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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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Your comments are also welcome.
I have Cerebral Palsy (I walk) but I have some coordination problems and some limits on range of motion. Very mild case compared to others. Went for a DOT physical, doctor said he had never dealt with a case like mine, and was so unfamiliar with the situation he didn’t feel comfortable certifying me til I saw a neurologist who was familiar with my condition and the limitations it may place on driving as a CDL holder. I do not even know where to find a qualified neurologist, and I am concerned having someone who doesn’t know me or my situation examine me will result in a denial simply because they dont know/ dont want to know about my personal situation. My primary care physician is also a DOT medical examiner, but the job I applied to sent me to this guy. What should I do next? Is there anyone out there who has CP who got their medical card?
Thanks
@ Nick
First check with your primary doctor. to see If he would certify you to drive, then have him write a release for you to give to the other CME.
What are the neck size and weight restrictions for dot physical?
@ Stanley
The FMCSA, once upon a time, issued a guideline for neck and BMI for drivers. If those guidelines were followed it would have taken 60+% of the drivers off the road. So at this time there are no neck and BMI regulations. But some opportunist have used the initial FMCSA information to grease their pockets. If you have a true OSA situation then there are many other test and questions to be answered before requesting a sleep study. But if the test is being requested based on neck size and BMI, we would recommend seeking a second opinion elsewhere.
I just had surgery for a torn bicep that happened at work but while im out for therapy my physical card is going to expire can i still go for a dot physical or is there some kind of extension im able to aquire
@ Dave
You have to have a full medical release, from your doctors, before taking your DOT medical certification examination. FMCSA does not have an exception or extension. Your state DLD just needs to know you are out with recovering injuries and therapy and will have an updated medical card as soon as you are released to return to work, without restrictions.
I think I have carpal tunnel in both wrists will be seeing my orthopedic doctor in a couple weeks if I have to wear wrist braces can I still drive my school bus in Arizona
@ Dottie D
As long as you can perform the duties required by the bus company, you probably can. But, confirm this with the company first.
Hi my name is Steve and I was involved in a car accident resulting in my femur getting getting broke. After three months in the hospital I was told that I had drop foot as a result of my femur getting broken. That was three years ago and I am trying to get back to being a truck driver local equipment hauling .i have been told that I can’t do what I used to do in the heavy equipment hauling field.
i too have foot drop of the left foot from a herniated disk in the lower back this was 7 years ago do i have to get a release from a neurologst to get recertified for medical card?
@ bill
It would be helpful to the examiner and he would not have to ask you to get a copy anyway.
@ Steve C
You might check into intra-state only. That way you fall under your states variances and they may have no issues, if you can perform the duties prescribed by your employer.
Pinky
One of our operators had prostate cancer and started taking chemo, he’s very weak and had to be sent home a couple of times. What are policies determining if this operator is fit to drive? There should be some procedure if an operator is taking some type of medication that deters the operator from driving safely. Please send some advice.
@ Ophelia P
Your driver is disqualified via FMCSA regulations. A new examination would have to be performed to determine his ability to safely operate a CMV.
Is there any restrictions on getting a dot physical with a spinal stimulator that I turn off while driving?
@ Veit P
You are going to need to provide supporting documentation from your doctors, before you will be able to do the FMCSA medical certification examination.
I have a bladder osteomyelitis, I’ve had it for 8 yrs. And been able to drive with no problems passing my DOT physical. This time it was a problem. There was blood in my urine, protein, and bacteria in my urine. These will always be in there. Why is it this time I could not pass my DOT physical?
@ Robert Mc
Just get a medical release form from your doctor explaining your situation and condition, then you should be OK.