Please read through the Q&A before posting a question. This will help everyone to not have duplicate questions. Thank you!
If you still can’t find a related answer, then you are welcome to ask your question in the comments section below.
Q&A
Is Meniere’s disease a disqualifier?
What if I’ve had surgery for Meniere’s disease?
Does vertigo disqualify me from getting a medical card?
What if I take anti-seisure medication?
Can I pass a DOT physical after having a stroke?
If a driver is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder will they fail the DOT physical?
If I take antidepressants can I still get a DOT medical card?
Is Meniere’s disease a disqualifier?
Yes. Meniere’s disease is disqualifying because it may bring about a severe condition of vertigo and is unpredictable. The risk here is sudden incapacitation.
What if I’ve had surgery for Meniere’s disease?
Still is a disqualifier. The FMCSA is reviewing this in terms of certification.
Does vertigo disqualify me from getting a medical card?
It could. When the medical examiner does his examination, one of the things he is looking for is things that would be unsafe for you as a driver and how it effects your ability to maintain control of a commercial motor vehicle. Part of that examination is to test for virtigo. If he feels the condition is unsafe then he will not pass you. If he feels there is something that can help you maintain, he may make a suggestion for you to follow-up with a specialist.
Drivers who have had one unprovoked seizure by definition do not have epilepsy (2 or more unprovoked seizures). Drivers who are seizure-free and off anticonvulsant medication(s) for at least 5 years after a single unprovoked seizure can be certified. Earlier return to work may be considered for drivers with a normal EEG who have no epileptic-form activity and normal examination by a neurologist specializing in epilepsy. (This answer from the FMCSA website)
What if I take anti-seizure medication?
Right off the bat you would be disqualified as a CMV driver. There is a new federal exemption for seizure and related medications. You will need to check with the FMCSA regarding that particular paperwork.
Medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy is disqualifying. Where a driver can demonstrate that safety would not be diminished by the condition, it is possible to apply for an exemption.
Can I pass a DOT physical after having a stroke?
It depends on many things, including the likelihood of having another stroke. Your best bet is to first go back to your neurologist and have him/her write a medical opinion letter stating:
- When you had the stroke.
- What was the treatment, and how successful was the outcome.
- What is the treatment you are receiving now.
- The doctor’s medical opinion about your readiness to return to work as a driver. Make sure that he/she knows all of your physical daily activities as a commerial driver.
With that information in hand when you go to do your DOT medical examination, then the DOT examiner has all the appropriate information to determine your physical state of fitness to perform the duties of a commercial driver.
If a driver is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder will they fail the DOT physical?
Well, it isn’t that you fail outright, but you will be asked questions regarding the condition:
- What treatment routine has been established.
- How long you’ve been on that routine.
- How are you responding to treatment/medication, etc.
So just prepare for the question line in advance, bring documentation from your treating doctor with you, and you could do just fine.
If I take antidepressants can I still get a DOT medical card?
Well it’s not impossible, but what you will need to do is get a medical opinion letter from your treating physician that states:
- When you were diagnosed with the condition?
- What treatment program does he/she have you on?
- Is the condition stable?
- Does your physician feel you could do the duties of a commercial driver and be safe for yourself and the people/public around you?
Then take that information the DOT physical appointment. It will still be the DOT medical examiner’s decision whether or not to certify you.
I have an anxiety disorder on and off. This raises my BP readings. Can I still pass the DOT physical if I take beta-blockers?
You should talk with your primary healthcare provider to determine whether or not this would interfere with the responsibilities and stress of being a commercial motor vehicle operator. If your doctor feels OK about your driving and understands the role of a commercial motor vehicle operator, then he should write a medical opinion letter for you to take to the DOT examination, explaining your condition, treatment and safe usage of the medications you are taking and whether your specific condition is stable. That way there is no surprises for you or the DOT examiner.
Can’t Find An Answer For Your Question?
If you have a question that you feel has not been answered, scroll down to the Questions and Comments box and post your question.
- Before posting, please make sure you are on the appropriate Category page, so that relevant questions and answers can be found by other drivers too.
- To save us all from zombie spammers, your question will not appear on this page until it has been approved.
- Trucker Docs™ will answer your question as soon as possible.
- Visit this page again soon to see our response.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.
Your comments are also welcome.
I have Bell’s Palsy.
My Neurologist completely released me back to work and drive a commercial vehicle.
My company had me go and retake my DOT PHYSICAL.
I completely passed it.
The doctor’s office is now telling me due to the ” New DOT regulations ” that I have to take my DOT PHYSICAL every year instead of every 2 years.
But they are not showing me these new regulations in written form.
I really would like to see and know what this regulation says about Bell’s Palsy.
@Robert
New DOT regulations? Ask the examiner to see that in writing. If you have a medical release form in hand and your doctor’s working prognosis indicates no known issues, then it is falling directly to the CME and his interpretation of the neurological section of the DOT guidelines.
Does peripheral neuropathy disqualify me from a DOT medical card
@Kenneth
With supporting documentation and the ability to perform the duties of a cmv operator, with no potential safety issues, you could do just fine.
If your condition prevents you from doing your job safely, then it will become an issue. Get a medical release form from your doctor explaining your condition and a working prognosis, that will be a huge help to the DOT examiner.
hospitalized with severe depression > how long will this cost me
is prozac ok 40 mg
I was hospitalized with severe depression with suicide attempt > i was misdiagnosed with a large deadly melanoma. that brought on the acute depression . im on prozac now and doing well.20 year driver > will i have to sit out.
had an svt take atenolol
@Michael
You are going to need a medical release form from your doctor stating that you have your condition under control and for how long it has been controlled with your present medications. Also, if possible, have you doctor give his working prognosis too.
I suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage in February, never lost consciousness, never had a seizure or stroke and had it coiled. I was realeased from the hospital at the end of February and as of March 21st was released to work from my primary physician and neurologist. I went to have my CDL re certified and the doctor said I had to wait 6 months. Is this an automatic rule or is it a case by case? Can I go to another doctor and get a second opinion? Would having my doctor submit a medical authorization help? Also, I have another aneurysm that may need to be coiled as a precautionary measure, if I do this do I need to wait another 6 months or since it didn’t rupture would I be okay?
@Pat
The FMCSA guidelines have the recommendations, but a medical release form from your doctor explaining your situation and his working prognosis will be very helpful to the examiner. If the examiner, with all the documentation in hand, feels that you are not a safety risk, then he has the authority to move forward. If you have do have another aneurysm that is going to need to be repaired, you may want to get it out of the way now, otherwise you set the entire thing up for question again.
A week ago I was put on Celexa for depression and atenolol for anxiety and I am interested in getting my Cdl to become a otr truck driver. Will this stop me from passing my first dot physical?
@Inquiring
More than likely. You would need to be on these medications for some period of time. The examiners are looking for stable conditions and supporting documentation before releasing a driver. You could check with a local DOT examiner and ask what your wait times are, for future planning. Good luck
i had an episode of syncope and wrecked my car. my doctor put me on keppra 1000mg twice a day b/c of an irregularity on my 72hr eeg. does this disqualify me from driving d.o.t regulated vehicle. i do not have or need a cdl for my job.
@Bob
You will need to check with your local drivers license department to get the best information in regards to your situation.
Is peripheral neuropathy an automatic disqualification for a dot certification. It is minor, positive spatial awareness and can feel pressure just 2/6 bilat diminished spots on foot pin pick sensation exam? It is stable no change for 10yrs and is a side affect from the chemo received for nonhodgekins lymphoma which is still in remission.
@Sara
Start with a medical release form from your neurologist explaining your condition and situation. That will be a great help for the CME’s decision making process. Good luck