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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 to have spinal fusion on lower lumbar L4/5 and L5/S1 will this disqualify my class a cdl
@Dmt
No. Make sure you are fully recovered, with proper documentation, before your next DOT physical.
Hi Doc.
I have L1 & L2 & possibly L3 Spinal Lumbar fused. I drive a truck. But lately it has been hurting bad. It’s need a few years when I was diagnosed with it. I know I am not wordings this right, but my lower back sometimes kills me. Can’t bend over for only a minute. Can i still keep my class A cdl?
I am school bus driber and I had a total knee replacement in June. My surgeon gave me a letter on stating that I could return to work without restriction. The school I work for are asking for a letter from a DOT doctor that certifies me to go back to work. I am getting conflicting answers from a couple of DOT doctors. One said all I need is a letter from the surgeon specifically stating that I am not a risk to drive commercially, yet others are telling me that they cannot give me DOT clearence to drive without retaking a complete DOT physical. Which one is true or what is correct?
You need a whole new DOT physical because your knee surgery would disqualify you even if your medical card hasn’t expired yet. Anytime you acquire a medical condition that would otherwise be disqualifying, you’re technically supposed to report that and get a new exam when your treating physician clears you. Just be sure to bring your medical clearance letter to your exam.
I have had two neck surgeries since Nov . First was micro disectomy second was fusion of c6-c7 I am not sure I can pass a dot physical what are your opinions
I work for fritolay I had surgery 2 year’s ago neck fusion on c4 c5 c6 c7 I was out 6 month’s total had my surgery was back to work 3 month’s later I was able to pass the DOT PHYSICAL and back to work so far so good ..good luck
@Richard
Once you’re fully recovered and released to return to work, make sure you have a medical release form from your surgeon when you get ready to do your DOT physical, and you should be fine if all else is within normal limits.
@Carl
They are both correct – yes you need to retake a DOT physical exam, and with proper documentation from the surgeon, and without restrictions, you should get a new medical card.
Is a driver medically qualified to drive with a walking cast on his right foot?
@Tim
No. And, once the cast is off, you need to have a new DOT physical done to be medically certified again.
I had to get a D.O.T. physical as a pre-qualification for a “non-CDL” delivery position. I am legally blind in my right eye (20/200), but my only restriction for my regular driver’s licence is an outside rear-view mirror on the drivers side. The physician showed me where there is a “waiver” for that part of the test, but he didn’t know what the waiver was or how I could see if it would apply to me. Can you explain how I could get a waiver?
@James
Check with your state drivers license department.
I have had a Class B CDL in Ohio for 27 years. I wanted to go back driving trucks but became a Below knee amputee 2 years ago. Can I still drive and do I need to retest? I was driving when my amputation happened.
Thanks
You’ll need a skill performance evaluation before you can be certified. It has to be done by an orthopedist or physiatrist.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/driver-medical-requirements/skill-performance-evaluation-certificate-program
@Carl
Sounds like a driver license question – check with DMV.
For medical certification you’ll need a waiver from FMCSA.
Are hip replacements allowed by DOT physicals?
@CW
Yes, as long as you can continue to perform your daily driving duties.
Trucker doc a question
I am currently on med leave for hip replacement and realized my physical will expire before I am able to return to active status to get it renewed
Is there a way to put it off until I get back to medical clearance or will my license be suspended?
Kris
Can a officer suspend your dot medical card,and disqualify you from driving a commercial truck?
@Rob
Not enough information here, but with reasonable suspicion, yes, an officer can suspend you from driving.
My name is randy my question is i have minor lymphedema in my right leg but i have full use of my right leg will that block my ability to get a medical card thanks
@Randy
With proper documentation and a medical release from your primary doctor, it will then fall to the medical examiner to make the final qualifying decision.
I have eye lens implants. One allows me to see distance and the other is for reading up close. Yet the dot guidelines say I have to have at least 20/40 in both eyes. Do I need to get a corrective lense for my reading eye to pass the physical?
@Michael
Yes. You must be have 20/40 or better in each eye, and both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
I have varicose veins will i be disqualified from getting class a license and if i bought tent hoses would this help me pass
@Joseph
Compression hoses will definitely be a plus. And you really need to reconsider a class A interstate driving career which has you sitting for up to 11 hours a day.