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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 already had fusion between c4,5,6 now the doctors are talking doing 6 to 7, will cause me to lose my privilege to drive commercial
@ Kevin
As long as you can maintain some level of cervical motion, most of which occurs at the C1,C2,C3 levels, you should be fine. Once you are released to return to work without restriction, take a medical release form and any medical documentation you have with you to the DOT medical examiner. It all helps in their decision making process.
I have a Class B CDL, I was injured at work that required low back surgery. I drove a school bus route 3 times a day and also did trips until August, when I was told I needed surgery to repair my back my boss told me I was unable to drive because I couldnt pass my DOT physical;
my DOT physical expired in August. I am still under the care of my surgeon (also the work comp dr) and going to physical therapy 3 times a week. My boss called me today Dec 4th and informed me I am to return to work Dec 8th to drive 1 route a day because they need help and the work comp dr told my employer I can drive 2 hours a day while taking my meds and not lift over 25lbs.( I have NOT heard from ANY of my drs work comp or other that I can drive. I’ve had a CDL for 16 years and I’m positive I cannot drive without a current DOT physical and being a bus driver my State requires a yearly exam. I asked if the school is taking complete responsibility if “something” would happen. They did not answer. I know if I knowingly get behind the wheel I take that responsibility. I do not know what to do. I know I cant turn down work but I’m not sure what to do.
@ Rachelle
Even with a class B cdl you need a valid medical card. You are not physically able to perform the duties required to pass a DOT medical certification examination. And if something were to happen, it will fall on you and the company.
Hi. I have a foot drop. Will this nerve condition fail me on the dot physical.
@ Steven
Your situation will be questioned extensively and you will need to demonstrate your abilities. The CME may request further information from your neurologist. If the condition does not interfere with your abilities to operate a CMV without risk to you or the public at large, then you may pass the DOT/FMCSA examination.
I am going to have knee surgery dec. 10 and my medical card is due. i will not be recovered in time for dec.31. what do i need to do to save my cdl until i can pass the physical?
@ John a
Let your state drivers license department know about your situation. They should be able to guide you through the process.
Thanks
I have been diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis. I may have to have surgery to repair the issue. Will I be able to pass A DOT physical once healed?
@ Mark
If the surgery is successful, then you should be able to continue driving. You will need a new DOT/FMCSA medical certificate and will need to pass all other sections of the physical examination. Good Luck, we hope it all turns out OK.
I’m unable to locate the specific ruling on Spinal cord stimulation implants. Understanding that opioid meds are an unfit for duty status but what about the implant. There’s surgeon and other doctors providing letters of return to work status with no limitations. Thanks.
@ Heice
It is not just the implant but what caused the need for any medications or implants to be needed. Your CME is going to request medical documentation to support his decision making process. Getting a letter to return to work without limitations is one step, but not a completed process. The surgeons may let you return to work, but they do not have the DOT/FMCSA guidelines and regulations to contend with. Just be prepared for a waiting period after the surgery and you may need to look into intra-state only driving for awhile.
I have a class b. I drive a city bus. Am I allowed to work while under going chemotherapy?
@ Cindy
Your class B drivers license falls under the states rules and variances, not DOT/FMCSA. Check with your states drivers license department for the best answer to your question.
I have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder (CMT), it effects my feet and have lost some feeling in my feet and have almost no reflexes in them, was diagnosed at a young age, I got my class A cdl at 18, I’m 22 now and considering having corrective surgery on my feet, it will only help with the pain of walking on the outside of my feet, I’m afraid if I have the surgery they will disqualify me for my medical card and revoke my cdl, any feed back will be much appreciated
@ Cordell D
It’s a tough call. If you do not have the feet corrected, then you may fail due to the inability to perform the duties of a CMV operator. Have the surgery, and you still could fail the DOT examination for the same reason. The surgery itself is not going to be an issue, it’s the ability to perform the duties of a driver.
I want to become an A class truck driver but I’m worried if I’ll fail the dot physical. In 2017 I broke and dislocated my left elbow. It has healed all the way but I can’t full straighten it out. The most I can is like a 150 degrees out of 180. I’m able to work and do everyday things of picking up, pushing, and pulling. Would I fail the dot physical just because it doesn’t extend fully, even though I can pick up weight and do everyday things we ease?
@ Marvin
You should not have any real difficulty passing the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination with a slightly reduced range of motion in your elbow.
If carrying a class B drivers license, and transporting passengers, can a driver continue to operate legally if he or she is wearing a boot on the non-driving foot?
@ Dennis A
It would fall under your states restrictions, guidelines and variances. Check with the state DLD for your best answer.
I am a 47 year old T11 paraplegic (waist down). I have been confined to a wheelchair for 31 years. I do not suffer from pain and my upper body strength is not a problem. I have had a Class C California driver’s license since 1989 and other than the fact that I use hand controls I don’t have problems with driving. I take low dosage of gabapentin and duloxetine for neuropathy pain in my legs with no adverse side effects. Will my disability and/or medications disqualify me?
@ Anthony C
You should fall under your states variances and not DOT/FMCSA. Check with your local drivers license department for your best answer.
I have a Class A CDL and a hairline fracture on the top bone of my foot. My doctor gave me a boot to wear but it is an open toe boot. The company I work for requires steel or alloy toed shoes. My boss has told me about some form of steel toe “covering” that I could POSSIBLY put on my “boot”, but that he has to order it.So until then I will not have this “covering”. Is this going to get me into trouble for not wearing it/wearing it?
Left leg Lymphedema
I have lymphedema in my left leg. I have been to doctors who don’t see any form of blockage (blood clots) in or around my leg. I currently drive paratransit (a small school bus) in my state of Georgia. I want to get my CDL to drive a full size bus (city bus), I drive with my right leg and have no issues with either, I even wear compression socks so I don’t get looks from people. Will this affect me if I were to go through to get my CDL class C? or any CDL? When I went for my Med card to drive Paratransit they had no issue but being that it is a bigger vehicle I am a little concerned.
@ Aquilla K
Unless you try for a class A cdl, you would fall under your state guidelines and variances. Check with your local drivers license department first and then go from there.
My 2 yr DOT CDL A physical is due December 11, 2020. I may have to have surgery on my back. Can my DOT physical be extended until I am released from doctor to go back to work without loosing my CDL A? Looks like I will miss the 2 year date, maybe by a month or so. Am I penalized because of this? I work for railroad and don’t want loose my job or my CDL A worked to hard to get it.
@ William E Mc
The moment you get out of the truck for the surgery you’re DOT card become invalid. Have the surgery and once fully released, without restrictions or limitations, go get a new DOT physical. As far as your cdl A, your license is state issued and you would need to contact your state drivers license department for further instructions regarding maintaining your license while being out due to the surgery. Most states have a policy already in place for such a situation.
Will a liver transplant disqualify me for a CDL?
@ Sgt. MP
In and of itself, no. There will be questions from the CME and they will need supporting medical documentation to aid in their decision making process.
I have recently undergone L4-S1 PLIF surgery with Stryker. I have previously had c3-5 fusion and still have a herniated disc in my neck. Post PLIF surgery I still have right foot drop with numbness and leg weakness. I was wondering if I would still be able to drive. I have been driving for 25 years
@ Donald R
Once fully released, with a medical release form from your doctor, then the CME will have to make his final decision. As a class A driver, it’s going to be difficult to pass the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. But intra-state or a lesser drivers license and you would fall under the states variances and regulations, so all hope is not lost.
I have read the questions and comments I haven’t seen anything in regards to my question, please forgive me if I’ve overlooked! But I went to get my Dot Physical done today and the Doctor didn’t complete the physical due to the fact I’ve been having pain in my leg due to the fact that it maybe Sciatica Nerve damage, I don’t do anything for the pain I just deal with it!! Curious to know on what grounds would that disqualify me from getting a physical it doesn’t hold me back from doing my job!! Please help
@ Johnny C
The risk factors that the DOT/FMCSA placed on the CME’s causes the examiner to be leery. You have pain and you do not know what it’s coming from. The CME has unanswered questions regarding this and does not allow for good decision making. We suspect the examiner is wanting additional information before moving on. Find out whats causing the pain, get it taken care of and everybody will be in the know.
I had 7 pins and screws implanted to fix a broken right ankle, will I be able to renew my medical card if I get medically released by my doctor?
@ Joe
As long as you can perform the duties of a CMV operator and there are no restrictions or limitation placed on you by your physician, you should be fine.
I walk with a slight limp because of arthritis in my hip joint …will that cause me to fail DOT physical???
@ Matthew c
If the limp or arthritis in the hip do not hinder your ability to perform the duties of a CMV operator, you should do fine.
I went for a DOT Physical, and was not passed. The Doctor has requested an EKG, and a sleep test.
My Cardiologist performed an EKG, and says that I should be good to go. My Medical Dr has never required a Sleep Study. Is this neccessary and how should I proceed?
@ Steven B
DOT/FMCSA does not require a sleep study unless there are signs of possible obstructive sleep apnea, OSA, If you have no difficulties with day time sleepiness, then go else where for a second opinion to get your dot medical card.
Steven B. That is not true. Is your BMI is greater than 40 a sleep study is required. Or, if your BMI is >33 and you have comorbidities a sleep study is required.
@ Beth A.
Please site FMCSA regulation for mandatory sleep study based solely on BMI.