Canadian Commercial Drivers in the United States
The following is excerpted from a letter dated 8 March 1999 from the Licensing and Control Branch of the provincial Ministry of Transportation.
Ontario and other Canadian jurisdictions have signed a reciprocal agreement with the United States of America (USA) regarding medical fitness requirements for drivers of commercial motor vehicles.
Until now, commercial drivers in Ontario had to complete a medical examination every 3 years to maintain their commercial driver's licence. To drive in the USA, foreign commercial drivers underwent another medical examination by a physician authorized by the United States Federal Highway Administration, which then issued a "medical fitness card" to be carried by the driver. Effective 30 March 1999, this new agreement eliminates the need for Canadian drivers to undergo foreign medical examination.
Medical standards for commercial drivers in both countries are similar. However, in the USA, drivers are not allowed to hold a commercial licence if they have insulin-dependent diabetes, monocular vision, hearing impairment, or epilepsy, even if seizures are successfully controlled with anti-convulsive medication. Under this reciprocal agreement, Canadian drivers with these conditions will not be permitted to drive a commercial motor vehicle in the USA. Drivers with any of these conditions will have a code displayed on their licence and driving record to indicate that they are not eligible to drive a commercial motor vehicle in the USA.
Questions may be directed to Gabriel Sekaly, Director, Licensing and Control Branch
Ontario Ministry of Transportation
Main Floor, East Building
1201 Wilson Avenue
Downsview, Ontario M3M 1J8
or visit
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