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Q&A
I have a hernia. Will this disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?
What if I have a limb impairment? Am I disqualified?
I have a hernia. Will this disqualify me from passing a DOT physical?
If the hernia does not interfere with your operation of a commercial motor vehicle, then there is no problem.
If you have pain and are limited in some way, then you should take care of the problem before it does become a serious problem.
I had hernia surgery three years ago. There is some scar tissue which causes a little discomfort from time to time but in no way renders me unable to perform any tasks. Will this cause me to fail a DOT physical?
During the examination you will be questioned regarding the hernia surgery. Just let the medical examiner know how this effects you and whether it interferes with your daily activities. Some companies have restrictions, but this is a company policy not a DOT regulation.
I have a hernia that does not give me any trouble. The doctor I saw for my DOT exam says I have to get it repaired before my next exam. What if my regular doctor says that we can do watchful waiting instead of surgery? What are my rights under the law about this?
The DOT examiner is looking at a progressive condition, but if you will take a note from your primary doctor who has evaluated your condition and understands what you really do for a living, then the DOT examiner should consider your primary doctor’s opinion. However, the final decision to certify you, or not, remains with the medical examiner.
What if I have a limb impairment? Am I disqualified?
It is possible to apply for an exemption. FMCSA has a certificate program for drivers with limb impairments. FMCSA also has a special certification program for drivers with missing limbs. (see FMCSA Skill Performance Evaluation)
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I broke my foot and am out of work until March 18, 2022. My DOT physical is due before February 28, 2022. Is it possible to get an extension or exemption as it is a temporary issue?
@ Kevin L
Your condition does not require an extension. Check with your state DLD and explain your situation. They should have policy in place for this.
I’ve always wondered this? What if you broke a leg or something to that extent that requires a long recovery, but your med card is due at that time. Here in Mass you need to recertification your med card with the registry every time you get one or they will downgrade your license and after a year you’ll have to do the written and road test again! Do they make an exception if your hurt at the time you need to renew it?
@ Jake
If you are a class A driver, you would not pass the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. You would need to contact your local drivers license department and ask for guidance through their process for situations like this. Each state should have a procedure which will work with the driver with injuries. Lesser class license fall under the states guidelines and not DOT/FMCSA. So you would check with your states DLD.
How far back to have to put surgery on a Dot physical?
@ Sandy
If it ask, Have you ever, then tell them when.
I had spinal fusion at l5/S1 about 7 years ago. Does this disqualify me from driving or getting a CDL?
@ Chris
Not in and of itself, no. If the fusion causes restriction or the inability to perform the duties of a cmv operator, then there may be questions.