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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 have a cdl class b and have M.S. I will have a physical in Dec. At this time I have no limatations and have all motor ability. Will this be a problem in the state of Md.
@ Eric
Make sure you get the CME to understand that you are a class B driver and bring any medical documentation to support your over-all condition.
I am a 50yr old Actively Employed Veteran Class A Regionally Dedicated Driver of 32yrs experience with a long history of degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, & formal narrowing.
Up until recently I have been able to manage my pain with Radio Ablation Therapy, Occasional Steroid Disk Injections, & A Regular Daily Physical Therapy Exercise Routine. (*No Medications other than physician prescribed & monitored moderately high dosage levels of Ibuprofen for Pain & Inflammation.)
I’ve recently received an MRI Lumbar Evaluation from my PCP, Pain Management Physician, & Neurosurgeon recommending an Open Lumbar Decompression (Single level) Laminectomy Surgery.
I have been assured that if I pursue this surgical option I will still be able to continue to drive at my current level with the added potential benefit of a 70-90% reduction in my current pain levels. They have projected a roughly 2hr surgery, followed by a three day hospital stay for observation, & an approximate 6 weeks off work for healing & Physical Therapy before returning to Normal Duty with no additional pain medications required.
I have been unable to find any type of information regarding this surgical procedure’s impact on a Class A Commercial Driver’s Career.
Any insight You & Your Colleagues can offer into to the Realistic Recovery Time, or More Importantly Potential DOT Physical Disqualification Risks to be considered pertaining to having this type of surgery would be Greatly Appreciated
@ Stephen
All you will need, following the surgery, is a full medical release from your doctors, without any limitations. If they have you on any medications, then you may need to provide additional documentation from your doctors. If you can pass the DOT medical certification examination, then you are good to go.
I have a class a with no restrictions and a medical certificate for a dot doctor. Got pull over and put out of service do to me missing my right hand how can I get a medical certificate and class a but dot put me out service for no wavier
Ps was missing right when took CDLs test and dot physical
@ Rodney B
WHAT? By federal DOT / FMCSA guidelines, you are required to have a waiver before being able to pass a DOT medical certification examination. The DOT officer is correct and you need to acquire a federal waiver.
SO A DOT DOCTOR CAN’T GIVE A SIMPLE RESTRICTION ON THE CARD TO SAY THE PERSON CAN STILL OPRATE A CLASS A TRUCK, SEE MY ARM IS TILL WITH ME BUT HAS LOST MOVEMENT & STRENTH DUE TO A TUMOR, ?
@ Kim
No he can not. By DOT/FMCSA definition, you are not fit for duty as a class A driver. If there is a restriction to be placed on your license, then it would come from your states drivers license department and would probably limit you to intra-state only driving. But check with your DLD to confirm.
I recently went for a examination to get my CDL-A medical card from one of those box medical companies. I passed everything but he said he wouldn’t pass me because of tingling in my feet,he said it was peripheral neuropathy. I have complete feeling in both of feet and still wouldn’t give it to me. My personal doctor is certified DOT and said the box doctor is not reading the law right. The box doctor is not even certified DOT and just read me something out of a book with the rules. My company said I have to have the test done only from this box company and will not let me go to my own doctor. Is there any recourse that I can take,thank you.
@ Glenn H
If the box doc is not on the national registry, then his examination findings are not valid. Check with your DOT certified doctor and have him help you out. All valid medical examinations must be performed by a DOT certified medical examiner, period.
Hi. I m a CDL OTR driver, and my medical exam expires in a year. I had a surgery for achilis tendom ruptured on my left foot. And now I have a cast on my left foot under the knee. Doc said its ok to drive a vehicle, but not walk on it. So I am currently using walking sticks to walk. I was driving an auto transmission truck. Can I still legally drive OTR? Thanks
@ Mehmet G
The surgery invalidated your current medical card and at present you could not pass a DOT medical card certification examination. You will need a full medical release from your surgeon, without restriction, before you can take a new DOT medical certification examination.
I have had a CDL in Oregon for over 50 years. About 6 months ago I separated my right shoulder and fractured the arm. I also have nerve damage in the right shoulder, so I can not lift my right hand above my head. I have good strength in the arm.
Will this keep me from passing the DOT physical ?
@ Harry W
If the shoulder restriction is sufficient enough to limit your abilities to perform the duties of a CMV operator, then you will have difficulty passing the DOT medical certification examination. Class A FMCSA guidelines require you to perform the duties of an operator without restrictions.
I broke both wrists in an on job accident a year ago. I’m currently in OT trying to get grip strength back. My question is what is minimum strength requirements for DOT physical? I keep getting different weights when I call dot examiners office. Orthopedic dr as well as therapists say I’m more than ready but my strength isn’t up to dr requirements. .. trying to see if need to find another dot examiner….
@ Sherry F
There is no set grip strength via the FMCSA guidelines. You need to be fully released from your doctors, without any restrictions. And you must be able to perform the job description duties of a CMV operator.
I have a CDL but primarily don’t drive anything bigger than a 5 ton. I’m considering right ankle fusion. Would I lose my CDL or have a restriction put on my license because of limited movement and potential slower brake reaction time?
@ Dave
Check with your local DLD for the best answer. This is a state DLD question.
I would like to add that the cancer was only in my esophagus and not through the outer lining to surrounding areas or lymph nodes The small tumor responded extreamly well to treatment per exam.
Hi Rich How are you doing my husband is going thur the same almost .
I had esophageal cancer and had radiation and Chemo Aug through Oct of 2018 and an esophogectomy on Dec 14 2018, I am now cancer free and not in treatment. I had a CT scan in May and it was clean. My fed med examiner will only give me a card for 3 mos at a time because thats when I get labs done for my oncologist. It will go to 6mos my next time. I think this is compleate bullshit and can she do this? I am cancer free with no treatment and no effects that will hinder my driving abilities. What can I do?
@ Rich
Yes, she can and you can go elsewhere for a second opinion.
Ok so I went and got my medical card so when I go to get my cdl permit I have it if they need it and on the the card it asks for your drivers licence number and if your a cdl applicant or holder I checked no for that since I don’t have it yet. So my question is when I get my cdl will my license number change if so do I have to get a new card? Also will I have to recheck the box that I am a cdl holder
@ Stephen E
You will need to check with your state DLD for that information.
I walk with a slight limp (left leg) due to an infection as a child. I work out six days a week, have a normal range of motion. I currently work with Pepsi as a sales rep. I am trying to move over to Frito Lay, I’ll be doing the same type of physical work (actually less physical) but driving a vehicle that will require me to have a DOT medical card. Will my limp keep me from getting the position?
@ Mike
The limp should not affect your getting a medical card. Just make sure you explain that you are not a class A long haul driver and that you fall under the states variances for your medical card.
Thanks for the answer, hopefully it works out.
I had a 5 way by pass open hart after recovery i got a stress test and a echocardiogram. Passed all test doc gave me the all clear to drive a truck. I passed my DOT Med exm and have been driving for a year, had to renew my card. the doc would not pass me with out a new Echocardiogram becuse my last one is 11 mouths old but my stress test is good for 5 years?
@ Ray
FMCSA requires a stress test every two years. ECG’s support the test results. The CME may request a new ECG to help in his decision making process.
I work for a trucking company. One of our applicants needs to get a Skills Performance Evaluation. Do you know how long the process takes? The doctor required it because he said he has diabetic neuropathy in his feet. Can he get a medical release from his neurologist and then go to a different clinic?
@ Teresa L
You could try for a second opinion with a medical release form from the neurologist. But you may still need the SPE exam. That one you will have to find a local examiner to perform the ride-along evaluation. Just a question, is your driver going to drive long haul semi or a lesser class license? It makes a difference.
I drive a 5- 6 ton 8- 12 passenger bus within the state of PA.
I have a workers comp injury since Feb of this year…which does not allow me as of yet to do wheelchairs…but I perform all other duties required.
I passed the DOT physical (as per her notes) today yet the Physicians Assistant is saying I have to get a Medical Report filled out after no restrictions are present.
But that isnt part.of the DOT physical.requorements…
Isnt that.illegal? Descrimination? Or something else?
@ Nancy
We are guessing that you are not a class A cdl holder. Which puts you under the states variances and not FMCSA. The FMCSA guidelines were developed for over the road, long haul drivers. The PA is not differentiating FMCSA and the states requirements. If you are a class A holder, then the PA is correct and should not pass you for any reason due to your ongoing restrictions. The state may not require a repport. Check with your state DLD for clarification.
When returning from work after a surgical procedure Is it the Doctor Who performed the procedure who returned you to work or do you need to see a DOT certified physician? If your physician who performed the procedure Clear you to drive a school bus but states in the note that you cannot do any lifting is there anything that prevent you from returning to work?
@ regina k
The DOT examiner does not return you to work, but he does need to do a new physical, if your state requires it. Best bet is to check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
I just had a left total hip replacement. I have a CDL license in the State of Illinois would I be able to return back to driving trucks or would a prosthetic hip disqualify me?
@ Scott P C
It is not a disqualifying factor. Just get fully healed with full recovery, without any restrictions, and you’ll be good to go.
Okay do DOT have a exact amount of time to be off from work
@ Sara L M
Certain conditions and injuries have a set waiting time frame before a new medical examination should be performed. Other conditions fall under guidelines and do not have set waiting periods.
I walk with a slight limp (left leg) and will need a hip replacement in about 15 or 20 years. I have no problem walking, driving etc. And I am still pretty athletic. Will I have a problem passing a DOT physical?
@ Michael J R
It will depend on the extent of the limp and any limitations that it may present during the examination.
I walk with a limp because I have AVN @20%; I also have AS accompanied with occasional uveitis. Gabapentin, methotrexate, folic acid, lotemax & prolensa are the meds I currently take. I still work out, drive etc. Will I pass my DOT or are their exemptions, waivers or options I should take? Thank You For All You Do!
@ Tonya W
It will depend on the class drivers license you want to acquire. As a Class A driver you wooed not qualify. As a class B or less, you may fall under the state variances and be fine. Check with your state drivers license department for a better answer.
I have a class b Cdl & wanted to know if getting a Handicap parking permit would disqualify me for keeping my Cdl in Ohio
@ D
All depends on the reasoning for acquiring a handicap sticker.
In louisiana yes cause i was drivikg big trucks after i got out of the military and i went tp the dmv in my home town cause i had just got my second award letter from the va for my military injuries and since my % was over 60% u get to get ur drivers license and they give u the handicap plates and also another one for a spare vehicle that u may b riding in or driving so…. But anyways back on topic they told me i had to pick one or the other i said shit i make way more a month sitting on my ass then holding the steering wheel and grinding gears did so i took the better offer and gave my cdl back up
If your on dialysis are you disqualified from driving a bus
@ Scott
You need to check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
Nope , I was doing peritoneal dialysis at night when I took my dot physical I had a letter from kidney dr stating I was able to work , just have that letter
I had my right big toe amputated. I have normal Functions and have been practicing everything i can remember from the exam and am able to completely do everything with out any problems. Will i need to complete an spe in order to keep my medical certificate?
@ Will J
If you can perform the duties without limitations, then you should be fine.
If I have lymphedema in my right leg but have no limits on this leg and reflexes are normal can I still drive a semi my name is randy (last name deleted by Admin for privacy).
@ Randy Z
Not sure what ‘this leg’ is?
@Trucker Docs I would imagine he is referring to his right leg since that IS what he began his sentence with…
Hi I was wanting to know if you have a spinal cord stimulator placed 2 years ago and have no issues now can you get a d.o.t. medical card? I have possessed a CDL for 20+ years
@ Dianne
With proper medical documentation, you should be able to get the medical card, if all else is within normal limits.