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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.
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i’ve been diagnosed with vestibular migraines, i get vertigo from this.which happens spontaneously. It hasn’t happened in five years but just started up again. they didnt know what was causing it before but they do now. am i ok to drive with a doctors note? I had just passed my DOT examine before it started. im working inside the warehouse now. but want to go back out. what are my options? is this dequalifying?
@ dave c
Dave we have already answered this question for you, time didn’t change the answer.
this is my first time on here< must be a different dave c
@ Dave C
Vestibular migraines with spontaneous vertigo would be a FMCSA disqualifying factor. We apolize and had the same question from another dave c.
I someone is 302’d can they lose their DOT medical card?
@ Millie
302’d ? ? ?
Involuntary committed, psychology
In August 2018 I was in the hospital to have a ovarian tumor removed 4 hours before surgery I had a single seizure that lasted less than 5 minutes . The hospital gave me a ct scan showing a brain tumor on both frontal lobes was put on Keppera, in November 2018 I had the tumor removed thankfully no seizures since the 1 at the hospital, then in Feb.2019 I was taken off Keppera from my neurosurgeon and still no seizures. I have had a eeg done with normal results. I was a million mile safe driver and wanting to go back to the road, I have a Class A license interstate driver.
@ Pamela E
Due to both the seizure and the medications FMCSA is going to put you on a waiting list before doing a medical card examination. You might check into your states guidelines/variances regarding cdl / intra-state only.
I’m not eligible for a waiver? I have not had any seizures since the 1 in August. As for the medication I’m not longer on any.
@ Pamela E
A one time seizure raises lots of questions, especially for a CME. Medical documentation will be helpful, but will at least open the situation for questions by the CME. Otherwise it’s a waiting period for you.
I fainted and was cleared to return to work by my doctor after ten days of many tests showed no underlying condition (cardiac, carotid, halter, CBC.) I do not have diabetes or HBP. I was then told by a medical examiner that I have to wait 3 months to return to work, DOT rules. Is this period of time correct? Thank you.
@ SS
Based on a one time event, that can be supported by medical documentation, it falls to the examiners discretion. Guidelines takes loss of consciousness, of any kind and for any reason, seriously. But the examiner makes the final decision.
Hi i was in a car accident 13 yrars ago and got whip lash, so I my can not touch my ear to my shoulder. Range of motion is limited but not horrible. Will the doc have an issue with that? I’m not on any medications.
@ Raquel F
FMCSA has a general range of cervical motion, but it sounds like you should be fine.
I was diagnosed with Valley Fever 6 years ago and a shunt was placed in my brain during a brain swelling incident. The medication I take (Fluconazole) does not cause drowsiness and keeps the virus at bay. Will I be denied DOT clearance?
@ Harvey D
You can clear a DOT, but you are going to need to provide medical documentation for the DOT examiners.
In January I was diagnosed with a benign meningioma on the brain stem that was removed. I’ve been treated and released by my surgeon to go back to work. The DOT doctor says I have to wait one year before they an give me a medical card. Can benign tumors be appealed? if so what is the process and how long can that take?.
@ Tom B
If you are a class A interstate driver, then the examiner is following the FMCSA rules and regulations to make his decision. If you are a lesser class or an intra-state only driver, then you fall under the states variances. Check with your state licensing for your appeal process, if you fall under state variance.
I’d hate to be the guy who asks the obvious question but how are there truck drivers at all with all these restrictions literally every one who exists could be diagnosed with one of these issues