Get your New York State Article 19-A bus driver physical done quickly, correctly, and without the long wait. Excel Urgent Care performs complete 19A physicals for school bus drivers, motor coach drivers, and other passenger carrier drivers at our New York locations. Walk in today or reserve your spot online, and get back on the road with your medical examination report completed to NYS DMV standards.
What Does the Article 19-A Physical Include?
Your 19A physical follows the sections of the DS-874 form. Most exams take about [30–45] minutes. Here is what to expect:
- Health history review. You will answer questions about past and current medical conditions, surgeries, and medications. Be complete and honest, since omissions can delay your clearance.
- Vision test. We check your visual acuity and field of vision against NYS standards. Wear or bring your glasses or contacts.
- Hearing test. We screen your hearing to make sure you can respond to traffic sounds and passengers. Hearing aids may be used if you normally wear them.
- Blood pressure and pulse. High blood pressure is one of the most common reasons a driver needs a follow-up.
- Urinalysis. A simple urine sample is checked for specific gravity, protein, blood, and sugar. This is a medical screen, not a drug test.
- Physical examination. The provider checks major body systems, including heart, lungs, abdomen, spine, extremities, and nervous system. This includes checking that you have the grip strength, mobility, and coordination needed to operate a bus safely.
- Medical determination and paperwork. The provider completes and signs your DS-874 so you can return it to your employer.
What Is an Article 19-A Physical Exam?
An Article 19-A physical is the medical examination New York State requires for bus drivers who transport passengers. It comes from Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, “Special Requirements for Bus Drivers,” which was created in 1974 after a fatal school bus and train crash in Congers, NY.
Under this law, a driver can only operate a bus for a motor carrier after passing a bus driver physical examination that meets the standards set by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. The exam confirms you are medically fit to safely drive a bus and protect your passengers.
The results are recorded on NYS DMV form DS-874, Medical Examination Report of Driver Under Article 19-A. The examining provider follows the medical standards in Section 6.10 of Part 6 of the DMV Commissioner’s Regulations. Your employer keeps the completed form in your driver qualification file.
What to Bring to Your 19A Physical
Coming prepared is the fastest way to get your exam finished in one visit. Please bring:
- Your driver’s license or another government-issued photo ID
- The DS-874 form, if your employer gave you one, plus any carrier or school district paperwork
- Employer information, including your company name, contact, and any authorization or payment voucher
- Glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids you use while driving
- A list of all current medications, including name, dose, and how often you take them
- Medical records for any ongoing conditions, such as recent specialist notes, a cardiology clearance, diabetes records, or sleep apnea treatment reports
- Payment or insurance information if your employer is not covering the exam
Tip: Bring your records even if you think they are not needed. Missing documents are the most common reason a driver has to come back for a second visit.
Why Bus Drivers Choose Excel Urgent Care for 19A Physicals
- Walk-ins welcome. No need to wait weeks for a doctor’s appointment. Walk in or reserve your spot online.
- Extended hours, 7 days a week. Fit your physical around your route schedule.
- Providers who know Article 19-A. Our team completes DS-874 exams to NYS DMV standards, so your paperwork is done right the first time.
- Convenient New York locations: Wantagh, Nesconset, East Northport, Massapequa Park, Howard Beach, & New Hyde Park.
- Employer and fleet accounts. We work with school districts, bus companies, and transportation carriers to keep entire fleets compliant.
- Affordable pricing.
