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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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I have drop foot on the right side.
Will i qualify for a commercial drivers certificate?
@John
Going for a class A interstate, it’s going to be difficult at best.
Intrastate only might be a better choice.
Hello, I had rotator cuff surgery and I can’t drive for at least 2 months and my medical card will expire within a month, can I start the physical exam and finish up when my doctor clears me or just wait until I’m healed Thanks
@JLB
No, you must wait until you’re healed so that you can pass the medical examination. And, check with you local drivers license department to explain your situation, because the medical card on file will expire in the meantime.
By passing means what? I had the same rotator cuff surgery and my DOT doc said I had to lift 50lbs before I could pass the physical. At present I have a 5lb restriction but I drive a bus for a college and never lift anything.
What gives?
@John
Explain your job requirements to the medical examiner. You should be evaluated based on your job, not by FMCSA class A driver.
I recently injured my knee and am being treated but I need to Renew my medical card how will this effect my ability to obtain a new card?
@Mike
If you can perform the duties of a CMV driver, it shouldn’t be a problem.
I have just completed my FCE after having 2 surgeys where i had two seperate fusions of C4 C5 of my neck. I was given a neck disability score of 82% and can only rotate left and right 20deg. Will that keep me from obtaining a DOT physical card?
@Jay
If the limited ranges of motion do not allow you to safely perform the duties of a CMV operator, then you will not pass the DOT physical certification examination. You may want to check into intra-state only, but the same questions are going to arise.
Hello I’m trying to get my cdl but have been diagnose with myotonic muscular dystrophy. I’m worried that it will interfere with me getting my cdl……any information and advice would be greatly appreciated
@Yvette
A lot is going to depend on what class cdl license you are going to go for. If it is a class A, then you will raise may questions, because you will be a potential safety risk.
But if you are going to be state restricted, then you fall under the states variances and not FMCSA. If so, then you want to check with your local drivers license department.
Thank you for your response….I found out when my father suffered a heart attack they couldn’t figure out why so they did a biopsy on my aunt and myself since then I see a neurologist 2 times a year…. I have no heart problems as wel las no respiratory problem and hardly have any symptoms with the exception of a little tightening of leg muscle so I guess my next question would be if it hasn’t had a really bad affect would that matter?
Also the school I will be attending only gives both a and b classes together but I’m almost 100% sure I don’t want to go across state mainly local but want the option of going across state
I have a spinal stimulator due to stenosis. Will this be reason to fail my DOT physical. I have a class B with an air brake endorsement. I am a manager and perform as a fill in driver only. I am not a full time driver. Thank You
@Brad
Make sure you have a medical release form from your doctor explaining your condition. And explain the type of driving that you would be doing to the CME. With the proper documentation, you should be fine.
I had a Worker’s Comp. back injury approximately three years ago, I then obtained a attorney, There was no permanent injuries to my back I had approximately a year and a half of rehabilitation, which included physical therapy,and actual puncture. I had to see a physician who was a mediator, to determine the severity of my injury It was determined that I had 11% permanent disability due to my age. My primary physician informed the DOT doctor by letter that I was cleared to return to work with no restrictions. I was told that my primary physician latter was not acceptable,I was just Disqualified to receive my DOT medical certificate, other than that I passed all the necessary requirements, I have been working as a Uber driver now for the past ten months, with over 3500 trips
@Derek
You would be disqualified as a class A driver, but could qualify as an intra-state driver. We suggest that you check with your local drivers license department to confirm your situation.
Hello there again Doc. What I was applying for was for my class B license, to drive a city bus, and my previous work I was a concrete Mason, I was cleared to return back to work with no limitations. I brought back a letter as the DOT Dr. required me to do, from my doctor . I went back to the DOT Dr. with a note from my doctor saying I can return to work with no instructions I gave the paperwork to the receptionist, she took it back to the doctor and when she returned she told me I did not pass with no explanation, The physician would not even come out and explain it to me. Could you please tell me where I could find out what the actual regulations For disqualification for a DOT medical certificate . Thank you sir
@Derek
You are a class B driver and do not fall under FMCSA class A regulations.
So, check with you local drivers license department to find out what regulations or restrictions may apply to you. You’re being examined as a class A driver which is not appropriate for a class B driver.
Can I get my Cdl with rheumatoid arthritis
@Chris
Can you perform the duties, as described by the FMCSA, safely and effectively? If so, then you might pass the medical certification examination. Also, a lot is determined by the type and class driver that you wish to become as a cdl driver. Check with your local drivers license department to verify your requirements.