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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 am in the early stage of Alzheimers/dementia. Under no restrictions taking Galantamine. I am public school bus driver in Texas. Can I be disqualified for taking this prescription, having no other problems? Obviously a time will come that I wouldn’t be physically able.
@ Lewis L
Your restrictions will come from the state and not the fed, unless you carry a class A cdl. Each state has its own guidelines and restrictions, so best to check with your state drivers license department.
Can an employee with a very mild case of aspergers obtain a PA DOT card to drive for package cars for UPS.
@ Ronald C
If the driver is not applying for a class A driving license, then they would fall under the states variances while obtaining a medical card. If this individual is presently driving, then they should not have any issues. Do make sure that the CME understands that your driver falls under the states guidelines and regulations, not Fed. DOT/FMCSA.
I’m a class A driver in SC. 2 years ago I had one seizure. All test was negative and wasn’t put on medication. Haven’t had any more problems and was released from Nero doctor. Do I have to wait the 4 urs to apply for the medical card exemption?
@ Chris
FMCSA is requiring a 5 years waiting period, seizure free and off meds. Check with your state to determine if you could qualify to driver class A intra-state only. State requirements and guidelines vary from state to state, so confirm your options with your state drivers license department.
I am an eight year class a driver.
I was done diagnosed with a pituritary mass this past November.
I have since had surgery to remove the mass. Surgery didn’t damage gland nor did I suffer and spinal fluid leakage. I have been released from all restrictions. Weight, bending and blowing my nose.
Will qualify for recertification of medical card.????
@ Nathaniel S
With documentation to return to work without restrictions and a medical release from your physicians and you will probably be fine. The CME may request further information in your case, if he feels he needs it in his decision making process, but it should not be a major issue.
I live in Oregon with a valid CDL-A with X and T endorsements (HAZMAT/TANK VEHICLES and DOUBLES/TRIPLES. My CDL-A license is valid through 2026 with no interstate or manual restrictions. My DOT physical is current and valid through 2022. My only DL restriction is that I must wear corrective lenses while driving.
I am going to therapy, as some, particularly my father and other family members, believe I am bipolar, such as close family members. My mother was diagnosed Schizoaffective (Schizophrenic and Bipolar). I went to a therapy appointment on January 6th 2020, and the community college psychologist asked me a series of questions and said I am “probably bipolar.”
I went to another office on her recommendation last week, signed up for Oregon Health Plan health insurance coverage, and was given appointments with two different mental health offices for treatment (with different psychologists). My understanding is that I am covered under OHP.
My new general practitioner concluded with, ” you’re not Bipolar, your Schizotypal.” I will see a clinical psychologist next Monday in this office.
If I am diagnosed with a mental illness, what are my reporting requirements (to DOT, as my Medical Certificate is valid)?
Is Schizotypal, Schizoid, or Bipolar I or II disqualifying? What about other mental/personality disorders like OCD, Avoidant, Borderline, Antisocial, etc? What will happen if I am diagnosed?
Finally, is this legally considered a disability under state or federal law?
@ Serval F T
If properly diagnosed and treated with medications you will be requested, by any CME, to provide good medical documentation regarding your ability to safely operate a CMV. The diagnosis in and of itself is not a disqualifier, but is going to raise questions regarding your safety and the safety of the public at large.
If a CDL driver has been diagnosed, with a concussion and has not had loss of consciousness or seizures, and has been asymptotic since the injury when should they be able to return to work?
@ Jackie
You will need a full medical release from your treating physicians, with no restrictions or limitations.
Does Dot have any restrictions on a driver if he receives that medical release from Doctor with no restrictions?if so what?
@ Roy h
Depending on the illness or injury, there may be waiting periods. Check with your local CME, he should be able to answer your specific questions.
I had a minor Ischemic Stroke with recovery within 2 days. Subsequent follow up and more advanced tests showed no fib or arterial plaque buildup. I have seen one study with weak I believe methodology recommends no CMV driving for at least a year following such an event. However, most of the risk of a second stroke comes within the first 3-6 months of the first stroke. What is the best way to resolve this issue and how does it impact a CDL?
@ Happy T
FMCSA guidelines for class A OTR drivers is a one year waiting period following a stroke. Since cdl’s are state issued, you would need to check with the state drivers license department for how it may effect your license.
Need to know the rule for I have passed out twice in six month , both times loss bodily functions . the second time woke up in emergency room. they found nothing wrong with me , all test are normal . been testing for almost two months. The Neurologist want to put me on meds even though test came back normal. How is this going to affect my DOT card
@ Reinhardt D
By FMCSA/DOT regulations your medical card is invalid at this time. Your present condition places you in a high risk category for accident and injuries to yourself and the public at large. Your class license will determine your likelihood of a new medical card. You will need a medical release from your neurologist and there will be some waiting period once you start medications and being cleared by the neurologist.