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.
In Feb of 2019 I was hit in the rear of my trailer by another truck. I started having headaches shoulder and wrist pain. I got home a few weeks later and starting seeing a Physician who ordered PT and put me with restrictions no lifting no driving a Commercial vehicle. Then the Dr sent me to a Neurologist he ran a bone scan a EMG on my wrists, he told me to return to work and in a few weeks they had me have injections in my neck (that would help the headaches) I had the injections went back to work the next day less than 3 weeks later I had a massive Brain Hemorrhage and Stroke ( I drove around 100 miles and don’t remember it ) This part was near the end of Sept 20the last thing I remember was a helicopter landing at the hospital the next thing I know is it is now November and I’m in the hospital 1500 miles away in my home town I had another stroke in a hospital in ICU.. My question is should my company have had me do a new DOT physical before I went back to driving 3 weeks before the injections, None of the Drs that was treating me ever even did a MRI or a CAT scan to address the headaches
Sorry so long but I’m trying to grasp all of this. after almost 40 years of driving I know I will never drive again Thank You
@ Lynn
According to DOT/FMCSA, any illness or injury which takes you from behind the wheel is required to have a new DOT medical certification examination.
Thank You I just needed conformation for my own piece of mind
@ Lynn
You are welcome.
If you have,Neuropathy will you still be able to keep your CDL License.
I had feet reduction test done.
were do i get the information sheet my doctor needs to fill out ,
i have been trying to call no one answer please give me a number i can call.
@ Palode,s
The medical examiner will have to make his judgement call on your condition, based on your ability to perform the duties of a CMV operator. If he feels that you could qualify, then he should have the forms you need.
Can you get a medical card if you have Bipolar 2 and PTSD
@ Mike
You may be able to pass the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination in your situation. The medical examiner is going to request medical documentation and a medical release form from your prescribing and treating physicians.
I take risperidone and cymbalta for ocd. I have a note from My doctor. Will I be okay in terms of getting medically qualified for a certification? There is a brief note on the full note of a history of psychosis.
Also on there is derealization at age 12 and non verbal learning disability diagnosed at age 8 and history of Lyme disease.
@ James
As long as you have your condition under control and your doctor is willing to provide any supporting documentation and a medical release form, then go take the examination.
Thank You for Your time.
I have early stage Parkinson’s disease. How does this effect my CDL? My doctor is recommending a Deep Brain Stimulator. Is this a CDL disqualifier ?
@ Bradley S
Your condition will require more frequent evaluation to monitor your abilities to perform your job. The deep brain stimulation isn’t an instant disqualifier, but you will need to be fully released, with out restrictions. Once released you will need to provide supporting medical documentation and a medical release form from your doctors. This aids in the decision making process of the CME.
Hey how’s it going? I currently go through depression, anxiety and ptsd. I currently have been taking the same medication since I started getting treatment 6 years ago and it has really helped. Would it disqualify me if I have been taking the same medications that long? My medications are prozac, gabapentin, trazidone(as needed) anf prazosin.
@ Eric
Your condition and the medications that you are taking are going to raise questions. You will need to provide medical releases and supporting documentation for the CME to make an informed decision based on the guidelines and DOT/FMCSA regulations.
Would having muscular dystrophy disqualify me from getting a class a cdl?
@ Elijah
Your cdl is a state issued license, but you will need a DOT/FMCSA medical card. Your condition will raise questions and will need medical documentation to support your ability to perform the job duties of a class A driver. Also, you may inquire about intra-state driving, if over the road driving is ruled out.
So basically I had depression over 9 years ago not on any meds so basically since I had depression im automatically disqualified
@ Erik
Not sure where you got your information, but on your depression situation, you can still be qualified.
Can you drive class a if your bipolar ive Benn on meds for over a year now and there not on the ban list
@ Cody
Yes, you can drive class A, if you pass the DOT/FMCSA guidelines. The CME will have questions and will be looking for additional medical documentation to aid him/her in their decision making process.