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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 drop foot on my right foot caused by nerve damage but I wear a brace and it doesn’t drop. I drive fine I feel for 20 years now. Can I pass a dot exam to be a truck driver ?
@ Paul M
For a class A cdl, DOT/FMCSA is a bit restricted. But you should be fine. The CME will have to make the final decision.
I had a level 3 cervical spine surgery on C4, C5 and C6 in May. Doctor gave me lifetime restrictions of no lifting more than 30 pounds.
Can I pass a DOT physical to drive a commercial class A truck?
Thank you
@ Glenn
Hard to say. The CME has a series of things he must take into consideration regarding ranges of motion in the c spine and what restrictions have been placed on you by your physician. A note from your doctor as well as your job description from your company will be helpful in his/her decision making process.
I recently had an accident at home causing a tibial plateau fracture so severe it caused compartment syndrome. i was emergently taken to surgery to relieve the swelling of muscle and nerves. unfortunately, just over 2 months later I have no motor skills in my left foot. If this turns out to be a permanent disability, will it prevent me from obtaining a DOT card in order for me to return to work as a commercial driver?
Thank you in advance
@ Tom A
If it becomes a permanent issue, there are steps that can be taken. For a class A cdl holder, you will need a skills performance evaluation. It will be needed before you go for your medical card. Lesser class cdl’s or intra-state only will fall under the states guidelines and variances. Do confirm with your local DLD.
I had my lower left leg amputated in january of This year… I’ve had a CD l and it’s still current. But my medical card expired in January so I need a new one anyway. I’m walking with a prosthetic now. And I have an automatic transmission Designation on my license anyway … I also have limited use of my left hand due to the accident but I can still drive.. Will I be able to pass the DOT physical with those extremity issues?
@ Kevin
You will need to be tested by a specialist for a performance evaluation in the operation of a cvm. You will need this before going to a CME for your medical examination.
Can I pass the CDL medical examination? I am missing several fingers of my left hand. I can hold the steering wheel firmly and perform all functions. worked as a truck driver in another country
@ David
Most likely, if you have a skills performance evaluation certificate.
I’ve diabetes for quite a while and have neuropathy in my feet. My current doctor has not made issue of this but is now retiring and I need to see another doctor. How does this affect me moving forward if I come to see you?
@ JR
For a class A cdl. You will need your diabetes exemption form and supporting medical documentation indicating proper compliance. The CME may request additional information to help aid in the decision making process and in determining your safe ability to perform the duties of a cmv operator.
I’ve been on disability due to back and neck injuries causing a complete physical/mental breakdown over a decade ago. I think I’ve reached the point in my recovery where I’m ready to try driving again, however none of my doctors want to assume liability by saying I’m able. I tried getting a physical by a return to work doctor, who said they would only do a comprehensive 16 page exam like I had before to get on disability (at my expense). I’ve worked really hard to get back to the place I felt safe and comfortable driving again. I took myself off the road from a high paying union job where I could return at any time and have lost over a million dollars from doing so. I can pass all the basic function tests easily and would never dream of driving dangerously.or taking a job requiring me to. At the same time though, I need someone to give me a chance though I am on meds for pain and anxiety which are not prohibited. I’m not going to lie, my MCSA-8375 looks like a horror story. How do I get a medical examiner to trust me and give me the chance? I’ll be using Ticket to Work to protect my disability.
@ John S
The issue is not a question of trust, but a set of DOT/FMCSA rules, guidelines and regulations that must be met before passing a driver. If what you present with looks like a major risk factor, then no CME is going to take on that risk, just like your other physicians. If you look into intra-state only driving, you may find the regulations less strict than DOT/FMCSA.
Hello!
I have a diabetic ulcer on my right foot so my doctor has me in a post-op (hard dole) shoe while driving. My employer says they’re not ok with this and won’t let me continue training until I no longer need the special shoe. Am I allowed to wear this specialized shoe or no?
@ TC
It all depends on the class of your cdl you are working with.