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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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Got sick with COVID-19 and got TIA’s from clotting caused by the dread disease. They stopped a soon as I beat the illness. Is my class A on hold for a year? I’m an Oregon driver, doubles/triples/hazmat.
@ Steven
You are in a one year waiting period due to the TIA’s.
if i had a dizzy spell and fell down is my license suspended for 6 months even if i get a doctor to say I’m ok
@ Brian H
You will need supporting documentation from your doctors before you go for your next DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. Have them explain what happened and what their prognosis is.
I see a Neurologist for Peripheral Neuropathy and take Gabapentin. My Neurologist gave me a letter stating he has cleared me for driving. Will this letter clear me through an exam? Is there something else I should do first.
@ AG
The medication is going to raise questions, because it is listed as an anti-convulsant. The CME may request clarity from your neurologist. He/she will want to know the reasoning and the length of time you have been using these meds.
Hi I take abilify cymbalta and lamyctal every morning and invega every month through injection. I’m curious if I hold a medical certificate which I do if I can be hired by any company.
@ James
There are serious questions as to how you hold a valid medical card, or you are not a class A driver. Companies have their own rules for hiring and you would need to confirm with any company you are wishing to work for.
I got a doctors note disclosing My history
@ James
it still depends on the class license you carry.
Hi. I’m wondering if trucking companies would hire Me. I take abilify 15 mg cymbalta 60 mg, lamyctal 200 mg, and invega every month through an injection. It’s all for ocd. I don’t really have any side effects. I have a medical certificate.
@ James
What class cdl do you hold?
hello good people!
i apologize if this might sound like a silly question, but i really can’t find anywhere straight and simple answer to it.
can a cdl driver, after surviving a stroke, ever get his/her dot medical card again for a regular 2 year period time or he/she will always get it just for 1 year from that moment, no matter what (even if being 10 years perfectly healthy after the stroke..)?
if that’s true, does that means that the visit to neurologist is also a must every year – just before dot card expiration? or neurologist is enough to give their opinion only once (that first time after the stroke)?
thank you and stay safe ☺️
@ Gordon
It will always be a one year card from the time of the stroke and you must be symptom free with no anti-convulsant meds. Each time you go for your DOT/FMCSA medical examination, the CME will request a recent neurologist release form. And the neurologist needs to understand the demands of your work and a basic understanding of the DOT/FMCSA guidelines.
my husband is a UPS package car driver recently dx with POTS a type of dystonia What issues will he face with DOT because of this condition
@ tammy c
We will assume that he is not a class A driver. If that is true, then he falls under your states guidelines and variances and not federal DOT/FMCSA.
Best to check with your local DLD for direction and guidance on this issue.
Is it Illegal to drive a commercial vehicle if you are having periodic double vision and Numbness on one side of your body.
@ Gary S
Yes, because you are a high safety risk to both yourself and the public at large. This needs to be sorted out and rectified as soon as possible, for your personal safety.
What if you have been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma benign tumor that grows on the hearing nerve
@ Jess
The CME will question you on this issue and request additional medical documentation from your doctors. With all of the information available, the CME now has what he needs for his decision making process.