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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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What is the requirement for the grip test? How many lbs to pass?
@ Loren
Good strength to hold a steering wheel and able to grip/hold tools if needed. Most CME’s do not go by measured grip strength and neither does DOT/FMCSA.
does the doc need to touch your testicles for the physical? very uncomfortable. i have a personal doctor that gives me yearly physicals.
@ mike c
The only way to confirm or rule out a possible inguinal hernia is through the inguinal canal. He/she does not need to touch your testicles, but must go past them to get to the canal.
C6-C7: Right paracentral disc extrusion which contacts the right descending C8 nerve root at the right lateral recess. Mild central canal stenosis. There is indentation of the right ventral cord surface. Minimal right foraminal stenosis.
Symptoms: present in right arm, elbow, shoulder, numbness in thumb and pointer finger. Otherwise no loss of mobility.
Do these MRI results automatically and symptoms disqualify from holding a commercial license?
@ Franklyn M
For a class A cdl, running interstate, will be very difficult to pass the federal medical certification examination. Intra-state only and/or a lesser class cdl, will fall under the states guidelines and variances.
I drive within California only, with a class b license. Hopefully I get to keep my job. Thank you for your response.
Can Dupuytren’s Disqualify you for a dot physical. I can make a fist and it does not effect my daily life except I can’t throw a basketball because my hand doesn’t go flat.
@ Leif n
This condition should not be an issue with the CME.
I have neuropathy in my feet and lower legs. Decreased sensation and slow responses. And being able to get a DOT card
@ Kevin
For a class A cdl medical card, no you will not pass the examination. For a lesser class cdl, you will be under the states rules and not federal DOT/FMCSA.
I broke my foot and am out of work until March 18, 2022. My DOT physical is due before February 28, 2022. Is it possible to get an extension or exemption as it is a temporary issue?
@ Kevin L
Your condition does not require an extension. Check with your state DLD and explain your situation. They should have policy in place for this.
I’ve always wondered this? What if you broke a leg or something to that extent that requires a long recovery, but your med card is due at that time. Here in Mass you need to recertification your med card with the registry every time you get one or they will downgrade your license and after a year you’ll have to do the written and road test again! Do they make an exception if your hurt at the time you need to renew it?
@ Jake
If you are a class A driver, you would not pass the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. You would need to contact your local drivers license department and ask for guidance through their process for situations like this. Each state should have a procedure which will work with the driver with injuries. Lesser class license fall under the states guidelines and not DOT/FMCSA. So you would check with your states DLD.
How far back to have to put surgery on a Dot physical?
@ Sandy
If it ask, Have you ever, then tell them when.
I had spinal fusion at l5/S1 about 7 years ago. Does this disqualify me from driving or getting a CDL?
@ Chris
Not in and of itself, no. If the fusion causes restriction or the inability to perform the duties of a cmv operator, then there may be questions.
I have had four surgeries on my rotator cuff I now have a restriction of no use of my right arm am I still eligible to operate a commercial vehicle in the state of Michigan
@ Bo
If you drive intra-state only, then you fall under the states guidelines and variances. Your best answer is going to come from your local drivers license department, not from DOT/FMCSA.
An employee of mine had his left leg amputated from the knee down and now has a prosthetic leg. He drives a company truck and needs a DOT physical and has never had issues getting one in the past.
Is a prosthetic left leg a valid reason to be denied a DOT medical card?
@ Peter
If the driver is a class A license holder, then there will be questions and he will probably need an exemption form from DOT/FMCSA. That may require a specialist to ride with your driver to determine his physical capabilities.
After being struck in the face & shoulder by a trailer door (split lower lip open and bruised my jaw, tore out my bicep tendon (unrepairable), tore my bicep muscle, tore my rotator cuff. After treatment they found that I have 3-4 discs in my neck shifted & bulging- herniated – causing pain but say it isn’t a result of getting hit by the trailer door.
My question is “would I pass a DOT physical and be able to get my Medical Certification (card) with the herniated discs in my neck or would I be High Risk and not certifiable ?
@ Larry P
If you can perform the duties of a CMV operator, without restrictions or limitations, then you may pass the DOT/FMCSA examination. The CME is going to be looking at all of your symptoms and abilities to make his/her final decision. Based on what your situation is right now, you will be considered high risk and may need to provide additional documentation from your treating physicians. Also, lots depends on which class CDL you hold.
I had my right hip replacement surgery 1 month ago,my medical expired in Jan of 2022 can I still renew my medical card
@ John G
If your doctors have released you to return to work, without limitations or restrictions, then yes.
Hi, my name is Chris and I have a question about medical card exempt. I fell out of a truck and broke my back and am now an incomplete paraplegic. I’ve gotten much gains back, but I use Afo’s because I have little movement below my knees. I still have a class A CDL. I contacted the DMV and that’s when they mentioned the medical card exempt with a skills test. What does that mean?
@ Chris
Not sure about your states requirements, so check with them if you are going to be limited to intra-state only. For Federal DOT/FMCSA your limitations would require an extremities exemption which must be supported by a Skills Performance Evaluation. You will need to find a certified SPE examiner in your state and demonstrate your driving skills with your limitations. The examiner can then determine what your actual capabilities are and make recommendations from there.
Ok thanks! I contacted FMCSA in Illinois and recieved Skill Performance Evaluation packet. This stuff is complicated! It’s nice to know there is a path back to the driver’s seat, even if it does appear to be difficult. I need the job first, then the SPE. I was hoping I could do this myself then present it to my prospect employer. I’m doubtful anyone will hire me just to go through all this especially with no guarantee of completing. So discouraged.
Thank you for responding, I appreciate ya!
@ Chris L
Anything is possible, so keep the faith. Good Luck
I have an above the knee amputation of my right leg. I recently filed for my business license and my motor carrier authority for a NON CDL hot shot trucking business which requires me to get a Dot medical certificate because I’ll be doing interstate commerce. my primary doctor filled out the medical waiver form to let the Dot doctor know that he thinks I am totally fit and strong enough with the microprocessor I’ve had and been walking with for almost 5 years already and I can do everything without mods I never Thad to get any kind of special drivers license and ride motorcycles without any mods I don’t let this disability stop me from doing anything. So I am qualified as a non CDL hot shot to only haul 26k pounds or less. and that’s combined truck trailer and load. I have everything done I just need to go get my physical done and get my liability and cargo insurance and I will be ready to work . Will this be an issue for me when I go for my physical even though I am doing non CDL hot shot trucking with my own 3/4 ton pick up truck and trailer ? I was told I wouldn’t have any problem because I am doing NON CDL trucking but I just wanted to get an opinion from u guys is all
@ Frank T
Make sure the medical examiner is aware that you are a non-cdl holder and you fall under the states guidelines and variances, not DOT/FMCSA. Class A drivers exams are more strict, and would require a SPE, not so in your case.
If you get a drop foot as a result of a herniated disc, can that disqualify you from renewing your class b license? Have had hernia surgery and everything went well but drop foot has not recovered
@ AAE
As a class B driver you fall under the state regulations and variances. If the condition does not interfere with your driving abilities, you should be OK. But confirm this with your states drivers license department.
I have had brachial plexus in my right arm since my birth, I use it but can’t extend it, I have a licence drive and I can shift manual gear.
Is this can be an obstacle to having my CDL A ? thank you
@ radoine e
Your ability to perform the duties of a commercial motor vehicle driver are going to be questioned, but not completely ruled out. The examiner will have questions and may request additional documentation to help him/her in the decision making process. If the limitations are extensive enough, they may request a waiver from the DOT/FMCSA. That decision will be based on the CME’s findings from your medical certification examination.
Is it possible to get a CDL-A renewed if f you have a limitation of lifting up to 20 pounds below shouter level?
Can you get a semi-truck driving job (even “no touch”) with such a restriction? Would the physical requirements of the pre-and post trip inspections exceed this limitation?
Thank you.
@ Brett H
Class A, FMCSA must have no restrictions or limitations. You might look into intra-state only, which changes from DOT/FMCSA to the states guidelines and variances.
I am having back surgery in October and my CDL physical is due in October. What is the process to keep my CDL.
@ Chris
Get with your local drivers license department and explain your situation. They should be able to guide you through their process.
I have had a neck fusion and lost a great deal of range of motion to my right side. Am I still able to drive Class A
@ Kelli M
It will all be determined by the CME. DOT/FMCSA requires at least 45 degrees of motion in each direction.
Can a peron drive their on semi truck back to their home town even though they tested positive on a drug test
@ Cecil
If your license has not been revoked by the positive test results, most likely you can driver your own semi, not under load, home.
If I was injured at previous job do you my back but DR restriction says sitting job and on workmans Comp can I still get passed threw a dot physical
@ Matthew
You can not pass a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. Once fully released, without restrictions or limitations, you can go for the medical card examination.
I had an elbow tendon repair in the past 6 months and was released from my surgeon to my current employer. How will this affect me for the next position I apply for regarding needed documentation? Will I need to request for another declaration of release for a future job?
@ Chaz b
If you are a class A driver, then you need a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination before returning to driving. Only then will you need return to work documentation. And it needs to be without restrictions or limitations.