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
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)
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.
Do I have to recert my dot physical for a workplace injury not resulting in time off but light duty?
@Kathy
Yes.
my husband has had a CDL for over 30 years. In Aug. he obtained an injury from our farm equipment. He has had several surgeries on his hand and arm. He is currently in physical therapy and its time to renew his medical card. Right now he is unable to drive but he has to maintain his CDL to keep his job. We live in Texas what can we do?
@ Connie
Check with your states drivers license department and explain the situation. They should be able to help accommodate your husband.
Would an individual who has ever engaged in self harm or attempted suicide in the past have a chance of passing the DOT Medical. Talking greater than 3 years in the past with zero relapse, was prescribed medication for depression and regular visits with a doctor but went off medication and doctor visits less than two weeks after the incident. I don’t have a family doctor or anything like that so I can’t have them say “he’s fine” “no future risk” exc.
@ Zacharia
FMCSA has some pretty strict regulations on self-harm patients, and their meds cause questions also. Make sure you can get medical release form from a doctor before you go for the DOT examination. Also check with the FMCSA regarding time frames from medication secession.
I was involved in truck accident and diagnosed with ptsd when I get close to another big truck my symptoms act up and i get so upset I have to pull to side of road or get away from traffic until I can function again .will ptsd keep me from passing dot physical?
@ Roger d
Uncontrolled ptsd is a safety issue. FMCSA wants the CME (examiner) to have as much information as possible to help him determine the safety of both the driver and the public at large. Controlled ptsd will need a medical release form from your treating and prescribing doctors. PTSD is not an automatic disqualifer.
Doc thanks for info on ptsd Went to dot doctor he passed my physical without asking about ptsd clearance and back to work clearance for lower back surgery and neck fusion c5-c6. I went to my attending doctor today and told him I passed physical without being cleared for work. I also have to go for another mri to see why back surgery didn’t go well.What should I do or who should I contact ? Thanks!!
@ Roger D
You should not have passed a DOT medical certification examination with your present spinal conditions. Some one really dropped the ball here. Contact FMCSA and let them know your situation and report the CME that passed you.
I passed physical without being cleared for work clearance for lower back surgery dot doctor didn’t ask for work clearance. also had fusion c5-c6 on neck as well as ptsd. I went to attending physician today told him I passed physical without being cleared for lower back surgery which I am still having problems with. the doctor didn’t think I was legal doing that because of the problems I am still having and not being released for work. what should i do to correct this issue or who should I contact Thanks
I am on workers comp waiting for back surgery on pinch nerves l/4 l/5 s1 waiting on approval from workers comp. my dot expires in 3 weeks, went today for recertification and the doctor said no because of previous injury and the surgery. Orthopedic surgeon said i can work regular duty just be careful. I am a spotter in the yard.
@Fred
If being a spotter in the yard requires you to maintain your class A license, then you would not pass the DOT medical certification examination. Because you are on works comp and have physical limitation. FMCSA regulations do not allow for what could be seen as a safety risk to the driver and the public at large. It isn’t about what your orthopedic surgeon has to say about your work capabilities, it is what FMCSA guidelines for the DOT have to say.
I have a permanent weight restriction of 75lbs with a 35lb restriction over head because of tendon surgery (elbows ). I am able to move my elbows perfectly and no longer under a physician’s care, can I still get a DOT medical card?
@ Phillip Z
According to the FMCSA guidelines, based on the job description of an over the road driver, you would have difficulty passing the medical certification examination. That being said, things have changed in the driving community over the past 10+ years and weight restrictions have shifted within the company requirements. You may pass the certification examination and not the driving job description of the company. If you know what company you will be driving for and you have a copy of the job description, you may pass the medical certification, but be prepared to answer questions about your restrictions. And check the FMCSA sideline for a job description for an OTR driver.
I am a nurse case manager with Worker’ Comp
my question does DOT allow drives with CDL to drive long distances with a spinal cord stimulator
thanks!
@Penny
A lot will depend on the case conditions and any restrictions placed on the driver. Each situation is supposed to be evaluated case by case and final decision making should come from an understanding of the regulations and guidelines set forth by the FMCSA.
I’m getting rdy to go get a dot physical about 3yrs ago I had my c-6 c-7 fused when I was released to go back to work with no restrictions and i have no more symptoms of pain or anything I haven’t seen that Dr since btw it’s for a class a
@ Rick
As long as there are no medical restrictions and a decent range of motion of the spine, you should be alright. The examiner will be looking for limitations that would pose as a safety risk.