As part of the initial certification evaluation, what testing must the medical examiner perform?

During the initial certification evaluation for commercial drivers, testing for alcohol, marijuana, or opiates is not a mandatory requirement that the medical examiner must perform. The primary focus of the initial examination is to assess the overall health and fitness for duty of the driver in accordance with the medical standards set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

While substance use is an important consideration in assessing a driver's fitness, specific drug testing is typically managed through employer policies and regulations for workplace safety rather than being a requirement for the medical examiner during the certification process. Therefore, the correct response indicates that the medical examiner is not obligated to conduct testing for these specific substances as part of the certification evaluation.