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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 have been diagnosed with Digeneritive Disc Diesase and a Fracted T12 disc..Will my Medical Card get pulled
@ Mark
Any illness or injury requires a new DOT medical certification examination, via FMCSA/DOT guidelines for class A drivers. You will need a new medical card, without restrictions, to return to work.
I have to get a DOT a Monday I was diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar type and generalized anxiety disorder. For a non cdl truck driving job. Do I have to tell them about my disorder? If I do will I not get my DOT medical card? I have very little documentation like I have a invoice from my doctor saying my two disorders from my last visit is that enough? Like the ICD code is on there with my diagnosis. I know I am good for the job I am on medication and haven’t had any hallucinations for a while.
@ Jacob
DOT/ FMCSA medical certification examination guidelines were established for the over-the-road,long haul semi-truck drivers. Explain that to the examiner. The examiner should know the difference between federal guidelines and his states guidelines and variances. Start with talking to the state DLD first.
I am inquiring about obtaining a medical card, but I have advanced stage parkinson’s disease and early onset dementia. Does this automatically disqualify me? I am in Virginia
@ bnicole
You are going to have challenges passing a DOT medical certification examination. Not sure what your state variances have to say about the issue. Check with your states DLD for a better answer.
I have MS. I only have numbness in my hands and feet. Would this bar me from getting a class a cdl?
@ Jim
Most likely you would not pass the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination.
Would it also disqualify me from getting a class b license?
@ Jim
Check with your state DLD for the right answer.
I have a current CDL class a was recently diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s I am currently on no medication will I be able to keep my CDL and I am I required to inform the tester about my condition
@ Robert
CDL or medical card? CDL is state issued and medical cards are federal. Yes you need to inform the medical examiner of your condition. Make sure to bring a medical release form from your doctors, along with your most recent test results so the examiner has all the information available for his decision making process.
I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and taking carbidopa/ levodopa i have a Arizona class A license will this disqualify me of driving again or pass my physical
@ Steve
You will need to supply a medical release form from your doctors and any supporting documentation for the examiner to make his final decision.
I am a CDL holder that in April 2007 I failed a DOT drug-test for marijuana. I went to a DOT SAP (and paid for it out of my own pocket) whom recommended 10 hours of educational awareness and some additional testing (the details of which I do not remember due to it being 12 years ago now)
In June 2007 I returned to duty and drove CMV until February 2008 when I left my job for unrelated reasons. I have not applied for a job that would require me to comply with 49 CFR
382.101 – 382.727 since, thus I have not driven a CMV or otherwise used my CDL in more than 11 years.
It is now April 2019 and I want to use my CDL again and have just completed a refresher course which I paid for out of pocket.
Prospective employers are asking (required under 49 CFR §382.217 & §382.309???) to obtain the 12 year old DOT SAP documentation but the SAP and my former employer are NOT required to retain them past 5 years (49 CFR §40.311 & §40.313) which has already elapsed.
What is the recourse for a company that wants to hire me without initiating a NEW DOT/SAP process?
What is the recourse I can act on apart from a prospective employer without initiating a NEW DOT/SAP process?
@ Mr Smith
No one is required to maintain medical records for greater than 7 years. If you have not used marijuana or any other illegal drugs since 2007, then you are not required to produce any medical records.
I was getting my first DOT Physical. I mentioned my acute bipolar disorder and that my therapist recommended that I don’t take any prescription drugs being that it’s acute and can be controlled. I mentioned my past Marijuana usage that had went on for years. Now they said I have to get a psychiatric evaluation and a substance abuse evaluation by a psychiatrist and substance abuse specialist. I can’t find any in my region which is the DMV (DC, MD, VA) who are DOT certified. Do the evaluations need to be done by a DOT approved psychiatrist and specialist? Or can any mental health and substance abuse specialist sign off on it? If they need to be DOT certified how can I find them?
@ Jordan
Any licensed physician in those arenas within your state can provide the needed information that the CME is requesting.
ive been diagnosed with adhd and biopolar. but i havent had any problems or seen a doctor or any medication for about 10 years will i be able to pass a DOT physical ?
@ Billy J
The CME may request further medical documentation before issuing a new medical card, be as prepared as possible.
if you have had mini strokes and or short term memory problems can you pass a dot physical
@ Louis W
Depends on the class drivers license. States requirements and guidelines vary from state to state and from the FMCSA guidelines. Check with your state first for an answer. FMCSA examiners are going to ask a lot of questions and will require medical documentation from your physicians.
Do you have to have a new exam, if you are diagnosed as Bipolar a few months after you receive your DOT medical certificate? If you are applying for a new driving job and bipolar disorder and new medicines are not listed on your long form?
@ Maddle
Class A falls under FMCSA and would require a new medical examination. Other than a class A may fall under the states guidelines and may not require a new examination. Check with your local DLD for confirmation.