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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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Your comments are also welcome.
Husband will probably get diagnosed with anxiety, and is very worried about losing his class c. Will there be a lapse if he gets diagnosed and has to go on meds. He needs his job and neither of us can afford for him not to work in this economy. He is considering not even going to the doctor because he doesn’t want to lose his cdl and I know he needs help. Not sure what to do here. Any help is appreciated.
@ Anonymous
This will depend on the class cdl he holds. Class A OTR is the most strict and lesser class cdl’s fall under the states rules, regulations and variances.
Hi,
My fiancé who has a CDL A has been out of work for three months. It started off as pain and weakness from a virus, but now after many doctors he is being told it is Tics. He is 36 and never had a situation like this before (Was diagnosed with ADHD as a child). It is not constant, but when it happens it is his left arm and head move toward each other. He’s been driving this whole time. He will be trying Botox in the neck to help this all of a sudden condition. If the neurologist releases him to work and believes he would be able to go back to his job would the medical examiner pass him? He has not been mentioned of needing any medications. We are from CT
@ Samantha L
With a release from his neurologist and a medical release form, he should be OK. It will fall to the CME to make the final decision based on his findings and whatever supporting medical documentation is provided.
I’m looking into getting a Class B CDL in Colorado and was told I also have to pass a physical. I have neurological problem with weakness and muscle atrophy in my left arm. Neurologist tested me for all diagnosable neurological problems and all came back negative. Would I be able to pass the CDL physical?
@ Steve N
Class B cdl has state, not federal, standards and regulations. Best to check with your local DLD for their requirements. Then make sure the medical examiner knows it’s a class B cdl and knows the difference between federal DOT/FMCSA and your states requirements.
I had a small adenomas removed from my pituitary gland I found out that what was causing me to have a extremely low testosterone levels and very little sex drive🤔 I’m a cdl holder does that type surgery keep me on a 1 year post surgery hold per dot
@ gregory j
Probably for a few years, just to be monitored by the CME and your physicians.
I am wanting to obtain a class a cdl but I do have M.S. and glaucoma so will this restrict me from getting this license?
@ Curt
Both of these conditions are going to be questionable. The medical examiner is going to want additional information from your doctors before making his final decision.
what mental test/medical form is available for congnitive testing for a licence renewable
@ Susan D
License renewal is a state related issue, best to check with your local DLD for guidance.
I have a benign tumor on my Pituitary, It will be removed but I am unsure of my ability to get medically certified after recovery.
I had a Tia 5 years ago and seen a neurologist for a year following that and was wrote off as being fine at the end of that year. I do not have a cdl or required to have one but was told I need a dot medical to drive my truck and trailer certain places, I passed the dot physical but the examiner is saying I need a release from a neurologist before completely signing off, is this normal or required if it’s been 5 years since incident and have a had a clean bill of health?
@ David
The medical examiner is holding you to a class A cdl standard, which you are not. Confirm with your local DLD and get their guidelines and variances. You fall under the states regulations not federal regulations.