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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 want to become an A class truck driver but I’m worried if I’ll fail the dot physical. In 2017 I broke and dislocated my left elbow. It has healed all the way but I can’t full straighten it out. The most I can is like a 150 degrees out of 180. I’m able to work and do everyday things of picking up, pushing, and pulling. Would I fail the dot physical just because it doesn’t extend fully, even though I can pick up weight and do everyday things we ease?
@ Marvin
You should not have any real difficulty passing the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination with a slightly reduced range of motion in your elbow.
If carrying a class B drivers license, and transporting passengers, can a driver continue to operate legally if he or she is wearing a boot on the non-driving foot?
@ Dennis A
It would fall under your states restrictions, guidelines and variances. Check with the state DLD for your best answer.
I am a 47 year old T11 paraplegic (waist down). I have been confined to a wheelchair for 31 years. I do not suffer from pain and my upper body strength is not a problem. I have had a Class C California driver’s license since 1989 and other than the fact that I use hand controls I don’t have problems with driving. I take low dosage of gabapentin and duloxetine for neuropathy pain in my legs with no adverse side effects. Will my disability and/or medications disqualify me?
@ Anthony C
You should fall under your states variances and not DOT/FMCSA. Check with your local drivers license department for your best answer.
I have a Class A CDL and a hairline fracture on the top bone of my foot. My doctor gave me a boot to wear but it is an open toe boot. The company I work for requires steel or alloy toed shoes. My boss has told me about some form of steel toe “covering” that I could POSSIBLY put on my “boot”, but that he has to order it.So until then I will not have this “covering”. Is this going to get me into trouble for not wearing it/wearing it?
Left leg Lymphedema
I have lymphedema in my left leg. I have been to doctors who don’t see any form of blockage (blood clots) in or around my leg. I currently drive paratransit (a small school bus) in my state of Georgia. I want to get my CDL to drive a full size bus (city bus), I drive with my right leg and have no issues with either, I even wear compression socks so I don’t get looks from people. Will this affect me if I were to go through to get my CDL class C? or any CDL? When I went for my Med card to drive Paratransit they had no issue but being that it is a bigger vehicle I am a little concerned.
@ Aquilla K
Unless you try for a class A cdl, you would fall under your state guidelines and variances. Check with your local drivers license department first and then go from there.
My 2 yr DOT CDL A physical is due December 11, 2020. I may have to have surgery on my back. Can my DOT physical be extended until I am released from doctor to go back to work without loosing my CDL A? Looks like I will miss the 2 year date, maybe by a month or so. Am I penalized because of this? I work for railroad and don’t want loose my job or my CDL A worked to hard to get it.
@ William E Mc
The moment you get out of the truck for the surgery you’re DOT card become invalid. Have the surgery and once fully released, without restrictions or limitations, go get a new DOT physical. As far as your cdl A, your license is state issued and you would need to contact your state drivers license department for further instructions regarding maintaining your license while being out due to the surgery. Most states have a policy already in place for such a situation.
Will a liver transplant disqualify me for a CDL?
@ Sgt. MP
In and of itself, no. There will be questions from the CME and they will need supporting medical documentation to aid in their decision making process.
I have recently undergone L4-S1 PLIF surgery with Stryker. I have previously had c3-5 fusion and still have a herniated disc in my neck. Post PLIF surgery I still have right foot drop with numbness and leg weakness. I was wondering if I would still be able to drive. I have been driving for 25 years
@ Donald R
Once fully released, with a medical release form from your doctor, then the CME will have to make his final decision. As a class A driver, it’s going to be difficult to pass the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. But intra-state or a lesser drivers license and you would fall under the states variances and regulations, so all hope is not lost.