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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 Class A CDL license. My left arm is paralyzed due to an accident in 2010. I learned how to do several things with my right arm (my dominant arm) including driving my manual transmission vehicle. I have driven a commercial vehicle since then and operated it fine for 2 yrs. Since my medical card expired, I haven’t driven for 10 yrs. Will I be able to obtain a medical certification to drive again?
@ Tony
You will need some supporting documentation before passing the medical certification examination. Check with your local CME to determine the documents that are needed.
I have a CDL hurt my knee had surgery now the doctor says no more climbing in and out of trucks well I want to keep my CDL do I have to keep a physical card current or can I just get one just say if I try drive again in the future. Just hate to loose them if had them for 30 yrs . Thks
@ Jimmy
Each state is different and most states require a current medical card to maintain a valid cdl. Best to check with your local drivers license department for the correct answer.
I suffer from poor circulation in my lower legs, just like my father did. As a result I’ve got Stasis Dermatitis which makes my condition look a lot worse than it is. I’m getting fitted for compression socks very soon which should clear the issue up. Even now my condition in now way hinders my functioning any pedals or any other ability to operate a motor vehicle. Will this disqualify me at the DOT physical?
@ Jason B
The CME may have questions, but over all you should be fine.
i have a workers comp injury on my left , i’m limited with standing, kneeling, crawling, and walking for no more than an hour. but haven’t been recommended surgery, and not restricted with seated activity. Can i take and pass a DOT physical and pass? or do i have to wait until released from workers comp?
@ Dom V
Must be released from the workers comp case before renewing your medical card.
I had surgery on a torn meniscus in my knee, my company is making me get a new dot physical but my physical doesn’t expire until September, is my physical I have now still valid.
@ Tom MaC
Legally, by DOT/FMCSA regulations, no. Your medical card was invalidated at the time of the surgery. You will need to have a new medical certification examination to be legal.
Have class B lis, can I pass dot exam for medical card , on dialysis for kidney failure
@ Fred
You will fall under your states guidelines and variances, not federal DOT/FMCSA. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department before going for the medical certification examination. Make sure the medical examiner knows you are a class B cdl holder and that you fall in the states requirements, not federal.
Just had my fourth shoulder surgery replacement. Everything is finally healing up and doing well. I have 1 more month before being release from my doctors care. The new joint will cause me to not be able hold my arm straight up above my head. I can drive and still do things pretty much normal, just some things having to them a little different now. Will this effect me passing a D.O.T. physical in general.
@ Tim
As long as you can perform the duties of a cmv operator, you will be fine. When you get your release top return to work, watch for restrictions and limitations. The CME must take this into consideration.
I have had 4 back surgeries and l am fused all my lumbar is fused and have nerve damage in both of my legs and drop foot in both feet I have to where foot braces on both feet so l can kinda walk. Would I still qualify for my medical card renewal?
@ Danny
For a class A interstate cdl, you will have difficulty passing the medical certification examination. Lesser class cdl holders or intra-state only will fall under the states guidelines and variances.
I just had plates and screws put in my ankle I get the cast off in three weeks with that affect me from getting my dot card so I can go over the road
@ Richard
Once fully released to return to work, without restrictions or limitations, you will be fine. As long as you are fully able to perform the duties of a CMV operator.
I have Degenerative Disk Disease in my L-1, L-3 and L-4 I’m trying to find out if will be able to renew my DOT physical in February 2023 for my CDL class A?
@ Donna H
Unless the condition creates problems which interfere with your ability to operate a cmv, it should not be an issue.
Thank you!
@ Donna H
You are welcome.
How long must I wait after spinal fusion surgery and my surgeon has released me to return to work?
Thanks,
Tom
@ Tom N
Once fully healed and released to return to work, without restrictions or limitations, you should be good to go.
Can you pass a DOT physical with your big toe missing
@ Jim
Yes, if it does not interfere with your abilities to operate a CMV.
Can I drive with a spinal cord stimulator
@ John F
Much depends on the class cdl you hold.
I tore a couple tendons in a finger and it closed on me. It is stuck at a 90 degree angle. Will this affect my class A interstate?
@ Rob
Only if you no longer can maintain a grip within your hand.
Did your finger cause any issues with your physical or license?
I have a class A CDL and had to have shoulder bicep tendon surgery,my medical card expires in the beginning of May.Iam starting physical therapy soon.Will I fail the dot physical test and is there a way to get an extension.It could be a 4 month recovery.thank you
@ Bil. C
Even if you took a new DOT/FMCSA medical, it would be null and void as soon as you had the surgery. Talk with your local drivers license department and explain your situation. They should have some guidelines to follow. Then, once fully recovered and a return to work, without restrictions or limitations, is issued, you can take a new physical and return to driving.
Will bilateral hip replacement prevent me from passing dot physical? Both hips are slid and I function normally.
I had gallbladder surgery on April 16,2019 laparoscopic and I’m perfectly fine. I just got scars which it’s very light. And I have to watch what I eat. Will this disqualify me? I really want to be a truck driver. I don’t have access to that Dr that performed my surgery. Though I can get a note from my primary doctor.
@ Victor R
You should not have issues with this situation.
Thank you so much! That was just worrying me.
@ Victor R
We are glad to help when we can.
I had surgey L4-L5 hemilamonotomy and diskectomy on 12/29/2021. I am still having some pain and will go back to the surgeon this week.
Can I still pass a DOT physical for interstate regulations?
@ Beth
Once fully healed and released to return to work, without restrictions or limitations, you should be able to return to driving.
Trying to get a non-cdl for RV transport. Can I pass dot physical with a cast on my left foot?
thanks!
@ Eric
You will fall under the states requirements and not federal DOT/FMCSA. Meaning you will probably be fine. Confirm this with your local drivers license department. And make sure the medical examiner understands you are not a cdl holder.
I am a Class B CDL driver for a public transit bus, 20 passenger. I recently had a back injury that requires me to now use a walker/ cane to walk. It does not impair my legs, feet just my back. I can still drive & would be able to perform the duties I have always had to do in driving. Since I was out of work for 6 months I would have to go get the medical exam to re-enter. I can not find anything that says I could not drive if having to use a walker/cane only that as long as I can physically perform the duties needed to safely drive, which I can. Can you tell me if using a walker or cane disqualifies me from getting my medical card to drive a public transit commercial vehicle? Thank you.
@ Anita
As a class B cdl holder, you fall under the states guidelines and variances, not federal DOT/FMCSA. Make sure when you return to work and need a new medical certification examination, that the examiner understands the differences from state vs federal guidelines.
Can you pass a DOT physical with the cast on your left foot?
@ Haleigh
Class A, interstate driver, No.
I’m a t9-t10 incomplete, will I be disqualified due to the fact that I’m paralyzed from the waist down ? And if not, what type of Dr do I need to seek for my dot physical. I have total control from waist up, no history of high blood pressure, no diabetes, no hearing or vision problems, and no issues with Hand strength.
@ Arris
It will depend on the class cdl you are going to be striving for. Class A, interstate, will be your most difficult cdl to acquire. Lesser class cdl’s will fall under the states guidelines and requirements, not federal guidelines.
I was going for.my class a cdl, I lost it due to I couldn’t find a dr for a physical.
@ Arris
There are DOT/FMCSA certified examiners in every state. Even the drivers license departments in each state will know of at least a couple. Keep looking, they are there.
Thanks 😊