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Q&A
I have a hernia. Will this disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?
What if I have a limb impairment? Am I disqualified?
I have a hernia. Will this disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?
If the hernia does not interfere with your operation of a commercial motor vehicle, then there is no problem.
If you have pain and are limited in some way, then you should take care of the problem before it does become a serious problem.
I had hernia surgery three years ago. There is some scar tissue which causes a little discomfort from time to time but in no way renders me unable to perform any tasks. Will this cause me to fail a DOT physical?
During the examination you will be questioned regarding the hernia surgery. Just let the medical examiner know how this effects you and whether it interferes with your daily activities. Some companies have restrictions, but this is a company policy not a DOT regulation.
I have a hernia that does not give me any trouble. The doctor I saw for my DOT exam says I have to get it repaired before my next exam. What if my regular doctor says that we can do watchful waiting instead of surgery? What are my rights under the law about this?
The DOT examiner is looking at a progressive condition, but if you will take a note from your primary doctor who has evaluated your condition and understands what you really do for a living, then the DOT examiner should consider your primary doctor’s opinion. However, the final decision to certify you, or not, remains with the medical examiner.
What if I have a limb impairment? Am I disqualified?
It is possible to apply for an exemption. FMCSA has a certificate program for drivers with limb impairments. FMCSA also has a special certification program for drivers with missing limbs. (see FMCSA Skill Performance Evaluation)
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Hi, I am a class C cdl driver, I have a cataract they will be taking out but have also been told that I have optic nerve damage is that a disability, I was told by the nero doctor my vision in my right eye last month was 20/400
@Thomas
If your present vision is at 20/400 and uncorrectable, then you would fail a federal DOT medical certification examination.
Since you fall under your states drivers license rules and regulations, as a class C driver, we suggest that you check with the state regarding any visual impairment waivers or releases. The cataract, once removed, may not impair your vision too much. All depends on how much, if any, nerve damage has occurred. Good luck
A driver fails his medical exam. He has a current medical card that is valid for 3 more weeks. Is it legal to drive under current medical, registered with DOL, after failing a renewal?
@George
No. The failed exam is reported to FMCSA.
can you wear a knee brace in a commercial vehicle
@Vernon
As long as it does not interfere with your ability to perform the duties of a cmv operator and poses no safety issues. There will be questions about the reasoning behind the use of the brace, so be prepared with supporting documentation and a medical release form from your doctor explaining why you should use the brace and how long he expects you to be using it.
Can chrons diseas disqualify you if you are a class A deivwr operating in all 48 states
@Jonathan
Only if it causes you to be a potential safety risk. If you can continue to perform the duties of a cmv operator and are not a safety risk you should be alright, if everything else is within normal limits. Get a medical release form from your doctor explaining your condition and medications, that helps the CME make a well informed decision in your case.
I have worked with a Class B license driving a bus for 4 years. I went today to get my DOT card renewed and the doctor said I did not have full range of motion when I turn by head to the left though I feel I do . She said she thought I had spasmodic torticollis and sent me to my family doctor and she said I was a little tight on the left side. She wants me to see a physical therapist to see if there is a test I can take to determine it. Is there anything in a DOT physical that says this is a criteria and also if I cannot work while getting better what are my options. Does the company put you on sick leave or are you considered unemployed.
@Debbie
There are range of motion guidelines with the FMCSA, but you are a class B driver, driving a school bus. You fall under the states variances and not FMCSA. As far as your other question, you need to check with the company policy for a situation such as yours.
In 2007 I slipped on ice and ruptured my right quadriceps tendon, after the repair surgery failed, I had surgery again 8 months later. I finally was cleared MMI, with restrictions of no crawling no kneeling. I fell last year and ruptured my left quadriceps tendon, and completely tore my right rotator cuff. After surgeries, and therapy I am at MMI with major work restrictions, no climbing, no lifting more than 10lbs. Can I pass a physical?
@Robert
For a class A interstate driver, no.
You might want to look into intra-state as there are state variances to work with and not the FMCSA regulations.
@Robert
For a class A interstate driver via FMCSA, no.
If you are not going for interstate and will be running locally, then maybe, based on your job description.
Does wearing a leg brae for drop foot disqualify me from driving a school van/bus in NJ?
@George
You will need to check with your local drivers license department to determine the best answer. This is a state related question not FMCSA.
I had arthroscopic knee surgery. I had a torn meniscus. After 4 days of rest, I could get around pretty good. The doctor cleared me for unrestricted work. We drive automatic trucks. Is there an automatic time off period for this procedure? I am a class A license holder.
@Dan
You will have to have a new DOT medical examination before you can return to driving. As long as you can perform the duties of a CMV operator, without posing a safety issue, you should be fine. Take your medical release form from your doctor with you, it will help the CME in his final decision making process.