What should a medical examiner do if a driver leaves blank or unsure responses during the exam?

The best course of action when encountering blank or unsure responses during a medical examination is to seek clarification from the driver. This approach ensures that the medical examiner fully understands the driver's health status, which is crucial for making informed decisions regarding their ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

Asking the driver why they left some responses unclear allows for open communication and provides an opportunity to clarify any uncertainties the examiner might have. This process helps identify potential medical conditions that could affect the driver’s fitness for duty and ensures that all relevant health concerns are addressed.

Reviewing previous exams may not provide up-to-date information specific to the current examination, as the driver's health could have changed since prior evaluations. Ignoring the unclear responses can lead to significant oversights regarding the driver’s health status, potentially compromising safety. Conducting a new examination immediately may also be inappropriate without first addressing the specific uncertainties in the current examination.

Thus, engaging the driver in a dialogue about their responses is the most effective method to ensure accurate assessment and maintain safety standards.