Medical Reporting / Medical Waiver Program for Commercial
Drivers
Changes Effective October
1, 2004
As of October 1, 2004, changes have been made to ensure Ontario's medical reporting cycle for commercial drivers is consistent with the recommended Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) Medical Standards, which is the basis of the U.S./Canadian Reciprocal Agreement. For many years, Ontario has exceeded the CCMTA recommended frequency for medical review for commercial drivers.
Medical Reporting (commercial licence holders - Class A, B, C, E and F):
- Drivers under the age of 46 are now required to submit a medical report every five years instead of every three years.
- Drivers aged 46 to 64 continue to be required to file medical reports every three years.
- Drivers aged 65 and over continue to be required to file medical reports annually.
This requirement is to ensure that commercial drivers continue to meet the medical standards to operate a commercial vehicle.
Medical Waiver Program
A commercial licence holder or an applicant for a commercial licence may apply for a waiver of the medical standards due to a medical condition. In the past, a medical specialist was required to certify that the individual was medically fit to operate a commercial vehicle. The ministry has revised its Medical Waiver Program to improve convenience for drivers and simplify the process:
- Effective October 1, 2004, a commercial licence holder or an applicant can have either his/her family physician or his/her specialist certify medical fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cyclical Medical Reports
- What is the frequency for commercial drivers (Class A, B, C, E and F) to file medical reports?
- Why did the frequency for filing cyclical medical reports change?
- I am 39 years old and I received a medical report form in the mail on September 10, 2004. The form indicates a due date of October 15, 2004. Do I have to file this report now?
- When will I receive the medical form?
- Has the ministry notified the industry about the change?
- How will MTO know if a commercial driver has a medical condition that may pose a risk to safe driving?
- What happens if my licence has been downgraded because I did not file the medical report?
- I hold a class B licence and I want to get a class A licence. I already filed a medical report last year. Do I have to file another medical report?
- What happens if I do not file the medical report by the medical due date?
Medical Waiver Program
- What is the change in the requirement for applicants and holders of a commercial licence applying for a waiver of the medical standards?
- How will drivers be notified of this new requirement?
- Will the ministry still require a medical specialist's assessment from commercial drivers who have a medical condition?
- Who will be responsible for the cost of the medical assessment?
Cyclical Medical Reports
1. What is the frequency for commercial drivers (Class A, B, C, E and F) to file medical reports?
Effective October 1, 2004, commercial drivers:
- under the age of 46, every five years
- between the age of 46 to 64, every three years
- age 65 and over, annually
2. Why did the frequency for filing cyclical medical reports change?
For many years, Ontario has exceeded the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) Medical Standards' recommended medical review frequency for commercial drivers.
The change will be consistent with the recommended CCMTA Medical Standards, which is the basis of the U.S./Canadian Reciprocal Agreement.
3. I am 39 years old and I received a medical report form in the mail on September 10, 2004. The form indicates a due date of October 15, 2004. Do I have to file this report now?
No. You will receive a new medical report form with a new medical due date.
4. When will I receive the medical form?
The ministry's computer system automatically sends medical forms 90 days before the date the medical report is due. This will allow you enough time to schedule an appointment with your doctor and return the completed medical report to the ministry by the due date.
5. Has the ministry notified the industry about the change?
Letters have been sent to industry associations informing them about the change in the frequency of filing cyclical medical reports. A Bulletin will be issued to all participants of Ontario's Driver Certification Program.
6. How will MTO know if a commercial driver has a medical condition that may pose a risk to safe driving?
Under the ministry's mandatory reporting requirement, physicians/optometrists must report all drivers who suffer from a medical/vision condition that poses a risk to road safety.
Sections 203/204 under the Highway Traffic Act require physicians/optometrists to report patients 16 years and older who are suffering from a medical/vision condition that may make it dangerous for that person to drive safely. When such a report is received, the ministry may suspend the driver's licence, which includes the commercial licence, until a medical report is received by the ministry indicating that the medical condition has stabilized and the driver meets the medical/vision standards.
7. What happens if my licence has been downgraded because I did not file the medical report?
You must file a medical report to have your licence upgraded to the class you previously held.
8. I hold a class B licence and I want to get a class A licence. I already filed a medical report last year. Do I have to file another medical report?
Effective October 1, 2004, a medical report on a driving record is valid for:
- Five years if a driver is under age 46
- Three years if a driver is between the age of 46 to 64
- One year if a driver is age 65 and over
9. What happens if I do not file the medical report by the medical due date
If you fail to file the medical report within the prescribed time frame, your commercial licence will be downgraded to the highest class for which you medically qualify. For example, if you are the holder of a class A commercial licence, your licence will be downgraded to a class D.
Medical Waiver Program
1. What is the change in the requirement for applicants and holders of a commercial licence applying for a waiver of the medical standards?
Previously, when an applicant or a holder of a commercial licence applied for a waiver of the medical standards, a medical specialist was required to certify medical fitness. Effective October 1, 2004, either a family physician or a specialist can certify medical fitness.
2. How will drivers be notified of this new requirement?
Letters have been distributed to key stakeholders including the trucking industry and the Ontario Medical Association. Ministry forms/letters and waiver packages will be revised. A Bulletin will be issued to all participants of Ontario's Driver Certification Program.
3. Will the ministry still require a medical specialist's assessment from commercial drivers who have a medical condition?
Yes. In some cases, the ministry may still require medical specialist's assessment to demonstrate that medical standards are being met.
4. Who will be responsible for the cost of the medical assessment?
The commercial driver is responsible for the cost.
