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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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Hi, just got a quick question I sustained a work injury on 12/22/20 as a ups road driver with my right elbow ulnar nerve entrapment and left shoulder tendinitis dot physical is due on or before March 5 2021 surgery for right elbow is scheduled for March 4 2021 I don’t think ill pass the dot physical because of my work related injury and doctor got me completely of work now, got injured on the doc at ups ..supervisor accidentally drop big cran still pipe on my arm, how can I save my cdl in my situation thank you in advance
@ Tony
It should not be an issue. You can’t pass a DOT medical certification examination now or until you are fully released from your doctors care. There can be no restrictions or limitations attached to the release either. Get with your local drivers license department and explain your present situation. You have injuries and are scheduled for surgical repair, so how do you maintain your cdl until you can go back to work. They should be able to guide you through the process with little or no hassles.
You should be able to maintain your CDL as long as your driver’s license is valid. You are just not able to operate a CMV before you get your certification.
@ Woo
Since each state has different rules and requirements, we suggest you confirm this statement with your local drivers license department.
Hi, I’m a retired veteran and I’m wanting to drive OTR. In 2006 I had a stent put into my Iliac artery because I was diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease and since then I’ve been taking CILOSTAZOL every day to keep my blood slippery to prevent blood clots. I also started taking ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM tablets to lower cholesterol.
Would this stop me from passing the FMCSA Medical Exam?
@ Mike
As a class A driver, your medications are going to raise questions. With supporting medical documentation that you have responded well and have been on these meds for quite some time will be very helpful in the CME’s decision making process. The cholesterol medication should not be the issue, but the potential side effects of Cilostazol will be questioned.
I’ve been taking this med since 2006 and have had absolutely no side affects.
When I first had the stent implant I smoked a pack of cigarettes a day which is why I had the problem to begin with. I have not smoked cigarettes for over 6 years now.
@ Michael
Then you may need to provide some medical documentation from your doctors, but should be OK.
Here’s is my question if a DOT physician says I do not qualify for medical card which makes it in capable for me to drive something that I’ve been doing for almost 30 years then do I qualify for disability because if you’re telling me I can’t drive then basically you’re telling me I can’t work
@ Joseph mc
Not sure of the question and unclear as to the class of driver. Please restate with some clarity.
I was hit by a car a year1/2 ago. Both my shoulders were broken. I still can’t squat or bend over. Will this stop me from driving my 18 wheel. I was hoping to go back to work in 3/1/2021.
Thank you for any and all advice.
@ D.O.
You will need a full medical release and must be able to perform the duties of a CMV operator. Based on your present situation, it is doubtful that you would be able to pass the FMCSA medical certification examination at this time. In three months, that should have changed and as long as you have a medical release form to return to work, without restrictions or limitations, you may be fine.
I have a driver starting with us in a week who haf back surgery on Oct 24th. He is saying he would not need medical clearance as it was before his employment with us. I think he would need either this or a DOT physical done. Any help is appreciated!
@ Heather
Your driver must have a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination before returning to driving. The CME/medical examiner will request a full return to work slip, without restrictions or limitations, and a medical release form from the surgeon.
I am in remission for leukemi ,i am taking chemo pills as my treatment now . Can i get a medical card in this case
@ Jeff S
As a class A driver you would need a medical release to return to work without restrictions or limitations. And a medical release from your prescribing physician. You will need to perform the duties of a cmv operator.
I am thinking about getting my class A CDL. Problem is, I have a broken leg that is not healing. Its been broken for over a year. I have a plate in the leg and can walk with a limp. My surgeon has cleared me to drive and operate a manual transmission. If the leg never heals would this keep me from passing a DOT physical or obtaining my CDL?
Thank you!
@ Jeffrey S Z
For a class A driver, you will need a medical release form from your surgeon. There can be no restrictions or limitations on the release. If the limp does not interfere with your abilities to perform the duties of a commercial motor vehicle, then you may pass the DOT/FMCSA medical examination. Your cdl is state issued, but your medical card is federal. Two different sets of rules and regulations.
I have had 3 surgeries to repair a massive rotator cuff tear. I am 3 months into rehab for the final repair, an encapsulation patch to replace the superspinatus. I still can’t lift my shoulder past shoulder height, have a lot of weakness and restricted range of motion, including laterally, and have very limited external rotation on that arm. Will this disqualify me?
@ Steve C
Once you are fully released from your doctors care, you’ll need a return to work and a medical release form. Then if you can perform the duties of a cmv operator, you could be ok.