CDL Downgrade Warning: Over 15,000 Medical Certificates Voided

FMCSA Medical Exam Crackdown May Lead to CDL Downgrade

FMCSA Moves to Remove Two Medical Examiners

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is taking action against two Houston-based medical examiners. These doctors are accused of failing to follow federal rules when performing physical exams for truck drivers.

On April 11, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced plans to remove the doctors from its National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The doctors involved are Dr. Jenny Le and Dr. Dustin Mai. Both are Doctors of Chiropractic.

FMCSA found that they did not use the proper standards to decide if drivers were physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).

“Removing non-compliant medical examiners is a necessary step to maintain the integrity of the medical certification process,” said FMCSA Chief Counsel Jesse Elison. “And ensure that only qualified, properly trained professionals are certifying the physical qualifications of commercial motor vehicle drivers.”

CDL Downgrade Risk for 15,225 Drivers

FMCSA voided 15,225 Medical Examiner’s Certificates (MECs) issued by Dr. Le and Dr. Mai. These certificates were issued between March 2023 and March 2025.

The certificates were officially voided on April 10, 2025. For now, drivers can still legally operate. But they face a CDL downgrade if they don’t act quickly.

New Exams Required to Avoid a CDL Downgrade

FMCSA has set a deadline of May 10, 2025 for drivers to replace their voided certificates.

If a driver does not get a new certificate by that date, their state driver licensing agency (SDLA) will start the process of downgrading their CDL. This would prevent them from operating a commercial vehicle legally.

There are still more than 38,000 certified medical examiners listed in the National Registry. These examiners can provide new, valid medical certificates.

CDL Downgrade Concerns Follow Federal Investigation

The FMCSA began its investigation after noticing a high number of medical exams performed by Drs. Le and Mai. The agency referred the case to the USDOT Office of Inspector General.

The matter was investigated with help from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Federal officials determined that the doctors had not followed the correct medical standards. FMCSA decided that the exams could not be trusted. As a result, the certificates were voided. Drivers who used them now face a possible CDL downgrade.

FMCSA Stresses Safety and Compliance

The FMCSA says this action supports its mission to keep highways safe. The agency wants to make sure only qualified doctors are performing driver exams.

Medical exams help confirm that truck drivers are healthy enough to operate large vehicles. This reduces the risk of accidents caused by medical problems.

Removing non-compliant doctors helps protect the public and maintains trust in the certification system.

FMCSA Shares CDL Downgrade Info for Drivers

FMCSA has posted guidance on its website for drivers, carriers, and state agencies. The agency urges drivers affected by the voided certificates to act fast.

To avoid a CDL downgrade, drivers must get a new medical exam by May 10, 2025.

More details about the case and the proposed removal of the doctors can be found on the FMCSA website.