PennDOT DL-123A School Bus Driver Medical Form Guide – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Form DL-123A, officially known as the School Bus Driver General Medical Form, plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of students transported by school buses across the Commonwealth. This specialized medical reporting form helps healthcare professionals evaluate whether a school bus driver has any medical conditions that could impair their ability to operate a school bus safely. Targeted at drivers, employers, school transportation providers, and medical practitioners in the United States—particularly Pennsylvania—this guide covers the purpose, requirements, related regulations, and how to obtain the official form.
What Is PennDOT Form DL-123A?
Form DL-123A is a condition-specific medical reporting document issued by PennDOT under the medical regulations for school bus drivers. Unlike the primary annual physical examination form (DL-704), the DL-123A focuses on general medical conditions that may affect safe driving. Healthcare professionals use it to document and report issues related to respiratory dysfunction, tuberculosis, or any other condition that, in the examining physician’s opinion, is likely to impair the ability to drive a school bus safely.
According to official PennDOT medical reporting resources, the form supports compliance with 67 Pa. Code § 71.3, which outlines the physical examination standards for school bus drivers holding an “S” endorsement.
Purpose of the School Bus Driver General Medical Form
The primary goal of Form DL-123A is public safety. School bus drivers carry significant responsibility for the well-being of children. Pennsylvania law requires that drivers meet strict physical and mental standards. The form allows authorized healthcare providers—physicians, chiropractors, certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs), or physician assistants—to report specific conditions to PennDOT’s Bureau of Driver Licensing.
Key conditions commonly addressed with DL-123A include:
- Respiratory dysfunction likely to impair safe driving (§ 71.3(b)(8))
- Tuberculosis in a transmittable stage, along with required biennial tuberculin testing under the Public School Code (§ 71.3(b)(14))
- Any other condition that the examining physician believes could impair the ability to drive a school bus safely (§ 71.3(b)(15))
These standards help prevent accidents caused by medical impairments and maintain the high safety record of school transportation in Pennsylvania.
Who Needs to Complete Form DL-123A?
Form DL-123A is primarily completed by licensed healthcare professionals evaluating school bus drivers or applicants for the school bus (“S”) endorsement. It is not the routine annual physical form that every school bus driver must pass. The standard annual examination uses Form DL-704 (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania School Bus Driver’s Physical Examination), which results in the issuance of a Physical Examination Certificate (DL-742) valid for 13 months.
Drivers or applicants may encounter the need for DL-123A when:
- A medical condition arises or is discovered that falls under the general medical categories listed above
- A physician must provide additional documentation during the medical review process
- PennDOT requests further evaluation related to respiratory health, tuberculosis status, or other unspecified conditions
School transportation employers and contractors in Pennsylvania should be familiar with this form as part of their compliance program under Title 67, Chapter 71.
Key Medical Standards Under 67 Pa. Code § 71.3
Pennsylvania regulations set clear physical qualification criteria for school bus drivers. A person is physically qualified if they meet vision, hearing, and medical history standards and have no disqualifying conditions. Relevant excerpts related to the DL-123A include:
- Respiratory Dysfunction: No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction likely to impair the ability to drive a school bus safely.
- Tuberculosis: No type of tuberculosis in a transmittable stage, and the driver must have taken the tuberculin test every two years as required by section 1418(b) of the Public School Code (24 P.S. § 14-1418(b)).
- Other Conditions: No other condition which, in the opinion of the examining physician, is likely to impair the ability to drive a school bus safely.
These requirements are enforced alongside the annual physical examination. Failure to meet them can result in disqualification from holding or retaining the school bus endorsement until the condition is resolved or a waiver (where available) is granted.
How to Download and Submit Form DL-123A?
The official Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-123A is available as a PDF from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website. Healthcare professionals typically require login credentials to access protected medical reporting forms. Drivers and the general public can download the form using the official link provided below.
Official Download Link:
Download PennDOT Form DL-123A – School Bus Driver General Medical Form (PDF)
Completed forms are generally submitted by the healthcare provider to PennDOT’s Medical Unit. Submission methods may include mail, fax, or secure electronic channels. For the most current submission instructions, contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 717-412-5300 (Customer Call Center)
- Medical Unit Email: [email protected]
- Mail: Bureau of Driver Licensing, P.O. Box 68682, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8682
Always verify the latest form version and instructions on the official PennDOT Medical Reporting Forms page.
Relationship to Other School Bus Driver Medical Forms
Form DL-123A works alongside several other specialized school bus medical forms:
- DL-704 – Primary School Bus Driver’s Physical Examination Form (required annually)
- DL-122A – School Bus Driver Diabetes Mellitus Form
- DL-104A – School Bus Driver Psychiatric Form
- DL-124A – School Bus Driver Neurological Form
- DL-126A – School Bus Driver Orthopedic Form
- DL-705 – Cardiovascular Waiver Form
Drivers must also maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements and carry the Physical Examination Certificate (DL-742) while operating a school bus.
Frequency and Renewal Requirements
While the annual physical (DL-704) is required every 13 months, Form DL-123A is used as needed when a specific general medical condition requires documentation or reporting. Tuberculosis testing, for example, must occur every two years. Any significant change in a driver’s medical status that could affect safety should prompt a new evaluation and potential submission of the appropriate form.
A Physical Examination Certificate becomes void if a disqualifying condition develops after issuance. Drivers may request re-examination in such cases.
Tips for School Bus Drivers and Employers in Pennsylvania
- Schedule the annual DL-704 physical well before the current certificate expires.
- Keep copies of all medical forms and certificates in your personnel file and carry the DL-742 while driving.
- Report any new medical diagnoses promptly to your employer and healthcare provider.
- Employers should maintain clear policies for medical compliance and ensure access to qualified examining practitioners.
- Stay informed of updates through the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-123A – the School Bus Driver General Medical Form – is an essential tool for maintaining the high safety standards required of school bus drivers. By documenting respiratory conditions, tuberculosis status, and other potential impairments, the form supports PennDOT’s mission to protect students and the traveling public. Drivers, medical providers, and transportation companies should use only the official form and follow current regulations under Title 67, Chapter 71.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania resources. Download the form today and ensure full compliance with Pennsylvania school bus driver medical requirements.