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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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Can a person who had a stroke at 14 years old and has been deemed to get disability checks from it, get a CDL. She is an adult now.
@ Sheryl R
CDL’s are state issued, so your question needs to be answered by your states drivers license department first.
I need to know the minimum percentage of range of motion in the neck that a driver needs in order to renew medical card.
@ Tiffany
45 degrees of motion in either direction from a neutral straight forward position for rotation.
Will I be able to pass the DOT physical if I have been hospitalized one time for psychosis/ psychotic disorder?
@ vinedog369
It will raise questions with the CME, but with proper medical documentation and medical release forms in hand, you may be OK.
I had my first ever seizure on Oct 2020. It was due to not having Xanax in two days (I ran out and doc was on vacation). I tapered off and no longer take Xanax. Will I be able to get a DOT card? I want to be a package car delivery driver for UPS.
Thanks in advance.
@ UT
As a class A driver you would not pass the DOT/FMCSA physical. But as a lesser class license holder, you will fall under the states rules, regulations, and variances. Check with your state drivers license department and explain your situation. They should be able to guide you in the right direction.
I just received care for BPPV and and seem good to go . My question is do I have to notify DOT about having it or can I go back to driving CDL ?
I’ve read I need to take 2 months off symptom free and don’t want to get into trouble . Thanks
@ Roy J
You read correctly, DOT/FMCSA require a 2 month waiting period before taking a new medical certification examination.
I had brain surgery due to a cavernous malformation. It was about 6 years ago I have never had any side effects such as seizures or anything. My neurosurgeon said the surgery went perfectly and did not mention anything that I would not qualify for. My question is that is would this effect me passing the dot physical and if it does could my neurosurgeon be able to prove I am stable.
@ Jimmy
You are 6 years post surgery, with a medical release from your surgeon you could be fine. If they have you on any medications make sure you have a release from your prescribing doctors. The CME may request further medical documentation to help in his/her decision making process.
Ive been Insulin Dependent Diabetic with Mild Diabetic Neuropathy controlled my medication since Early 2018. I have never had an issue getting a Medical card till today. My examiner says my neuropathy completely Disqualifies me from driving. Even though i havent had a issue with my last 2 exams and it was always on my from from my endocrinologist. i was always passed because its a very mild case. idk what to do. why is it different now?
@ Thomas J W
It isn’t different now, just a different CME. Get a second opinion due to your disagreement with the present CME.
Or. Like me who HAD neuropathy, and ended up having the parts worst affected amputated. Yes I can still walk, and I have a physiatrist who will argue with anyone who says I can’t do what ever I want, including operating a cmv
I have ocd which is very under control with lamotrigine and sertraline, in utah, is it possible to get a class b/ school bus cdl?
@ Cass
School bus drivers license falls under the states guidelines and variances. Check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
can someone with aspergers syndrome aka autism level 1 as well as depression and anxiety and also previous back surgery get a dot medical card
@ Jordan M P
It may be possible, but be aware that each of the named conditions will require supporting medical documentation. This documentation is needed for supporting the medical examiners decision making process and ruling out possible risk factors for both the driver and the public at large.
Driver has a history of VP shunt placement in 2018 and has been taking Fluconozole. Does he need a medical clearance every time when he comes in for renewal? With the clearance, he’ll be certify for one year, right? Thank you!
@ roger c
It would be best to cover all bases by having a medical release form from the prescribing doctors. It would imply that the driver is doing his due diligence and follow-up with hie doctors. Yearly physicals, yes.
Hello,
I had one single unprovoked seizure in 2015. An EEG showed abnormal wave forms common with epilepsy. Based on the waves, I was put on medication that has been unchanged for 5 almost 6 years( this coming January). I haven’t been unconscious or had another occurrence. Can I still pass a medical exam? Would a normal EEG clear me? Thank you.
@ Lacie
DOT/FMCSA guidelines and regulation state: Waiting Period; Minimum — 5 years seizure free and off anticonvulsant medication.
Ok. I did read the waivers and saw if you were diagnosed with epilepsy it was 8 years. I was diagnosed with generalized idiopathic epilepsy but only had the one seizure unprovoked. So am unsure about the waiver papers.
The waivers also say you can be on or off meds for two years unchanged.
Is it 8 for a epilepsy diagnosis? I only had one seizure but was diagnosed with generalized idiopathic epilepsy so not sure where I fall. Sorry if you keep getting my same questions, they aren’t showing up on my side so not sure if you are getting them.
@ Lacie
It is a combination of the seizure and your medications. Are you still taking seizure prevention medication? This along with supporting medical documentation will and must be taken into consideration by the CME. This is a case by case situation and will be determined by the examining CME. The CME must take all available information into consideration and weigh the risk factors before making his final decision.
Yes I am, my medication has been unchanged for 6 years. Do you know if l would be under “unproved seizure” since I only had one or “diagnosis of Epilepsy” because of the EEG? I also need a class B CDL so I don’t know if that changes anything.
Either way I would need to go a neurologist before the CME?Thank you.
@ Lacie
If you are seeking a class B license, then you fall under your states guidelines and variances. It will be important to make sure your CME understands the difference. Class A drivers are held at a different standard from other class licenses. Class B in your state may have leniences in your situation.