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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 took a pre employment dot physical 6 years ago this was before the medical card was connected to your license. The doctor requested I take a physiologic examination. I took one and passed there was found to be nothing wrong with me the paperwork was faxed to the doctor who requested it she then told me I could come down and get my new medical card. I went down to the doctor’s to get it and then was told I needed an appointment. I got fed up with trying to get the medical card so I just decided to keep my old trucking job that I was stilled employed at. Since then I’ve been back to the same clinic 4 times to take dot physicals fortunately the doctor no longer works there but each time I go there up pops up on there screen that I need to take an physiologic examination and that’s incomplete! I’ve had to explain everything each time I go there and they have passed me each time my question is does the FMCSA know about this? And what’s the worst that can happen with this still in there?
@ Nick
The doctors office that you keep going back to must have it in their own system. This is not a FMCSA thing. Try to get it corrected at the doctors office and ask for a copy of the corrected document.
Will taking Sinemet 25/100 effect my class B CDL
@ Michael R
You are a class B driver, so make sure you bring a medical release form and medical documentation from your prescribing doctor. You fall under the states variances, so make sure you explain to the examiner that you are not a classA long haul, big rig driver.
I have over 30 years experience with a class a cdl i need to get my meducal card renewed i have an occasional tic thsr dies not affect my driving will thus dusqualify me frim getting my medical csrd
@ Dawn S
If it does not interfere with your abilities to operate a CMV, then it should not be an issue. If you have had this condition checked out with your primary physician, then bring supporting documentation and a signed medical release form.
Employee had an episode of “blacking out” while driving and hit a tree. He is getting all the tests run now to see why he lost consciousness. What does he have to do to return to his DOT job?
@ Anne G
He must pass a new DOT medical certification examination. Considering his present condition, he will need to bring supporting medical documentation and a full medical release, without restrictions, from his doctors. The CME will want as much available information to help him in his decision making process.
Hi, I have learned a lot of things on here. Thanks in advance. I am currently in process of going to truck driving school, I have my temps the thing is I am worried about the DOT physical. I have been diagnosis with bipolar and PTSD and I am afraid to disclose this information 1 and if I disclose the information would I be disqualified for a DOT medical card? What can I do to help my situation? Losing sleep behind this…
By the way this is in the state of Ohio and I am going for an Class A OTR
@ Alondra B
Your medications and condition are going to raise questions. If you do not disclose this information on the intake, then the DOT views it as lying and can withhold your license. Make sure you have a signed medical release form from your prescribing doctors and any supporting medical documentation that your doctors will provide you with. You should be OK from there.
I have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment; my neurologist is requiring me to have a driver evaluation done before she will give clearance for cdl physical. My concern is if I fail that test i not only will not get recertified for cdl but would lose my regular NYS drivers licence. What should i do?
@ Marcia z
If the mild cognitive impairment restricts your ability to safely operate a vehicle, then there is not much you can do. Talk with your neurologist about other possible options regarding your treatment.
So I’ve had seizures in the past and I know they’d do an EEG. My question on that is, I know for a fact that nothing will show up on an EEG. The only seizure I’ve had in the past couple of years was due to a very high fever from pnuemonia, so my question would be if my doctor states that I am ok to drive a semi would I be able to? My past seizures were never figured out, like I said I have home through countless tests (CT scans, MRI’s and EEG’s) could never be explained. Nothing shows up. I’ve seen my results and everything.
So as previously stated my question is if I get it approved by my physician and a neurologist can I get my CDL? (I have also not been on meds in a few years as well)
@ Hope
See if you can get an appointment with a CME for a consultation before hand. He is going to need supporting medical documentation before he even begins, but it gives you an opportunity to explain yourself and your situation. Seizures and class A will demand plenty of supporting documentation.
I had a DOT physical done in the last few months and got certified for a year with Major depression/Anxiety, didn’t show the examiner any notes from physicians but he did say I had to see a Doctor in 2 years and get a note. Now I’m going to a different company thats requiring another DOT physical with their examiners so my question is will I have to have a clearance form for my depression/anxiety even though I haven’t had any symptoms or episodes in over 3 years and that it’s only been 3 months since my last DOT physical?
@ Elias
Medical documentation and a medical release form from you doctor will be a big help with the examiners decision making process.
Hello.
I am going through training to be a residential garbage man. I also suffer from cluster headaches at times. If you are not familiar with them, they are worse than migraines. I see a headache specialist, and he prescribes medications. My employer is concerned, because sometimes the headaches affect my work output. Anyway, I asked the specialist for a letter that states it’s ok for me to drive the garbage truck. Well, he says because I have a CDL, I would need to see a CDL doctor. Is this true? No double vision, vomiting, or blackouts take place.
@ Jeffrey G
You may require a medical card to drive the truck. Check with the state DLD for confirmation. If so, make sure you explain to the CME that you will be driving local and do not fall under the full FMCSA guidelines. You may be within the states variances and should be fine. It will require medical documentation if you need the FMCSA examination.