Please read through the Q&A before posting a question. This will help everyone to not have duplicate questions. Thank you!
If you still can’t find a related answer, then you are welcome to
ask your question in the comments section below.
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)
Can’t Find An Answer For Your Question?
If you have a question that you feel has not been answered, scroll down to the Questions and Comments box and post your question.
- Before posting, please make sure you are on the appropriate Category page, so that relevant questions and answers can be found by other drivers too.
- To save us all from zombie spammers, your question will not appear on this page until it has been approved.
- Trucker Docs™ will answer your question as soon as possible.
- Visit this page again soon to see our response.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.
Your comments are also welcome.
I’m looking at getting a hernia surgically repaired, is there any FMCSA specified length of time before I can return to work?
@ Brian P
Just a full medical release to return to work, without restrictions or limitations. Then you will need a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination.
I recently had surgery on my left elbow to repair a torn tendon. After nearly 6 months of rehabilitation the arm has not reached full strength. The only way I can return to work is with an elbow brace to be worn at all times while working/driving. Can I drive a commercial vehicle while wearing an elbow brace?
@ Brian M
It will depend on the class cdl that you hold. Class A will be questioned in more detail than a class B will. With good medical documentation from your doctor and the ability to perform the duties of a class A driver, then you may be OK.
I had my right knee fused together my leg is straight now can I still drive an 18 wheeler all and gas
@ jimmy s
By DOT/FMCSA requirements, you should be able to perform the duties of the job requirements of a class A driver. That requires the bending of the knee. You will need medical documentation and a medical release from your doctor. The CME will have to take all the information into consideration before making a final decision.
I’ve had a C6 C7 Fusion done. I can only rotate my head only 50 degrees each way. Will I be able to pass a DOT physical?
@ Chris,
If all else is within normal limits, yes.
I have a spinal cord stimulator implant in my back that has wires in my spinal cord I have four discs in my neck fused together and four discs in my back fused together I have a medical card stating I do not have to wear a seatbelt do I have to wear one in my semi truck if my. Doctor and my family doctor say I don’t have to wear one
@ John
Probably not, just make sure you have a copy of the notes from your doctors.
I went for DOT physical, to get my CDL A for a new job and was told everything is good but said I needed to get a doctor to sign off on my injured left hand. I was in an accident in Nov 20 and shattered my left hand and broke my arm. I mentioned to the dr that it would sometimes get numb for a short time. I cannot find a dr to sign off on my form and my surgeon doesnt have any availablility until After Im supposed to start my new job. Can I go for another physical and not say that my hand used to go numb?
@ billie
If the hand is fully healed and you have been released to return to work, without restrictions or limitations, then yes you can get a second opinion.
I hold a class A CDL. It expired and I needed to get it renewed. I was pulled off a porch by a dog 4 weeks ago and fractured two lower ribs. The Dr said he won’t pass me because of my rib. Stating it could puncher my lung if it got bump or hit with the seat belt. I feel he is being ridiculous, and because it is lower ribs puncturing my lung is almost impossible (I don’t have a medical background, I know anatomy specifically lungs, I was a respiratory tech) I can find nothing that says a broken rib disqualifies me. I will get with my regular PCP ASAP, but now I have to wait to start this job, because of him! I already quit my other job. I gave my 2 weeks and finished them out!!!! I’m a 60 year old woman, lifted 75 lbs the same day he did the physical, with no pain. I have no limitations and in pretty good shape for my age. What are your thoughts?
@ Wendy
When you see your PCP have him write a release to return to work slip, without restrictions or limitations, and go retake your medical examination somewhere else.
Hello I am wondering if walking with the help of a walker will disqualify me from passing my physical?
@ Vincente J F
All depends on your class of drivers license. Class A, you will not be qualified. Other class’s fall under the states guidelines and regulations, so you would need to confirm with your state.
My coworker got his medical card for only 3 months. He doesn’t have any of the DMV medical restrictions especially Diabetes or High Blood Pressure. The doc in the box doctor said “You are too fat”. My coworker is 43 yrs old. We’ve both worked for a city here in California for 23 years and carry a class A license. He is a little heavier than me, I weigh 175lbs. I never heard of such a thing. Is that right or legal? If not, what recourse does my coworker have? He’s never had any accidents and has a clean record.
@ Ray
Have your coworker go else where for his DOT medical examination. Seems that a lot of the ‘doc in a box’ facilities have a conflict of interest and are in bed with sleep study groups.
They can give a 3 month physical solely based on a driver’s BMI being 40 or above. The purpose of the 3 month physical at this point would be for the driver to have a sleep study done. A DOT physician can request a sleep study be perform based on BMI alone and driver does not have to meet any other requirement for this to be requested if said driver has a BMI of 40 or above. There’s probably more to this situation than what’s been disclosed so it’s hard to give 100% guidance without full disclosure from the driver.
@ Jennifer S J
There is no set guidelines in the DOT/FMCSA regarding BMI of 40 as the sole reasoning for a sleep study. OSA should provide a multitude of signs and symptoms before a sleep study is requested. Get a second opinion somewhere else.
If they are required to get a sleep study done, don’t waste your time doing the at home study. If that study shows you to have sleep apnea of any level, they will require an in lab study. The in lab study sucks.
@ Woo
As far as DOT/FMCSA, an at home sleep study isn’t accepted as a final saying. If you have no issues with daytime sleepiness or difficulty staying awake, then we suggest a second opinion somewhere else.
I have been on SSDI for the last ten years. I have a spinal fixation device, a complete replacement Lt knee. I suffer chronic pain but is usually treatable with Naproxen. I have been released from SSDI as no longer disabled. But it comes with restrictions. Does that disqualify me from a medical card?
Well I guess I will have to get my Dr. To sign a release with out restrictions. An go from there.
@ Anthony B
A lot will depend on the class drivers license you are shooting for. Class A, you will have hoops to go through. Lower class cdl, is state issued and may be easier for you to qualify.
@ Anthony B
Answered your question above.
I also have crps and had it turn off thanks to surgery anesthesia for something else. Foot is structurally fine. Did you get your answer? How did everything go.
I was on an accident at work in 2011. I was run over from both my feet to pelvis. The only bone that was broken was my pelvis and was repaired. Will this prevent me from obtaining a CDL for OTR?
@ Jeanne
If you have no restrictions or limitations and you can perform the duties of a CMV operator, you should do fine.
Does peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease constitute a disqualifying disease for a CDL medical card
@ John B
These conditions will raise questions with any CME. They will be asking for supporting medical documentation and medical releases from your treating physicians, but it is not an automatic disqualification.
Hi, just got a quick question I sustained a work injury on 12/22/20 as a ups road driver with my right elbow ulnar nerve entrapment and left shoulder tendinitis dot physical is due on or before March 5 2021 surgery for right elbow is scheduled for March 4 2021 I don’t think ill pass the dot physical because of my work related injury and doctor got me completely of work now, got injured on the doc at ups ..supervisor accidentally drop big cran still pipe on my arm, how can I save my cdl in my situation thank you in advance
@ Tony
It should not be an issue. You can’t pass a DOT medical certification examination now or until you are fully released from your doctors care. There can be no restrictions or limitations attached to the release either. Get with your local drivers license department and explain your present situation. You have injuries and are scheduled for surgical repair, so how do you maintain your cdl until you can go back to work. They should be able to guide you through the process with little or no hassles.
You should be able to maintain your CDL as long as your driver’s license is valid. You are just not able to operate a CMV before you get your certification.
@ Woo
Since each state has different rules and requirements, we suggest you confirm this statement with your local drivers license department.
Hi, I’m a retired veteran and I’m wanting to drive OTR. In 2006 I had a stent put into my Iliac artery because I was diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease and since then I’ve been taking CILOSTAZOL every day to keep my blood slippery to prevent blood clots. I also started taking ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM tablets to lower cholesterol.
Would this stop me from passing the FMCSA Medical Exam?
@ Mike
As a class A driver, your medications are going to raise questions. With supporting medical documentation that you have responded well and have been on these meds for quite some time will be very helpful in the CME’s decision making process. The cholesterol medication should not be the issue, but the potential side effects of Cilostazol will be questioned.
I’ve been taking this med since 2006 and have had absolutely no side affects.
When I first had the stent implant I smoked a pack of cigarettes a day which is why I had the problem to begin with. I have not smoked cigarettes for over 6 years now.
@ Michael
Then you may need to provide some medical documentation from your doctors, but should be OK.
Here’s is my question if a DOT physician says I do not qualify for medical card which makes it in capable for me to drive something that I’ve been doing for almost 30 years then do I qualify for disability because if you’re telling me I can’t drive then basically you’re telling me I can’t work
@ Joseph mc
Not sure of the question and unclear as to the class of driver. Please restate with some clarity.
I was hit by a car a year1/2 ago. Both my shoulders were broken. I still can’t squat or bend over. Will this stop me from driving my 18 wheel. I was hoping to go back to work in 3/1/2021.
Thank you for any and all advice.
@ D.O.
You will need a full medical release and must be able to perform the duties of a CMV operator. Based on your present situation, it is doubtful that you would be able to pass the FMCSA medical certification examination at this time. In three months, that should have changed and as long as you have a medical release form to return to work, without restrictions or limitations, you may be fine.
I have a driver starting with us in a week who haf back surgery on Oct 24th. He is saying he would not need medical clearance as it was before his employment with us. I think he would need either this or a DOT physical done. Any help is appreciated!
@ Heather
Your driver must have a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination before returning to driving. The CME/medical examiner will request a full return to work slip, without restrictions or limitations, and a medical release form from the surgeon.
I am in remission for leukemi ,i am taking chemo pills as my treatment now . Can i get a medical card in this case
@ Jeff S
As a class A driver you would need a medical release to return to work without restrictions or limitations. And a medical release from your prescribing physician. You will need to perform the duties of a cmv operator.
I am thinking about getting my class A CDL. Problem is, I have a broken leg that is not healing. Its been broken for over a year. I have a plate in the leg and can walk with a limp. My surgeon has cleared me to drive and operate a manual transmission. If the leg never heals would this keep me from passing a DOT physical or obtaining my CDL?
Thank you!
@ Jeffrey S Z
For a class A driver, you will need a medical release form from your surgeon. There can be no restrictions or limitations on the release. If the limp does not interfere with your abilities to perform the duties of a commercial motor vehicle, then you may pass the DOT/FMCSA medical examination. Your cdl is state issued, but your medical card is federal. Two different sets of rules and regulations.
I have had 3 surgeries to repair a massive rotator cuff tear. I am 3 months into rehab for the final repair, an encapsulation patch to replace the superspinatus. I still can’t lift my shoulder past shoulder height, have a lot of weakness and restricted range of motion, including laterally, and have very limited external rotation on that arm. Will this disqualify me?
@ Steve C
Once you are fully released from your doctors care, you’ll need a return to work and a medical release form. Then if you can perform the duties of a cmv operator, you could be ok.