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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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My husband is getting ready to have a shoulder replacement, his doctor told him after his rehab he will be better than before surgery but it will take a little time to build up to that (roughly 3 months). He is not an over-the-road guy, he runs freight locally between RI and Massachusetts in a tractor/trailer. His was told he HAS TO disclose the surgery when he goes to his DOT physical, which would be due right around the same time he expects to be returning to work.
Is this true? I’m not sure why he needs to disclose this if he returns to work with no restrictions.
@ AngTurg
There is nothing to hide here. The forms ask have you had ANY surgeries? As long as there are no restrictions or limitations, then there are no issues. Besides, when he has his physical, the CME will notice scars on his shoulder.
i have strained a muscle in my left ankle and need to wear a boot. Am i still able to drive a bus?
@ Barbara Mc
As long as you can do it safely, you should be OK. It’s all about safety.
I have a fused right ankle. Can I still get a dot medical card to drive? I drive every day in my auto with no problem. Is it possible to get a medical card?
@ James A
As long as you can perform the duties of a cmv operator, you should be OK. The CME may request additional information from you and/or from your physician. He/she may also require a medical release form from your doctor.
I have a class A license and have been through 4 surgeries on my left shoulder ending in a reverse shoulder replacement. I have been fired because of this permanent disability of 55% and a lift/pull/push restriction of 25 pounds. I haven’t been able to drive professionally since the accident in April of 2021. Two weeks after the accident my medical card expired and my license downgraded. All I have to do is get my my medical card renewed but I’m not sure I can pass it since I have a very limited range of motion and was released with a 55% disability rating. I also have disk degenerative disease in my lower back with several bulging disks and lower lumbar spinal stenosis making it incredibly painful to stand or walk for any length of time or short distances. So is it even possible to be able to get my medical card renewed with these issues or is my only option to fight social security and be stuck on disability for the rest of my life when I’m only 57?
@ John D
For class A interstate driving, you will have a very difficult time passing the medical. Intra-state may be an option due to state requirements being less strict compared to federal regulations. Check with your local DLD for guidance.
Can you cross state lines without a prosthetic hand if you pass your strength test and driving test
@ Jimmy
This will be best answered by your local DLD, because of your cdl classification.
I have knee pain on and off I can walk fine some days and others it hurts mainly when it rains due 2 authorities. I can perform my hub just fine. I drive an automatic semi..but even standards I know how 2 float the gears..does this disqualify me 4 dot or do I even have 2 mention it ?
@ Diana
You should be OK, if the knees allow you to perform the duties of a cmv operator without restrictions.
I have drop foot in both feet because of a bad back
I got back surgery and I no longer have scaitic nerve pain
But I’m having problems with my balance i can walk on stand with a cane only
Will this disqualify me for a dot medical card
@ Daniel P A
Much will depend on the class cdl you carry. Class A is going to be difficult without supporting documentation and maybe a skills test. Lesser class cdl’s may fall under your states guidelines and variances. There you will need to check with your local drivers license department (DLD) for guidance.
I am on workers compensation due to an at work accident with my truck. I have to get both shoulders operated on. I have gotten one surgery already. My DOT Physical is coming up. Can I get a physicians note to postpone my physical?
@ Joseph S
Just check with your local drivers license department (DLD) for their process. It will be the state that needs the note explaining the situation, not federal DOT/FMCSA.