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Q&A
Can a driver with lung disease get a DOT medical card?
Is the use of oxygen therapy a disqualifier?
Can I still drive if I have a blood clot in the lung?
I had lung surgery and a lobectomy a few years ago . Will this fail me on a DOT physical?
What does neck size, weight, and BMI have to do with the DOT physical exam?
What does snoring have to do with the DOT physical exam?
Can a driver with lung disease get a DOT medical card?
The medical examiner will evaluate your condition to determine how the lung disease may affect your ability to safely drive and perform other duties of a commercial driver. If you don’t have a medical opinion letter from a treating physician, you may need to go for a chest x-ray or pulmonary function tests before the medical examiner can consider certification.
Is the use of oxygen therapy a disqualifier?
Most likely, yes, oxygen therapy while driving is a disqualifier. The reasons are twofold: 1. Malfunction of the oxygen equipment. 2. Progression of the disease may be debilitating. You may be considered if you can pass a pulmonary function test.
I was recently diagnosed with COPD from exhaust leak in my semi. Can I lose my CDL because of this diagnosis?
The diagnosis of COPD is not, by itself a disqualifier for your cdl. It will/may have an effect while doing your medical examination and certification. Your best bet is to take any and all notation from your primary lung doctor with you when you re-do your medical exam and certificate. The examiner just needs to make sure your are fit to return to work without being a risk to yourself or the public at large.
Can I still drive if I have a blood clot in the lung?
With the blood clot in the lung, you want to make sure you bring a note from you pulmonary specialist stating you are good to go. The medical examiner will need a copy for your file when he does the exam.
I had lung surgery and a lobectomy a few years ago . Will this fail me on a DOT physical?
In and of itself, the lobectomy should not be an issue. But what was the reasoning behind the surgery? Your examiner will have other questions regarding the surgery and what its long term effects are, as well as, how it affects your ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
What does neck size, weight, and BMI have to do with the DOT physical exam?
Neck size, weight, and BMI are all just indicators that the medical examiner looks at to determine if you may have a condition that would impact your ability to safely drive a commercial vehicle now or for the period for which the medical card may be issued. There are currently no set specifics on these measurements in the DOT regulations. However, companies may set their own policies and have their own standards for these indicators, which may disqualify you to drive for that particular company.
What does snoring have to do with the DOT physical exam?
Snoring, in combination with obesity, can be highly predictive of obstructive sleep apnea risk. That said, even the loudest of snorers may not have a breathing obstruction. The sign that is most suggestive of sleep apnea occurs when snoring stops. If both snoring and breathing stop while the person’s chest and body try to breathe, that is literally a description of an event called an ‘apnea’. When breathing starts again, there is typically a deep gasp and then the resumption of snoring.
For the DOT physical exam the medical examiner evaluates your overall physical condition and health history to determine if there are signs of a medical condition that may affect your ability to safely drive a CMV. If the medical examiner has reasonable suspicion that you have sleep apnea you may have to go for an overnight sleep test called a polysomnogram before you can be further considered for certification.
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Steven S says
Are Oxygen concentrators disqualifying if you have a Class A CDL? I know the use of oxygen tanks is prohibited because of risk of explosion etc. A oxygen concentrator doesn’t use tanks as it draws ambient air and filters it creating pure oxygen. How would this be a disqualifier when the FAA and DOT approve the use of concentrators on an aircraft both by Crew members and passengers?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Steven S
We do not believe that oxygen concentrators are a disqualifying item via DOT/FMCSA. There will be questions by the examiner as to why you use it and for what conditions. Those will be your only concern.
William D says
While getting my DOT physical in place, I had a second lung surgery to remove a cancerous nodule. My PFT was passed prior to the surgery. In order to pass the DOT physical do I need another PFT after surgery to pass?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ William D
Yes. Since your condition and situation has changed, the CME will need the information to complete the medical certification examination.
Ant says
I am 34 and I have PAH I take letaris and tadalfil daily can I still get my class a cdl?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Ant
It may be possible, but you will need to provide supporting medical documentation from your physicians before the CME will make his final decision.
Meg says
My husband had a total laryngectomy and has a stoma can he get a school bus cdl
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Meg
Since he will hold a lesser cdl for school bus, he then falls under the states guidelines for cdl holders. Confirm with your local drivers license department.
Cathy says
Hi just wondering how your husband is and what to expect..as my husband is scheduled for a total also..very scared ..there isnt much info from patients.
Cathy says
Hi meg.just wondering how your husband is doing? My husband is scheduled to have a total also..were very scared as we cant find anyone else to talk to that has gone through this..thank you
Curious1 says
A few years ago I carried an oxygen concentrator with me into a DMV center to renew my driver’s license. At no time did I use it while I was there. I am prescribed oxygen at night only, and see my doctor regularly, and he tests and treats me for COPD.
A clerk who handled my paperwork for renewal reported that I had the concentrator, and must have known it wasn’t in use, refused to renew my license if I didn’t have my doctor fill out all the medical forms. This has been going on for several years. Each time my doctor indicates I am not impaired, and that I only require oxygen at night. I feel targeted, but don’t know how to resolve this.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Curious1
Your cdl is state issued and not federal. You would need to go higher up in the ranks of the drivers license department. Start with a supervisor and go up from there. Someone needs to take a serious look at this situation.
Renee S says
I had a upper left lobectomy done 7 years ago due to a rare cancer that was slow growing that i never knew i had. I found all this out through the er and was admitted to the hospital They removed my left upper lobe and I have never had any issues since then. I also have never seen a cancer doctor in my life I do not have to see a lung doctor at all anymore and have not in over 4 years. I have no breathing issues my O2 levels are always 99 to 100% I have never been on o2. Will I have any issues with this at all. When you listen to my lungs you can tell i do not have that lobe there anymore and i always have to tell anyone who is listening what happened and never had any issues. I have continued to work a physical demanding job over the years without any issues. Will I have a problem with this.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ ReneeS
It may raise a few questions with the CME, but with a medical release form and some supporting medical documentation, you should be fine, if all else is within normal limits.
Barry says
What level of reduced oxygen % saturation does TxDOT consider to be unsafe for a person to drive?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Barry
DOT/FMCSA has one set of saturations numbers for a class A driver and Texas may have another set if you are not a class A license holder. If your question is for Texas, then talk with your local drivers license department and ask what their guidelines and variances are.
Matthew D says
I have pulmonary hypertension. Can I get a dot card
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Matthew D
It ay be possible, but will require medical documentation for the medical examiner to make his final decision.
April says
My husband is an over the road trucker, he recently started having asthma attacks ( newly diagnosis). He is going through the steps to get them under control. If he gets put on a nebuliser and truly has asthma will he be able to continue to drive?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ April
When he is released to return to work, without restrictions or limitations, he will need a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. The CME will need supporting medical documentation that the meds he’s on have been shown to be adequate, effective and stable. Meaning he has been on these medications long enough to rule out any unknown side effects. If all goes well, he will be able to return to driving and will need to carry a nebulizer with him at all time while driving.
Merry McC says
Question what is a passing PFT number that disqualifys you from driving
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Merry McC
Most drivers with COPD have a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The CME will not certify the driver until etiology is confirmed and treatment has been shown to be adequate/effective, safe, and stable. So it is not about the numbers, but more about the ability to perform the duties of a CMV operator.
Jeff says
Can I drive a city bus with portable oxygen tank? I have copd?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Jeff
You will need to check with your local drivers license department for the correct answer to your question. A lot will depend on the class of your drivers license and the states variances and regulations.
Davros says
I’ve got a neuromuscular disability of a very slowly progressive nature. I have reduced pulmonary function as evidenced by 2 sets of tests over the past 18 months. Compared to my prime, it is perhaps 25% volume. Non-smoker, never smoked. Oxygen level in blood is always 96-98%, even with a chemical stress test or moderate physical activity such as climbing 40 stairs (on crutches). Obstructive sleep apnea but no problems with oxygen on CO2 levels. In process of jumping through insurance hoops to get a CPAP/BiPAP/VAPAP. Have driven passenger vehicle interstate on personal road trips in hot, humid weather without A/C, without issue. I somehow feel my chances would remain low. Is there a way to get an exam just to assess if I would have a chance to pass or guidance on areas in need of improvement? This would be a helpful first step before investing in any training.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Davos
You can check with any DOT certified examiner and explain your wishes. There should not be an issue. Just make sure they understand your position and wishes before going any further into the examination process.
Dan N says
Can I pass a DOT physical with a tracheostomy
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Dan N
The tracheostomy is going to raise questions and the medical examiner is going to need documentation from your doctors. If the condition posses no limitations in your ability to operate a cmv safely and with very limited risk, then it may be possible
Bigdad says
I got a letter from the doctor that treats my trache but even then not every doc is comfortable with it . I recommend using a doc that you have a relationship with and knows the complete picture of your history and health …..good luck fellow neck breather
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Bigdad
We could not agree more.
Andrew B says
I have cystic fibrosis would I be able to pass a DOT physical?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Andrew B
It would depend on the extent of your symptomatic picture. You will need supporting documentation from your doctors and a medical release also.
Cystic fibrosis does not disqualify, but the condition will raise questions. The CME will appreciate the documentation, it helps in his decision making process.
Alexander R says
I currently have a medical card that expires on November 2021, however I am having surgery to remove fluid from my lungs due to vaping, will my medical card me revoked? Or is it still good until the expiration date
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Alexander R
You will need a new medical examination once you have been released to return to work, without restrictions. Your old card will be invalid.
Matt J C says
Are u required to pft test at your dot physical if you r a smoker thanks
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Matt J C
If the examiner feels that there may be a problem or issue, then he may require the test. FMCSA guidelines recommends the test if questions come up and the examiner is looking at possible risk factors. The test results help in the CME’s decision making process.
Cindy says
Hi, my husband is a truck driver . We found out at the ens of Aug 2019 he has blood clots in his lungs. He went back to work about 2 weeks after his hospital stay because the dr released him and said he was good. Today he goes to a healthworks to get a drug screen, told them him was on warfin, the dr proceeded to tell him she could not clear him because he is not suppose to driving a semi for 3 months after being diagnosed with blood clots according to NY State. I have tried looking it up to see if she is correct and all i see is as long as the dr. Oks you you are able to drive. Can u clarify this. Ty
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Cindy
The CME is reading the FMCSA guidelines and has interpreted them as a three month waiting period. FMCSA has guidelines on this issue, but the examiner has to interpret those guidelines, supposedly on a case by case situation. You are correct, the examiner has to address each case individually and make a risk assessment. You could get a second opinion.
Heidi says
My son has cold induced asthma and for recent job interview, where he will drive a company vehicle, ordered a DOT physical. Please note he is not applying for CDL this is just the type of physical the hiring company ordered. During examination, examining physician did not notate abnormal breathing, wheezing etc. However, solely because he checked yes to Asthma they will not sign off on the form until FEV1 and FVC (pulmonary lung function tests) are completed, even after we sent a letter from his primary care physician stated he has no asthmatic symptoms, and is not medicated other then having an albuterol inhaler when needed due to cold induced asthma.
In our area only a specialist will complete these tests and min cost 350 usd. When I called the examining physician to clarify this is only cold induced asthma and discuss letter provided by our regular physician, they stated testing is still needed due to “frequent use of albuterol” I explained he has not needed the inhaler in over a year. Is there a specific CFR regulation which refers to and/or defines “frequent” use of albuterol and is it really necessary for these additional tests?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Heidi
The medical examiner, apparently, does not understand the difference between a federal DOT medical card and your states variance medical card. Federal DOT medical examination guidelines were established for class A, long haul, big rig drivers, not a local vehicle driver. You may have to search for a CME who understands the difference. Your son does not fall under federal guidelines, but your states variances. Get a second opinion from a CME that knows the difference.
Dana C says
Can you carry a cdl if you have had 1 of your lungs removed?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Dana C
With proper medical documentation, you may be fine. Also depends on the class cdl your going for.
Michael T says
I am a VA Veteran diagnosed with COPD, my doctor has put me on supplemental oxygen for at least 15hrs a day, I drive a commercial city bus, I only have to drive for 8hrs and my VA dr says that I am ok to drive for those 8hrs without being on oxygen, I have a DOT physical coming up soon, should I mention this when I go to get my medical card renewed?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Michael T
You are not a class A driver and thus would fall under the states guidelines. Check with your state DLD for additional information.
Gene C says
Can a CDL A driver use a portable oxygen tank while driving?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Gene C
Depends on the cdl class and type of driving being done. Check with your local DLD for your states opinion.
Sarge says
…most cases, the use of oxygen therapy while driving is disqualifying. Concerns…Concerns include oxygen equipment malfunction, risk of explosion, and … ref: FMCSA