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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 decreased range of motion at my left knee, left ankle, left foot, muscle atrophy and weakness in same areas as well after an accident. I walk with a limp and cannot squat down. Can I still pass a dot exam?
@ Mel
FMCSA, class A medical certification examination is going to require a full range of motion. A medical release form from your doctor may help, but be prepared to provide additional documentation.
I have a broken foot and my medical card has expired am I able to take the physical? In Oregon
@ James H
If you are class A, no.
I was injured on the job. I got released on 8/27/19 with permanent restrictions. No over head reaching or lifting. 25lb weight limit with my elbows flexed to my side. I drive the metro bus. I pass the test, but was told that I could not get my dot card because I have permanent restrictions. I had rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder. I can still drive. I am totally confused.
@ Dorothy L L
Your examiner is holding you to a class A drivers standard, you fall into the states variances. Go get a second opinion from an examiner that know the differences.
I tore my rotator cuff on the job. just had surgery, and my medical card expires next week. What, if anything can I do to keep my cdl? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
@ Andy
Your cdl is state issued and most states have a procedure to handle situations like yours. Check with your local drivers license department for further guidance.
I was wondering if I do not have a regular doctor and I have foot pain now but not normally (no diagnosis), but have full range of motion, would they pass me for the physical?
@ Mallory
If the foot does not restrict your ability to perform the duties of a cmv operator, you may be fine. And you should find out what is the underlying cause of the pain.
Hello…If a DOT driver is a diabetic or an unknown diabetic and he/she is spilling sugar in his/her urine, is it required to request his/her most recent AIC? We always perform a glucose finger stick if sugar is present in the urine, but if that number is under 200, is it required by DOT guidelines to get their A1C before determination is made? When is it required to request their A1C?
Thank you in advance.
@ Beverly
You should request a recent A1C when there is both a history of diabetes, of any type, and a sugar spill-over is present during your testing. DOT guidelines are letting you interpret them for the safety of the driver and the public at large. Support your decisions with proper supporting documentation.
IM a diabetic and I was off work on injury leaves and whenI I went to do my DOT physical they me I couldn’t get my certificate when I’m released back to work but when I was released back to work my Class A license was drop to a class C when I do my physical again how long will it take me to get my license up graded back to a class A how long do it take me to be able to drive Truck again
@ Ronnie E T
Your state drivers license department is in charge of this issue, check with them.
I had DOT physical exam on Friday but because I have limited movement in my LEFT FOOT actually they call foot drop, I was wounded in war and my nerve for foot is damaged and I have to see Physical doctor to clear and give approval and I call bunch off the doctors offices and receive lot off different answers so I’m really confused, anyway I’m mechanic full time and able to drive stick shift ( I couldn’t be mechanic if not able to drive stick shift) with no problem whatsoever, passing everything with no problems except my left foot, and I’m not sure that this doctor have no idea just because she said how I gonna be able to work with air brakes ( air brakes operate with same pedal as regular brakes ) I’m wondering now that I’m not be able to become truck driver what I always want to be, should I be worry or not for becoming truck driver
Thank you
@ Svemirko g
You will need a medical release form from your primary doctor explaining your situation and any limitations that it may create.FMCSA provides guidelines for the CME. The final decision falls on the CME and his understanding of the guidelines and how he weighs the possible risk and safety issues.
Thank you so much
I live in Alabama and I’m getting my CDL B for the first time I’ve already have my permit and I took the pre-trip and driving test and I passed with flying colors!! But the Dr that passed me on the physical gave me a one year and have to take it again but I listed on the paperwork 3 times that I had my left foot amputated on Jan 2, 2015.and he did not check the box about needing to get a weaver. Now after I’ve done all that the AL Dot says I have to get a SPE waiver but for local hauls the lady at the federal office said she can’t give me one becauce I’m don’t go out of state. And I don’t have any problems with any task we do.And I wear my prosthetic all the time.. What can I do?
@ Dennis
You fall under the states requirements and variances, not the FMCSA. FMCSA was established for class A long and heavy haul drivers. Go back and check with your local DLD for the best way to go from here.
I want a career change. I want to get a class A CDL license. I have no training. I want to go to a large trucking company or a school. The issue is I am missing fingers on my left hand. I was born this way. I can drive a car just fine. I’m want to drive an automatic truck. The trucking company I would like to work for stated that I would need a SPE test. Also, I was looking into going into a school. Both companies have no idea or are very much help on getting the SPE test. I have no training at all, so how am I suppose to get evaluated without training first? First I am thinking that I would have to pass the Dot physical, then get trained, then have someone come out and evaluate me for the SPE, but the paperwork is confusing. I just want to have the SPE waiver so that a major company would employ me.
@ Denise G
Talk to one of the cdl driving schools. They should be able to guide you in the right direction.
I know truckers that are missing fingers
. Major carriers usually have onsite physicians for DOT exams. The physician will make a reasonable decision based on how your hands are, and might have you get a medical waiver okayed from other doctors
All should be well if your only missing one or two fingers.
Can I still get a health card if I require a hand brake to safely operate the motor vehicle?
@ Zach G
You should be able to. You will fall under your states variances, so make sure the examiner is aware of job description.