Please read through the Q&A before posting a question. This will help everyone to not have duplicate questions. Thank you!
If you still can’t find a related answer, then you are welcome to
ask your question in the comments section below.
Q&A
Can a driver with lung disease get a DOT medical card?
Is the use of oxygen therapy a disqualifier?
Can I still drive if I have a blood clot in the lung?
I had lung surgery and a lobectomy a few years ago . Will this fail me on a DOT physical?
What does neck size, weight, and BMI have to do with the DOT physical exam?
What does snoring have to do with the DOT physical exam?
Can a driver with lung disease get a DOT medical card?
The medical examiner will evaluate your condition to determine how the lung disease may affect your ability to safely drive and perform other duties of a commercial driver. If you don’t have a medical opinion letter from a treating physician, you may need to go for a chest x-ray or pulmonary function tests before the medical examiner can consider certification.
Is the use of oxygen therapy a disqualifier?
Most likely, yes, oxygen therapy while driving is a disqualifier. The reasons are twofold: 1. Malfunction of the oxygen equipment. 2. Progression of the disease may be debilitating. You may be considered if you can pass a pulmonary function test.
I was recently diagnosed with COPD from exhaust leak in my semi. Can I lose my CDL because of this diagnosis?
The diagnosis of COPD is not, by itself a disqualifier for your cdl. It will/may have an effect while doing your medical examination and certification. Your best bet is to take any and all notation from your primary lung doctor with you when you re-do your medical exam and certificate. The examiner just needs to make sure your are fit to return to work without being a risk to yourself or the public at large.
Can I still drive if I have a blood clot in the lung?
With the blood clot in the lung, you want to make sure you bring a note from you pulmonary specialist stating you are good to go. The medical examiner will need a copy for your file when he does the exam.
I had lung surgery and a lobectomy a few years ago . Will this fail me on a DOT physical?
In and of itself, the lobectomy should not be an issue. But what was the reasoning behind the surgery? Your examiner will have other questions regarding the surgery and what its long term effects are, as well as, how it affects your ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
What does neck size, weight, and BMI have to do with the DOT physical exam?
Neck size, weight, and BMI are all just indicators that the medical examiner looks at to determine if you may have a condition that would impact your ability to safely drive a commercial vehicle now or for the period for which the medical card may be issued. There are currently no set specifics on these measurements in the DOT regulations. However, companies may set their own policies and have their own standards for these indicators, which may disqualify you to drive for that particular company.
What does snoring have to do with the DOT physical exam?
Snoring, in combination with obesity, can be highly predictive of obstructive sleep apnea risk. That said, even the loudest of snorers may not have a breathing obstruction. The sign that is most suggestive of sleep apnea occurs when snoring stops. If both snoring and breathing stop while the person’s chest and body try to breathe, that is literally a description of an event called an ‘apnea’. When breathing starts again, there is typically a deep gasp and then the resumption of snoring.
For the DOT physical exam the medical examiner evaluates your overall physical condition and health history to determine if there are signs of a medical condition that may affect your ability to safely drive a CMV. If the medical examiner has reasonable suspicion that you have sleep apnea you may have to go for an overnight sleep test called a polysomnogram before you can be further considered for certification.
Can’t Find An Answer For Your Question?
If you have a question that you feel has not been answered, scroll down to the Questions and Comments box and post your question.
- Before posting, please make sure you are on the appropriate Category page, so that relevant questions and answers can be found by other drivers too.
- To save us all from zombie spammers, your question will not appear on this page until it has been approved.
- Trucker Docs™ will answer your question as soon as possible.
- Visit this page again soon to see our response.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.
Your comments are also welcome.
I have been diagnosed with restricted lung disease and moderate persistant asthma.Could I still get a medical card?
@ Jim G
It will depend on the extent of the condition and it’s limitations. May require supporting medical documentation.
i have recently been diagnosid with COPD and am on oxygen i know that the bottled oxygen disqualifies me but if i can use a oxygen portable generator can i still pass my DOT phy i know the portable generator is FAA approved thank you .
@ Charles T
It is possible and will require supporting documentation and medical release forms from your doctors. Then it is up to the CME’s evaluation and risk assessment of you and your condition.
Hi. Because of covid I use a tracheostomy to help me breathe. Will this disqualified me.
@ Jose c
It will raise questions and will need supporting medical documentation from your prescribing physician.
My phrenic nerve was severed during heart surgery. Can I get my cdl back? My left lung doesn’t know what to do, so it acts alternate to what my right lung does depending on space in my diaphragm.
@ Ed J
Your question will be best answered by your local DLD. You would have to provide supporting medical documentation and have a medical release before passing your medical certification examination, which is required for a cdl.
Are Oxygen concentrators disqualifying if you have a Class A CDL? I know the use of oxygen tanks is prohibited because of risk of explosion etc. A oxygen concentrator doesn’t use tanks as it draws ambient air and filters it creating pure oxygen. How would this be a disqualifier when the FAA and DOT approve the use of concentrators on an aircraft both by Crew members and passengers?
@ Steven S
We do not believe that oxygen concentrators are a disqualifying item via DOT/FMCSA. There will be questions by the examiner as to why you use it and for what conditions. Those will be your only concern.
While getting my DOT physical in place, I had a second lung surgery to remove a cancerous nodule. My PFT was passed prior to the surgery. In order to pass the DOT physical do I need another PFT after surgery to pass?
@ William D
Yes. Since your condition and situation has changed, the CME will need the information to complete the medical certification examination.
I am 34 and I have PAH I take letaris and tadalfil daily can I still get my class a cdl?
@ Ant
It may be possible, but you will need to provide supporting medical documentation from your physicians before the CME will make his final decision.
My husband had a total laryngectomy and has a stoma can he get a school bus cdl
@ Meg
Since he will hold a lesser cdl for school bus, he then falls under the states guidelines for cdl holders. Confirm with your local drivers license department.
Hi just wondering how your husband is and what to expect..as my husband is scheduled for a total also..very scared ..there isnt much info from patients.
Hi meg.just wondering how your husband is doing? My husband is scheduled to have a total also..were very scared as we cant find anyone else to talk to that has gone through this..thank you