DS-874 Form – The DS-874 Form, officially titled the Medical Examination Report of Driver Under Article 19-A, is a required New York DMV document for evaluating the physical fitness of bus drivers. Whether you’re a motor carrier, school bus driver, or commercial bus operator in New York, understanding and completing this form correctly is essential for compliance with state safety regulations.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the DS-874 Driver Physical Condition Exam, including who needs it, how to complete it, and where to download the latest PDF. All information is drawn directly from official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sources for accuracy and currency.
What Is the DS-874 Form?
The DS-874 Form is the official New York DMV medical examination report used exclusively under Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. It documents a driver’s physical condition to ensure they can safely operate buses for motor carriers.
Unlike the federal MCSA-5875 form used for many CDL drivers, the DS-874 is tailored to New York’s stricter standards for bus drivers (including school buses and public transit). It includes a detailed health history, vision and hearing tests, blood pressure/pulse readings, laboratory results, and a full physical exam.
The form is two pages long, with an optional one-page supplement (DS-874C) for additional comments. It must be completed by a qualified medical examiner (physician, certified nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) following Section 6.10 of the Commissioner’s Regulations (15 NYCRR Part 6).
Who Needs to Complete the DS-874 Driver Physical Condition Exam?
The DS-874 is mandatory for any driver operating a bus under Article 19-A for a motor carrier in New York. This includes:
- School bus drivers
- For-hire bus operators
- Public transit and charter bus drivers
- Any driver transporting passengers for a carrier subject to 19-A rules
Key requirements:
- Pre-employment/initial exam: Required before a driver can begin operating a bus.
- Biennial recertification: Every two years thereafter.
- Follow-up exams: As needed for specific conditions (e.g., diabetes or high blood pressure).
Carriers must keep the completed DS-874 in the driver’s qualification file for at least three years. Personal physicians cannot always perform the exam—qualified examiners are required per DMV regulations.
Note: Regular passenger vehicle drivers or non-19-A CDL holders do not need this form. Standard CDL medical certification uses the federal form instead.
Purpose of the DS-874 Under Article 19-A
Article 19-A was created to enhance highway safety by setting rigorous qualification standards for bus drivers. The DS-874 ensures drivers meet specific physical qualifications outlined in 15 NYCRR § 6.10, including:
- No disqualifying medical conditions that could impair safe bus operation
- Adequate vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and overall physical capability
- Proper management of chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension
The medical examiner certifies that the driver is physically qualified (with or without restrictions) based on the exam results. Inaccurate or incomplete information can invalidate the certification and lead to disqualification.
How to Download the Official DS-874 PDF?
The most current version of the DS-874 Form (revised 1/19) is available free directly from the New York DMV website:
Download DS-874 PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds874.pdf
You can also download the supplemental form:
- DS-874C (Supplement): https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds874c.pdf
Always use the official DMV PDF to ensure compliance—third-party copies may not be accepted. The form is fillable online or printable for in-person completion.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Filling Out the DS-874 Form
Section 1: Driver/Carrier Information (Completed by driver or carrier)
- Enter driver’s full name, address, license details, and carrier information (including 19-A Business ID).
Section 2: Health History (Completed by driver, reviewed by examiner)
- Answer yes/no questions about illnesses, injuries, seizures, heart conditions, diabetes, sleep disorders, etc.
- List all medications (prescription and over-the-counter).
- Provide details for any “Yes” answers.
Sections 3–7: Testing and Physical Exam (Completed by medical examiner only)
- Vision (Section 3): Acuity, field of vision, color recognition.
- Blood Pressure/Pulse (Section 4): Multiple readings required.
- Laboratory/Other Tests (Section 5): Urinalysis (protein, blood, sugar) and hearing test.
- Physical Examination (Section 6–7): Detailed check of body systems (eyes, ears, heart, lungs, etc.).
Section 8: Medical Examiner’s Certification
- Examiner indicates new/initial, recertification, or follow-up.
- Notes any qualifications (e.g., corrective lenses, hearing aid).
- Signs and dates the form.
For follow-up exams, only relevant sections need updating. Use DS-874C if more space is needed.
Medical Standards and Tests Required on the DS-874
The DS-874 follows strict standards from 15 NYCRR § 6.10:
- Vision: At least 20/40 acuity in each eye (with or without correction) and 70° peripheral vision.
- Hearing: Forced whisper test or audiometric average better than 40 dB.
- Blood Pressure: Readings above 160/90 may require further evaluation.
- Urinalysis: Required to screen for underlying issues.
- General Physical: No disqualifying conditions (e.g., uncontrolled epilepsy, severe cardiovascular disease, or substance abuse).
Examiners reference the full instructions at dmv.ny.gov/art19.
DS-874C Supplement Form Explained
The DS-874C is a one-page add-on used only when extra space is needed for comments on health history, physical findings, or certification. It must be attached to the main DS-874 and cannot be used alone. Carriers should keep both forms together in the driver file.
Common Questions About the DS-874 Form (FAQs)
How often is the DS-874 required?
Biennially (every 2 years) after the initial exam, plus any follow-ups for conditions like diabetes (every 6 months in some cases).
Can any doctor complete the DS-874?
No—only qualified medical examiners per DMV rules. Check with your carrier or the Bus Driver Unit for approved providers.
What happens if a driver fails the exam?
The carrier cannot allow the driver to operate a bus until they meet qualifications or obtain necessary medical clearance.
Is the DS-874 the same as a CDL physical?
No. Article 19-A bus drivers use DS-874 (or approved federal equivalent in limited cases), while standard interstate CDL drivers use the MCSA-5875.
Where can I find more Article 19-A resources?
Visit the official DMV Article 19-A page or request forms from the Bus Driver Unit at (518) 473-9455.
Get Your DS-874 Physical Exam: What to Expect
Bring your valid driver’s license, glasses/contacts if needed, medication list (or bottles), and any relevant medical records. The exam typically includes vision/hearing tests, blood pressure checks, urine sample, and a full physical. Expect 30–60 minutes.
Motor carriers should schedule exams with certified examiners and maintain records as required.
Download Your DS-874 Form Today
Stay compliant and ensure road safety by using the official DS-874 Form.
Direct PDF Download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds874.pdf
For the latest regulations, visit the New York DMV website or contact the Bus Driver Unit. Always verify with official sources, as requirements can evolve.
This guide is based on current New York DMV publications and forms as of the latest available data. For personalized advice, consult your motor carrier or the DMV directly. Safe driving starts with proper qualification!