A driver returns to work after a two-week absence due to a respiratory illness. What should he undergo before returning to work?

Undergoing a new commercial driver examination before returning to work after a two-week absence due to a respiratory illness is essential to ensure that the driver is medically fit to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The examination assesses the driver’s overall health and specifically evaluates any potential limitations that the respiratory illness might have imposed.

This requirement is in line with the standards set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which emphasize that drivers must be free of any medical conditions that might impair their ability to drive. A respiratory illness may impact a driver's ability to respond to physical demands or handle emergencies effectively, so a thorough examination allows for a comprehensive assessment of their fitness to perform their duties safely.

While a physician's note may indicate that a driver is fit for duty, it may not address all specific concerns related to commercial driving. Thus, undergoing a new examination ensures that no critical aspects of the driver's health status are overlooked and confirms that he can safely return to work without posing risks to himself or others on the road.