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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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My roommate hit his head after slipping on ice about 6 years ago and was put on anti-seizure meds as a precaution (they were concerned about possible seizures, but none were recorded). He has not been on the meds for 5 years and has had no seizures. What does he need to do to keep this from interfering with getting a medical card again? He tried about 3 years ago and was unable to get a card because of this history.
@Amethyst
Get a medical release form from his neurologist stating that he has had no problems and has not been on any anti-seizure medication for over five years. That gives the CME most of the information that he needs to make an informed decision.
I was hit by a car 22 years ago. I was unconscious for several days and had to undergo surgery to remove an epidermal hematoma from the left side of my skull. I never had a seizure nor was I ever on seizure medicine. I have had my class A CDL since 1998. After getting a three month med card I was told i need to see a neurologist. ( I also took a letter from my primary physician ) so what could a neurologist tell them that my doctor of 5 years couldn’t?
@J Allen
No idea what your doctor can say that your neurologist can say.
If your medical release form from your doctor explained your situation and circumstances, then your best bet is to take your business to another certified medical examiner when your three month card is about to run out. And take a medical release form from your doctor stating your facts and his findings.
I have a class a cdl to drive a bucket truck for a utility company and my dot physical is going to expire. I went for some sleep studies and the dr. Said I had restless leg and daytime sleepiness. He prescribed me with requip and nuvigil. I went to get my physical and the med. examiner said he would not sign off on me for my med card. Am I totally disqualified from DOT? I make my living as a lineman and I don’t want to lose my job. Thank you in advance for your response.
@Whit
What class driver are you? Do you travel interstate or intra-state? These are the questions any good CME needs to ask in order to have all of the information to make a final call on your license.
The medications will cause some questions, but can be worked out with the correct information at the time of the examination. You’re not disqualified as a driver, you just need to get all the information together before you go for another DOT examination. Also get a medical release form from your doctor explaining your condition and medication usage. Good Luck
Thank you very much that’s what I have done and I think I’m gonna get it worked out. Again thank you for your response it was very helpful.
I have had my CDL for 25 plus years..I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Diease (4 months).occasional shake tremor left side.I have neurologist (movement specialist).taking carbdopa/levodopa .and Rytary twice a day..with good results..no shakes not drowsy…I’m 54 and not ready to quit driving…I cannot find info on onset Parkinson’s..and commercial driving..my d.o.t.med card expires Feb 2016. Thx Rob
@Robert
This is a progressive condition so you will need to get a medical release form from your neurologist. It will answer some of the questions that the CME will have, but the examiner is going to have to make the final decision. Just have as much information as possible on hand at the time of your medical examination. Include a list of your medications and have your primary doctor explain the need and usage of these medications.
i had 3 subdural hematomas between nov 26,2014 and febuary8,2015. i never had any seizures or any other problems. i was just released to go back and perform regular work duties. can i still get my medical card and go back to truck driving?
@rafael
Make sure you have a medical release form completed by your neurologist. He will need to explain your situation and present condition, along with any risk factors. With the release in hand, you answer most of the CME’s questions before they can arise. The release helps the CME make a better and more informed decision about your condition and the operation of a CMV.
I told the cme that i had the release form at home and that i would return with it, but he said even if i did i still had to wait 1 year regardless if not more than that from the date of the last surgery. He said that was dot regulations. I just want to know if that is true, is that what the law says?
@Rafael
It’s in the guidelines and the second CME is not willing to take the risk factor regarding your situation. Yet the first examiner was willing to take the risk.
But it’s a guideline not a regulation, which is read as a law.
I was denied a dot medical card today because I had a brain tumor removed and treated a year ago. I never had a seizure or any negative side affects. Am I able to appeal the denial or aquire a form from my neurologist stating that I am safe to drive?
@Mitch
A medical release form from your neurologist explaining your condition and situation will go far in getting your DOT medical card. The release answers many questions that any CME is going to have about putting you on the road.
Also have your primary doctor explain your non-seizure activities. If you are not on any medications, then there should not be any real issues, once everyone understands the full extent of your situation and condition.
Come on dot docs. It’s in the book. If the tumor was in the back of the head then it’s a one year wait. If it was in the frontal portion of the brain then a two year wait person
Dot docs. …. I am in the same situation. If the tumor was on the back or your brain then it is a one year wait. If it was on the front of your brain then it is a two year waiting period. Would have thought DOT docs would have known that info rather than giving a half baked answer.
iwas recently diagnosed with a neurological disease called Cerebral Ataxia. I have had numerous blood tests, a
MRI, a sleep study and a spinal tap. My symptoms are mild at this time but there are no cures for this disease and it is a progressive disorder. Will this disqualify me for renewing my CDL that I have had for 24 years and also drive a one ton truck for work
@ Mark
This condition is progressive and can cause loss of motor control, which would make it highly unlikely that you will be able to pass the DOT examination. If you can downgrade to a standard drivers license or to intra-state only, you may be able to continue to drive until you know you are truly unsafe. But for DOT interstate, I don’t believe you will pass. Check with your state DLD and see what they have to say about driving with the downgrade.
A little over a year ago I had 3 seizures due to being on two medications at once. My Neurologist released me to drive again , but the DOT doctor in texas said it has to be reported and cleared by my state of Arkansas. My doctor never reported it to begin with. What do I do?
@ Robert
Just having the seizures puts you into a waiting period, and you doctor needs to know that. Once you have gone through the waiting period and you are not on any anti-seizure medications, then you may be able to return to driving. But as it is right now your medical card is invalid and you will need a medical release from your neurologist explaining your seizures and your treatment.