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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 just had a left total hip replacement. I have a CDL license in the State of Illinois would I be able to return back to driving trucks or would a prosthetic hip disqualify me?
@ Scott P C
It is not a disqualifying factor. Just get fully healed with full recovery, without any restrictions, and you’ll be good to go.
Okay do DOT have a exact amount of time to be off from work
@ Sara L M
Certain conditions and injuries have a set waiting time frame before a new medical examination should be performed. Other conditions fall under guidelines and do not have set waiting periods.
I walk with a slight limp (left leg) and will need a hip replacement in about 15 or 20 years. I have no problem walking, driving etc. And I am still pretty athletic. Will I have a problem passing a DOT physical?
@ Michael J R
It will depend on the extent of the limp and any limitations that it may present during the examination.
I walk with a limp because I have AVN @20%; I also have AS accompanied with occasional uveitis. Gabapentin, methotrexate, folic acid, lotemax & prolensa are the meds I currently take. I still work out, drive etc. Will I pass my DOT or are their exemptions, waivers or options I should take? Thank You For All You Do!
@ Tonya W
It will depend on the class drivers license you want to acquire. As a Class A driver you wooed not qualify. As a class B or less, you may fall under the state variances and be fine. Check with your state drivers license department for a better answer.
I have a class b Cdl & wanted to know if getting a Handicap parking permit would disqualify me for keeping my Cdl in Ohio
@ D
All depends on the reasoning for acquiring a handicap sticker.
In louisiana yes cause i was drivikg big trucks after i got out of the military and i went tp the dmv in my home town cause i had just got my second award letter from the va for my military injuries and since my % was over 60% u get to get ur drivers license and they give u the handicap plates and also another one for a spare vehicle that u may b riding in or driving so…. But anyways back on topic they told me i had to pick one or the other i said shit i make way more a month sitting on my ass then holding the steering wheel and grinding gears did so i took the better offer and gave my cdl back up
If your on dialysis are you disqualified from driving a bus
@ Scott
You need to check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
Nope , I was doing peritoneal dialysis at night when I took my dot physical I had a letter from kidney dr stating I was able to work , just have that letter
I had my right big toe amputated. I have normal Functions and have been practicing everything i can remember from the exam and am able to completely do everything with out any problems. Will i need to complete an spe in order to keep my medical certificate?
@ Will J
If you can perform the duties without limitations, then you should be fine.
If I have lymphedema in my right leg but have no limits on this leg and reflexes are normal can I still drive a semi my name is randy (last name deleted by Admin for privacy).
@ Randy Z
Not sure what ‘this leg’ is?
@Trucker Docs I would imagine he is referring to his right leg since that IS what he began his sentence with…
Hi I was wanting to know if you have a spinal cord stimulator placed 2 years ago and have no issues now can you get a d.o.t. medical card? I have possessed a CDL for 20+ years
@ Dianne
With proper medical documentation, you should be able to get the medical card, if all else is within normal limits.
I am a above knee amputee right leg from a motorcycle accident in 2012.I wear a prosthetic and I have no problem getting around or driving.But I drive with my left leg.Obviously I can no longer drive a manual transmission.I plan on getting with a company that offers training.How do I obtain a medical waiver if I have never had a CDL?From what I have read,one must show that they can drive with no issues.I can not show that I can drive a tractor/trailer with no CDL.
@ Jimmy J
You will need an exemption form from FMCSA. Once you start the process you will need a medical examiner to ride with you to determine if there are any potential safety risk. Once released by him and the exemption papers in hand, you can go for the DOT medical certification examination.
its a form CDL-10 : Certification of Physical Exemption 49 CFR Part 391/390 its a form I filled out check box # 3 The occasional transportation of personal property by individuals not for compensation nor in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise. went to Texas Department Of Public Safety , provided the form for the reason because I couldn’t get my Medical Examiners Certificate and got the restriction so I wouldn’t lose my License from 1/31/2019 through 1/31/2022, its gives me 3 years before my license expires to heal my work related injuries . I don’t know if the Company will allow this restriction on my license for the fact that am on light duty with restrictions because they need a medical card for there file , on the day it expired on 1/31/2019 . do you think they will allowed this till I heal or would they find a reason to terminate me because of my medical card and work related injury . department of public safety told me before I can drive commercial trucks need to get my medical card first and they’ll take off the restrictions . I hope this is the best move to save my CDL from getting down grade and I hope the company doesn’t find a reason to terminate me because of the changes I made . I hope I did the right thing , how do you see this , I hope to hear your comments
@ Marcos V. jr
You will need to pass the DOT medical certification examination before you can drive, legally. To pass the medical examination, you must not be on light duty or other physical restrictions. Get healed from the injuries and them get a new medical card. That will save your cdl license.
they put a restriction on my license text : so I wouldn’t lose my CDL and do no test , exemption ? stating I wont lose my CDL ! I cant drive trucks yet till I get a release from restrictions , but it saves my CDL from down grading and once I heal then ill go get my medical card and change the restriction . I was only concern about not losing my CDL . longest I filled that form CDL – 10 : exemption is place on my CDL till I heal . then ill go get my medical card then turn it in to department of public safety and take off that exemption on my CDL then I can drive trucks once I turn in my medical card .
@ Marcos V
Great, and you did a super job on the follow-up.
I was in in a motorcycle accident. I broke both bones in my left leg below the knee. They both were completely severed at the ankle. I have a titanium rod in the larger of the two bones along with 6 screws, two of them in my ankle. To date I can walk with a cane but I still have nerve damage (pain) in 2/3 of my foot and part of my ankle.
Is it worth even trying to get recertified?
Since most trucks are now automatic transmissions I would have to use a clutch
@ Dave F
As a class A, OTR driver, you may not qualify. As an intra-state cdl driver, you may be fine. A lot will depend on the extent of your injuries and the restrictions the injuries impose. Check with a local DOT medical examiner for a more solid answer.
My company when I first started driving sent me to a Doc in a Box for my DOT exam. Which they paid for at the time. I passed the exam three years in a row. Then the fourth year I had a Doctor fail me cause I could not walk on my heel in my right foot. Sent me to the FMCSA for an exemption. FMCSA has in their form that I have to wear a brace. My regular Doctor has cleared me and also a Orthopedic Surgern has cleared me twice. Stating I do not need the brace. What do I need to do to keep from going through the FMCSA part of the paperwork every two years? I have full function while driving.
@ Jimmy
Go get a second opinion somewhere else and take your medical doctors releases with you. Once cleared by a new examiner, FMCSA would not require the brace, if it is not needed to perform the duties of a CMV operator.