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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 considering getting back into driving again. I’ve had a Cdl since 1987 and used it for 14 years prior to leaving trucking and doing something else for 18 years. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and went through the usual treatments. Now in remission for over a year. The type of cancer I have is destructive to bone and a large tumor was discovered in the top of my right humerus. The bone was strengthened with a titanium plate and screws. This was done Dec ‘18, checked last Dec and no future appts are scheduled. I can lift my arm to a point that’s just short of straight up since the device has to go up into the joint. I’ve not been on anymore treatment medication as of the end of last year. I’m on my treadmill 90 min a day getting between 5-6 miles. Question is, will any of this limit my chances of taking a refresher and passing a physical, or should I just give up the idea altogether?
@ Robert K
Never give up on a good idea. With some supporting medical documentation and a medical release from your doctors you should be fine, if all else is within normal ranges and limits. Good luck.
Thank you for the reply. I’m not one who gives up easily. There will be appts every few months to monitor blood and urine for signs of any problems. These could be stretched out to yearly. I will disclose this to the physician giving the physical.
I have a driver who is taking Xarelto for Hx of DVT. What are the DOT regulations for this drug/condition please.
Thanks in advance
@ Company Nurse
The condition which the medications are being taken for will cause the most questions. Your driver is going to need a medical release form and supporting documentation to give to the DOT/FMCSA examiner. He will need all the information available to assist in his/her decision making process.
I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a few years ago. I take no medicine and have no loss of motion. I’m wanting to get my CDL but before I go any further I wanted to get an opinion before going any further. I have strong grip and no pain. Also avascular necrosis in my knees that doesn’t affect my day to day and forget it’s there to be honest which is why I ask as an after thought.
@ Michael B
Your diagnosis will raise questions, but if the condition does not interfere with the ability to perform the duties of a CMV operator, you could be fine.
Thank you.
I wear a leather lace-up non-hinged Arizona Brace on my right ankle. I work for the Post Office in California and drive 10 miles a day on the job. Can I do a driving test at the DMV or is there some other means where I could obtain permission from the DMV to drive with the brace on?
@ Richard S
You are not a class A license holder and do not fall under FMCSA guidelines. Check with your local DMV for your best answer.
I have a herniated disc in my lower back resulting in right leg weakness, no reflex, and some numbness. I am able to drive fine but wonder if I will be able to to pass physical in 3 months. I don’t need any pain meds now.
@ Marvin H
Your condition already presents with possible restrictions, if it does not impair your ability to perform all the duties of a CMV operator, then you may be OK.
I’m helping with an inquiry into whether an inguinal hernia exam conducted by a PA as part of a CDL Physical was conducted appropriately. Rather than sitting in front of the standing patient, the PA describes standing to the patients right at 90 degrees before asking the patient to cough while applying mild pressure with his index finger to both discern the inguinal ring and curve around the inguinal ring and into the inguinal canal about an inch. Still standing, he then reaches across the patient to do the patient’s other side with the PA’s right hand by twisting his wrist to the right to allow his right index finger to depress the skin’s surface to allow entry into the inguinal canal at the same depth. Is there any clinical support for this technique as described in a standard CDL Physical?
@ Mark F
DOT/FMCSA does not tell the examiners how to perform their examination. FMCSA expects the examiners to know their examination procedures and the guidelines/regulations of the FMCSA.
I live in tx and my medical card expires this month but I had surgery on my right foot to fuse my 4th metatarsal together I have a plate and 6 screws holding it together. Is that going to be an issue to renew because I still haven’t gotten the ok to go back to work. I’m in physical therapy now. What do I do when my med card expires and cant renew it?
@ Andrea J W
Once you had the surgery your medical card was invalid. Once you have been released to return to work, without restrictions, you will be able to get a new medical examination and card.
I was diagnosed with a bulging disc affecting my sciatic nerve. VA verified with CAT scan and advised consider a new career path and recommend not to have surgery. The pain in my back is increasing while the sciatica is stabilized. The pain is affecting my sleep. I have a DOT physical due in early Jan. I am concerned if i will likely fail the physical.
@ Devin E W
If you are class A interstate driving, it is highly unlikely that you will pass the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. By FMCSA guidelines you are not ‘fit for duty’. A lesser class license may fall under the states variances, so check with your states drivers license department for more info.
I had my gallbladder removed in April of this year. I’m physically healthy and in no pain just i have scar tissue inside. With three small scars outside. Im looking forward and starting a career change in truck driving and I really want my CDL-A in NYS. Will i have an issue at the DOT office?
@ Victor R
Should not be an issue, if all else is within normal limits.
I have just been told by my doctor that I have a torn rotated cuff K have been a garbage man for 40 years I have very limited use in my right arm of us says I can drive trucks can I or do I need to get cleared thru a dog docter
@ Mike K
Yes, if you are a class A driver, you need to be cleared.
I had a knee scope done a few weeks ago. My surgeon has cleared me, but what are the rules regarding my DOT certificate? Am I able to go back without any restrictions? Do I have to have another DOT exam? Thanks!
@ Sally
If you were released to return to work, without restrictions. then do a new DOT medical card exam and your good to go.
Does a appendix surgery disqualify a driver?
@ Mike
The surgery does not disqualify a driver. But it would require a new DOT medical certification examination, once released to return to work.
I have decreased range of motion at my left knee, left ankle, left foot, muscle atrophy and weakness in same areas as well after an accident. I walk with a limp and cannot squat down. Can I still pass a dot exam?
@ Mel
FMCSA, class A medical certification examination is going to require a full range of motion. A medical release form from your doctor may help, but be prepared to provide additional documentation.
I have a broken foot and my medical card has expired am I able to take the physical? In Oregon
@ James H
If you are class A, no.
I was injured on the job. I got released on 8/27/19 with permanent restrictions. No over head reaching or lifting. 25lb weight limit with my elbows flexed to my side. I drive the metro bus. I pass the test, but was told that I could not get my dot card because I have permanent restrictions. I had rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder. I can still drive. I am totally confused.
@ Dorothy L L
Your examiner is holding you to a class A drivers standard, you fall into the states variances. Go get a second opinion from an examiner that know the differences.
I tore my rotator cuff on the job. just had surgery, and my medical card expires next week. What, if anything can I do to keep my cdl? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
@ Andy
Your cdl is state issued and most states have a procedure to handle situations like yours. Check with your local drivers license department for further guidance.
I was wondering if I do not have a regular doctor and I have foot pain now but not normally (no diagnosis), but have full range of motion, would they pass me for the physical?
@ Mallory
If the foot does not restrict your ability to perform the duties of a cmv operator, you may be fine. And you should find out what is the underlying cause of the pain.
Hello…If a DOT driver is a diabetic or an unknown diabetic and he/she is spilling sugar in his/her urine, is it required to request his/her most recent AIC? We always perform a glucose finger stick if sugar is present in the urine, but if that number is under 200, is it required by DOT guidelines to get their A1C before determination is made? When is it required to request their A1C?
Thank you in advance.
@ Beverly
You should request a recent A1C when there is both a history of diabetes, of any type, and a sugar spill-over is present during your testing. DOT guidelines are letting you interpret them for the safety of the driver and the public at large. Support your decisions with proper supporting documentation.
IM a diabetic and I was off work on injury leaves and whenI I went to do my DOT physical they me I couldn’t get my certificate when I’m released back to work but when I was released back to work my Class A license was drop to a class C when I do my physical again how long will it take me to get my license up graded back to a class A how long do it take me to be able to drive Truck again
@ Ronnie E T
Your state drivers license department is in charge of this issue, check with them.
I had DOT physical exam on Friday but because I have limited movement in my LEFT FOOT actually they call foot drop, I was wounded in war and my nerve for foot is damaged and I have to see Physical doctor to clear and give approval and I call bunch off the doctors offices and receive lot off different answers so I’m really confused, anyway I’m mechanic full time and able to drive stick shift ( I couldn’t be mechanic if not able to drive stick shift) with no problem whatsoever, passing everything with no problems except my left foot, and I’m not sure that this doctor have no idea just because she said how I gonna be able to work with air brakes ( air brakes operate with same pedal as regular brakes ) I’m wondering now that I’m not be able to become truck driver what I always want to be, should I be worry or not for becoming truck driver
Thank you
@ Svemirko g
You will need a medical release form from your primary doctor explaining your situation and any limitations that it may create.FMCSA provides guidelines for the CME. The final decision falls on the CME and his understanding of the guidelines and how he weighs the possible risk and safety issues.
Thank you so much
I live in Alabama and I’m getting my CDL B for the first time I’ve already have my permit and I took the pre-trip and driving test and I passed with flying colors!! But the Dr that passed me on the physical gave me a one year and have to take it again but I listed on the paperwork 3 times that I had my left foot amputated on Jan 2, 2015.and he did not check the box about needing to get a weaver. Now after I’ve done all that the AL Dot says I have to get a SPE waiver but for local hauls the lady at the federal office said she can’t give me one becauce I’m don’t go out of state. And I don’t have any problems with any task we do.And I wear my prosthetic all the time.. What can I do?
@ Dennis
You fall under the states requirements and variances, not the FMCSA. FMCSA was established for class A long and heavy haul drivers. Go back and check with your local DLD for the best way to go from here.
I want a career change. I want to get a class A CDL license. I have no training. I want to go to a large trucking company or a school. The issue is I am missing fingers on my left hand. I was born this way. I can drive a car just fine. I’m want to drive an automatic truck. The trucking company I would like to work for stated that I would need a SPE test. Also, I was looking into going into a school. Both companies have no idea or are very much help on getting the SPE test. I have no training at all, so how am I suppose to get evaluated without training first? First I am thinking that I would have to pass the Dot physical, then get trained, then have someone come out and evaluate me for the SPE, but the paperwork is confusing. I just want to have the SPE waiver so that a major company would employ me.
@ Denise G
Talk to one of the cdl driving schools. They should be able to guide you in the right direction.
I know truckers that are missing fingers
. Major carriers usually have onsite physicians for DOT exams. The physician will make a reasonable decision based on how your hands are, and might have you get a medical waiver okayed from other doctors
All should be well if your only missing one or two fingers.
Can I still get a health card if I require a hand brake to safely operate the motor vehicle?
@ Zach G
You should be able to. You will fall under your states variances, so make sure the examiner is aware of job description.