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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 am a above knee amputee right leg from a motorcycle accident in 2012.I wear a prosthetic and I have no problem getting around or driving.But I drive with my left leg.Obviously I can no longer drive a manual transmission.I plan on getting with a company that offers training.How do I obtain a medical waiver if I have never had a CDL?From what I have read,one must show that they can drive with no issues.I can not show that I can drive a tractor/trailer with no CDL.
@ Jimmy J
You will need an exemption form from FMCSA. Once you start the process you will need a medical examiner to ride with you to determine if there are any potential safety risk. Once released by him and the exemption papers in hand, you can go for the DOT medical certification examination.
its a form CDL-10 : Certification of Physical Exemption 49 CFR Part 391/390 its a form I filled out check box # 3 The occasional transportation of personal property by individuals not for compensation nor in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise. went to Texas Department Of Public Safety , provided the form for the reason because I couldn’t get my Medical Examiners Certificate and got the restriction so I wouldn’t lose my License from 1/31/2019 through 1/31/2022, its gives me 3 years before my license expires to heal my work related injuries . I don’t know if the Company will allow this restriction on my license for the fact that am on light duty with restrictions because they need a medical card for there file , on the day it expired on 1/31/2019 . do you think they will allowed this till I heal or would they find a reason to terminate me because of my medical card and work related injury . department of public safety told me before I can drive commercial trucks need to get my medical card first and they’ll take off the restrictions . I hope this is the best move to save my CDL from getting down grade and I hope the company doesn’t find a reason to terminate me because of the changes I made . I hope I did the right thing , how do you see this , I hope to hear your comments
@ Marcos V. jr
You will need to pass the DOT medical certification examination before you can drive, legally. To pass the medical examination, you must not be on light duty or other physical restrictions. Get healed from the injuries and them get a new medical card. That will save your cdl license.
they put a restriction on my license text : so I wouldn’t lose my CDL and do no test , exemption ? stating I wont lose my CDL ! I cant drive trucks yet till I get a release from restrictions , but it saves my CDL from down grading and once I heal then ill go get my medical card and change the restriction . I was only concern about not losing my CDL . longest I filled that form CDL – 10 : exemption is place on my CDL till I heal . then ill go get my medical card then turn it in to department of public safety and take off that exemption on my CDL then I can drive trucks once I turn in my medical card .
@ Marcos V
Great, and you did a super job on the follow-up.
I was in in a motorcycle accident. I broke both bones in my left leg below the knee. They both were completely severed at the ankle. I have a titanium rod in the larger of the two bones along with 6 screws, two of them in my ankle. To date I can walk with a cane but I still have nerve damage (pain) in 2/3 of my foot and part of my ankle.
Is it worth even trying to get recertified?
Since most trucks are now automatic transmissions I would have to use a clutch
@ Dave F
As a class A, OTR driver, you may not qualify. As an intra-state cdl driver, you may be fine. A lot will depend on the extent of your injuries and the restrictions the injuries impose. Check with a local DOT medical examiner for a more solid answer.
My company when I first started driving sent me to a Doc in a Box for my DOT exam. Which they paid for at the time. I passed the exam three years in a row. Then the fourth year I had a Doctor fail me cause I could not walk on my heel in my right foot. Sent me to the FMCSA for an exemption. FMCSA has in their form that I have to wear a brace. My regular Doctor has cleared me and also a Orthopedic Surgern has cleared me twice. Stating I do not need the brace. What do I need to do to keep from going through the FMCSA part of the paperwork every two years? I have full function while driving.
@ Jimmy
Go get a second opinion somewhere else and take your medical doctors releases with you. Once cleared by a new examiner, FMCSA would not require the brace, if it is not needed to perform the duties of a CMV operator.
if am taking a prescribe prescription for pain and it helps me drive can I still get medical card even though I take medications while at home and not driving
@ Marcos V jr
Probably not.
I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis about 4 months ago. They have given me Mobic which from what I can tell will not disqualify me. I have slight bone degeneration of my right hip and very slight in my lower back. Also, I have bone spurs in both elbows, however while taking mobic I have no pain and full range of motion. I have applied for a few trucking companies to get my cdl and work OTR. Will I be able to pass a DOT physical if I have no grip impairment and no range of motion issues?
@ Chris
The medication will cause questions, so you need a medical release form from your prescribing doctor and a working prognosis. You will need to be on this medication for 30 days or more just to make sure there are no ill side effects.
medical card issues: if I go to doctor and let him know about my medical condition and taking pain medications and longest I have doctor excuse because of a work related injury is it possible that if we have understanding that am on light duty and gives me a medical card which I know he will longest I don’t drive trucks until I get release could the company allow it until I get a release before I drive so I wont get down graded or would they see the doctor as of why , ill have two separate doctors one handling my work related injury and one handling my DOT medical card , driver license department told me its up to the DOT doctor to approve it or not would the company see it different conflict due to my injury doctor will ask questions about my injurie and having a understanding not to drive until I get a release from my work doctor
@ Marcos V
To pass the DOT medical certification examination, you must have a doctors release to return to work ‘without restrictions or limitations’.
My father went to a DOT physical for a new job within the same company. The DOT doctor said he can not pass because he could rotate his neck 80 degrees … It this correct..? Can you give me any information on the DOT regulations
Thank you
Robert O
80 degrees total or in either direction? FMCSA would require a greater range of motion than 40 degrees in any one direction.
Suffered a severe DE-Gloving of my left leg–shin to knee cap…related to operating a tractor mower at work– Leg required masive surgical repair and wound care follow up. The employer sent me to one of those I.M.E.’s and that quack caused more harm after being informed with documentation of Severe Hipo /Pelvis pain. Leg wound required the floatng back of the carnage and being secured with several hundred interior based dissolvable sutures , several exterior plastic sutures and large op-site dressing with a wound vac. This all happened in May 2018. To date.. nerve damage exists in the shin and knee , plus an MRI revealed a Labral tear of the posterior left pelvis. Pain and restriction of movement of the leg is constant . Surgery is scheduled… but my DOT Medical card expires this week.. I also must wear surgical support stockings due to the venous insufficiency. Do you think I’ll pass the exam ? Oh..the employer fired me before I was transferred into the Trauma Center.
@ Daniel M
You will not qualify for a new DOT medical card at this time.
I live in Ohio and have a pick line in my arm (IV). And take antibiotics. Am I able to still drive class B
@ Jeremy c
If your state allows it, then yes.
I hurt my rotator cuff and only have 35% range of motion. Can i still drive?
@ Ron c
Depends on your driver class.
I slipped and fell and hit my head
Was cleared with a ct scan and my doctor checked me out and cleared me for work do I have to recertify my dot physical before I go back to work
@ Dustin
FMCSA states that any injury that results in time off or any possible change in physical ability to perform the duties of a cdl driver requires a new DOT physical before returning to normal work duties.
Am on light duty working 2 hours a day doing office checking logs . Can I get medical card just so I won’t lose my cdl pay at my expense. … And get a new one later on from company doctor before I drive big trucks for the company how does this work or do I go to department of public safety and let them know I won’t be driving trucks till I get release . am only on light duty till I get released
Or CDL 10 FORM certification of physical exemption 49 CFR PART 391/390 or medical examiners certificate because am on light duty with restrictions and my medical card is about to expire on 2/21/2019 . What protects my CDL because company needs medical card when it expires am on. Workers comp due to injury . Dr my give only in the condition I don’t drive while taking medication because am only doing paperwork coordinator , sitting detail . Restrictions specific to neck and back . Need advice so I won’t lose my CDL and job.
@ Marcos V
As a class A driver, your going to have difficulties due to the facts that you do not even qualify to do a DOT medical certification examination. Your doctors note should be sufficient to answer any questions for the company.
@ Marcos V
You can”t pass the examination, so there would be no card. Employer and DPL have guidelines for this situation. Check with them first.
I have Cerebral Palsy (I walk) but I have some coordination problems and some limits on range of motion. Very mild case compared to others. Went for a DOT physical, doctor said he had never dealt with a case like mine, and was so unfamiliar with the situation he didn’t feel comfortable certifying me til I saw a neurologist who was familiar with my condition and the limitations it may place on driving as a CDL holder. I do not even know where to find a qualified neurologist, and I am concerned having someone who doesn’t know me or my situation examine me will result in a denial simply because they dont know/ dont want to know about my personal situation. My primary care physician is also a DOT medical examiner, but the job I applied to sent me to this guy. What should I do next? Is there anyone out there who has CP who got their medical card?
Thanks
@ Nick
First check with your primary doctor. to see If he would certify you to drive, then have him write a release for you to give to the other CME.
What are the neck size and weight restrictions for dot physical?
@ Stanley
The FMCSA, once upon a time, issued a guideline for neck and BMI for drivers. If those guidelines were followed it would have taken 60+% of the drivers off the road. So at this time there are no neck and BMI regulations. But some opportunist have used the initial FMCSA information to grease their pockets. If you have a true OSA situation then there are many other test and questions to be answered before requesting a sleep study. But if the test is being requested based on neck size and BMI, we would recommend seeking a second opinion elsewhere.
I just had surgery for a torn bicep that happened at work but while im out for therapy my physical card is going to expire can i still go for a dot physical or is there some kind of extension im able to aquire
@ Dave
You have to have a full medical release, from your doctors, before taking your DOT medical certification examination. FMCSA does not have an exception or extension. Your state DLD just needs to know you are out with recovering injuries and therapy and will have an updated medical card as soon as you are released to return to work, without restrictions.
I think I have carpal tunnel in both wrists will be seeing my orthopedic doctor in a couple weeks if I have to wear wrist braces can I still drive my school bus in Arizona
@ Dottie D
As long as you can perform the duties required by the bus company, you probably can. But, confirm this with the company first.
Hi my name is Steve and I was involved in a car accident resulting in my femur getting getting broke. After three months in the hospital I was told that I had drop foot as a result of my femur getting broken. That was three years ago and I am trying to get back to being a truck driver local equipment hauling .i have been told that I can’t do what I used to do in the heavy equipment hauling field.
i too have foot drop of the left foot from a herniated disk in the lower back this was 7 years ago do i have to get a release from a neurologst to get recertified for medical card?
@ bill
It would be helpful to the examiner and he would not have to ask you to get a copy anyway.
@ Steve C
You might check into intra-state only. That way you fall under your states variances and they may have no issues, if you can perform the duties prescribed by your employer.
Pinky
One of our operators had prostate cancer and started taking chemo, he’s very weak and had to be sent home a couple of times. What are policies determining if this operator is fit to drive? There should be some procedure if an operator is taking some type of medication that deters the operator from driving safely. Please send some advice.
@ Ophelia P
Your driver is disqualified via FMCSA regulations. A new examination would have to be performed to determine his ability to safely operate a CMV.
Is there any restrictions on getting a dot physical with a spinal stimulator that I turn off while driving?
@ Veit P
You are going to need to provide supporting documentation from your doctors, before you will be able to do the FMCSA medical certification examination.
I have a bladder osteomyelitis, I’ve had it for 8 yrs. And been able to drive with no problems passing my DOT physical. This time it was a problem. There was blood in my urine, protein, and bacteria in my urine. These will always be in there. Why is it this time I could not pass my DOT physical?
@ Robert Mc
Just get a medical release form from your doctor explaining your situation and condition, then you should be OK.