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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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if am taking a prescribe prescription for pain and it helps me drive can I still get medical card even though I take medications while at home and not driving
@ Marcos V jr
Probably not.
I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis about 4 months ago. They have given me Mobic which from what I can tell will not disqualify me. I have slight bone degeneration of my right hip and very slight in my lower back. Also, I have bone spurs in both elbows, however while taking mobic I have no pain and full range of motion. I have applied for a few trucking companies to get my cdl and work OTR. Will I be able to pass a DOT physical if I have no grip impairment and no range of motion issues?
@ Chris
The medication will cause questions, so you need a medical release form from your prescribing doctor and a working prognosis. You will need to be on this medication for 30 days or more just to make sure there are no ill side effects.
medical card issues: if I go to doctor and let him know about my medical condition and taking pain medications and longest I have doctor excuse because of a work related injury is it possible that if we have understanding that am on light duty and gives me a medical card which I know he will longest I don’t drive trucks until I get release could the company allow it until I get a release before I drive so I wont get down graded or would they see the doctor as of why , ill have two separate doctors one handling my work related injury and one handling my DOT medical card , driver license department told me its up to the DOT doctor to approve it or not would the company see it different conflict due to my injury doctor will ask questions about my injurie and having a understanding not to drive until I get a release from my work doctor
@ Marcos V
To pass the DOT medical certification examination, you must have a doctors release to return to work ‘without restrictions or limitations’.
My father went to a DOT physical for a new job within the same company. The DOT doctor said he can not pass because he could rotate his neck 80 degrees … It this correct..? Can you give me any information on the DOT regulations
Thank you
Robert O
80 degrees total or in either direction? FMCSA would require a greater range of motion than 40 degrees in any one direction.
Suffered a severe DE-Gloving of my left leg–shin to knee cap…related to operating a tractor mower at work– Leg required masive surgical repair and wound care follow up. The employer sent me to one of those I.M.E.’s and that quack caused more harm after being informed with documentation of Severe Hipo /Pelvis pain. Leg wound required the floatng back of the carnage and being secured with several hundred interior based dissolvable sutures , several exterior plastic sutures and large op-site dressing with a wound vac. This all happened in May 2018. To date.. nerve damage exists in the shin and knee , plus an MRI revealed a Labral tear of the posterior left pelvis. Pain and restriction of movement of the leg is constant . Surgery is scheduled… but my DOT Medical card expires this week.. I also must wear surgical support stockings due to the venous insufficiency. Do you think I’ll pass the exam ? Oh..the employer fired me before I was transferred into the Trauma Center.
@ Daniel M
You will not qualify for a new DOT medical card at this time.
I live in Ohio and have a pick line in my arm (IV). And take antibiotics. Am I able to still drive class B
@ Jeremy c
If your state allows it, then yes.
I hurt my rotator cuff and only have 35% range of motion. Can i still drive?
@ Ron c
Depends on your driver class.
I slipped and fell and hit my head
Was cleared with a ct scan and my doctor checked me out and cleared me for work do I have to recertify my dot physical before I go back to work
@ Dustin
FMCSA states that any injury that results in time off or any possible change in physical ability to perform the duties of a cdl driver requires a new DOT physical before returning to normal work duties.
Am on light duty working 2 hours a day doing office checking logs . Can I get medical card just so I won’t lose my cdl pay at my expense. … And get a new one later on from company doctor before I drive big trucks for the company how does this work or do I go to department of public safety and let them know I won’t be driving trucks till I get release . am only on light duty till I get released
Or CDL 10 FORM certification of physical exemption 49 CFR PART 391/390 or medical examiners certificate because am on light duty with restrictions and my medical card is about to expire on 2/21/2019 . What protects my CDL because company needs medical card when it expires am on. Workers comp due to injury . Dr my give only in the condition I don’t drive while taking medication because am only doing paperwork coordinator , sitting detail . Restrictions specific to neck and back . Need advice so I won’t lose my CDL and job.
@ Marcos V
As a class A driver, your going to have difficulties due to the facts that you do not even qualify to do a DOT medical certification examination. Your doctors note should be sufficient to answer any questions for the company.
@ Marcos V
You can”t pass the examination, so there would be no card. Employer and DPL have guidelines for this situation. Check with them first.