truck, container or bowser? Then, you probably know that when obtaining or renewing your driver's license, you must obtain a "medical", that is, a medical fitness certificate. This is not just a piece of paper that needs to be completed. This is a very important process that ensures the safety of you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. So, let's talk today, what this medical examination actually looks for, how you should prepare for it, and what you need to know.
Why is this Medical Fitness Exam so important?
Simply put, the main purpose of this test is to ensure that a driver who drives a large vehicle such as a heavy vehicle is physically, mentally and emotionally fit to do so. Imagine the extent of the accident that could occur if a person who has been driving a vehicle for hours in heavy traffic suddenly develops a health problem. Therefore, for the sake of public safety, government agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (RMV) of Sri Lanka have made this medical certificate mandatory.
You will usually need this medical certificate in the following cases:
- For driving a vehicle carrying more than 8 passengers (e.g. buses, office service vans).
- For driving vehicles transporting hazardous materials (e.g. fuel, gas, chemicals).
- For driving heavy vehicles (e.g. lorries, containers) with a gross vehicle weight of more than 5 tonnes (10,000 kg).
How long is the medical certificate valid for?
If you pass the medical examination, you will receive a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) . This certificate is usually valid for two years , unless you have an underlying chronic medical condition.
However, if you have any of the following conditions, you may need to undergo a medical examination every year :
- Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus)
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Heart Disease
In some cases, for example, if your blood pressure is very high, you may even need to go for medical tests every 3 months while you are being treated to control it.
What exactly happens during a medical examination?
The doctor who examines you will first ask about your complete medical history and then perform a physical examination.
Questions asked by the doctor
- Have you had any surgery before?
- What medications are you currently taking? (including prescription and over-the-counter medications)
- What chronic diseases do you have?
- Do you use tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs?
- What symptoms are you currently experiencing?
Physical examination
This is a very comprehensive test. We pay special attention to the following things.
| Inspection section | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic tests | Height, weight, blood pressure |
| Vision | Visual acuity and color vision with or without glasses. |
| Hearing | The ability to hear sounds with or without a hearing aid. |
| System check | Heart, lungs, abdomen, back and spinal cord. |
| Nervous system | Reflexes, gait, and balance. |
| Other | Checking for conditions such as hernia. |
Additionally, a urinalysis will be performed to check for protein, blood, or sugar in your urine , which can provide clues about other underlying conditions, such as kidney disease.
Some drivers may have obstructive sleep apnea . If you snore excessively, have difficulty breathing during sleep, and feel excessively sleepy during the day, your doctor may refer you for special testing for this condition.
What should I bring before going for the test?
To save time on the day of your medical examination, it is very important to prepare the necessary documents in advance.
| What to bring | Those who should be especially careful |
|---|---|
| The names and addresses of all the doctors you are seeing. | Everyone. |
| A list of all medications you are taking (with dosage). | Everyone. |
| Your glasses, contact lenses , or hearing aids. | Those who use. |
| Blood sugar record book and recent HbA1C test report. | People with diabetes . |
| A report that the CPAP machine was used properly. | People with Sleep Apnea . |
| A letter from a cardiologist and recent test reports (ECG, Echo) confirming that it is safe for you to drive. | People with heart disease . |
| A letter from a neurologist. | People with diseases such as paralysis, brain tumors, and epilepsy. |
Qualifications for vision, hearing and blood pressure
There are special rules and regulations regarding these three areas.
Vision
- Your vision must be 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without glasses.
- You must be able to correctly identify the red, green, and amber colors in traffic signals.
- Even if your vision in one eye is slightly below this standard, you now have the opportunity to obtain the certificate by submitting a special report from an ophthalmologist and meeting all other qualifications.
Hearing
- With or without a hearing aid, you should be able to hear the examiner 's forced whisper when you are 5 feet away .
- If you fail this test, you will be referred for an audiometry test.
- If you use a hearing aid, it is essential to wear it at all times while driving.
Blood Pressure
This is something that is important to many people.
- If your blood pressure is 140/90 or lower: You pass. You receive a 2-year certificate.
- If your blood pressure is between 140/90 and 159/99: You pass. But you will receive a 1-year certificate.
- If your blood pressure is between 160/100 and 179/109: You will receive a 3-month temporary certificate . If you reduce your blood pressure to below 140/90 during that time, you can receive a 1-year certificate.
- If your blood pressure is above 180/110: You fail . Once you have lowered your blood pressure to below 140/90, you can reapply for a 6-month certificate.
High blood pressure is a manageable disease. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can easily control it to the desired level. Talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- This medical examination is not just a law, but also essential for your safety and that of others .
- Be completely truthful and honest with your doctor. By hiding your health condition, you are putting yourself and others at risk.
- If you have chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure, it is very important to control them well . Take your medications as prescribed and control your diet.
- Gather all the necessary medical records and documents before going for the test. This will save you time and help the doctor make the right decision.
- Take care of your health. You can easily maintain this fitness by staying away from alcohol and smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising.
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