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.
is there any restriction as to being denied your medical card for OTR if you have Fibromyalgia? I have been on a variety of treatments/injections/meds with little relief. Im currently on full disability but am wanting to earn my cdls. Specifically, I live in nerve pain, and am slow walking but capeable of doing the job required. I have rebuilt myself to cope and succeed with it for over 10 years.
Any chance with a medical form from a Doc that this dream may become a reality? Will employers hire me as disabled/handicap?
@M
You will want to check into the job description of a CDL driver. Make sure that you can perform the duties of a commercial motor vehicle operator.
Pain meds will be questioned and can be answered by the medical release form.
Physical ability has to be evaluated by the examiner.
So take plenty of information and your medical release forms with you.
You might also consider an intra-state only CDL. There are some variances within the state that may help you achieve your goals.
I am attempting to change careers, getting my Illinois CDL-A. Last year I was pff work on FLMA due to bulging and herniated discs (C4-5, C5-6 respectively). I currently have intermittent medical leave through my employer to cover my ansence during flare ups. My range of motion seems fine, but my current job as a casino dealer aggravates my condition due to tye repetitive movements. Will this be a problem in passing my Illinois DOT physical?
@Kevin
If you are going for a class A interstate license you will not be medically fit for duty as an interstate class A driver. Every time you would have a flare up you would need to have a new medical certificate to determine medical fitness for duty.
Now if you are going to drive intra-state only, you fall into your states variances. Contact your local drivers license department about state variances.
Kevin, ive been an otr driver since 1992, i can assure you if you start driving either otr or intrastate you will compromise and worsen the issue with c4-6. Three years ago i was suppose to have an acdf c4-c6. Now today i have to have my entire neck fused, yes c17, because of the constant jarring in the truck. I would tell you its not worth it bro.
I have had surgery on both my feet and have degenerative arthritis in both feet but my employer still wants me to drive even though I have a medical note. They want me to still take a dot physical even though I have a medical note. Should I take my medical notes with me?
@Lisa
Take the medical notes with you and show them to the CME up front, before you take the examination. If you are not going to pass you may as well know it up front.
I toke the medical notes and now they want me to take a range if motion test which I can’t find anyone to do.
@Lisa
Give us more information. We do not understand the full question.
I have a friend that I’m concerned about, he just jokes about it when asked. He is a diabetic with a Class A CDL, he told me his doc wanted him on insulin but he said he would loose his cdl so he’s taking the most expensive pills instead and he’s had laser eye surgery atleast 10 times this year to stop his eyes from internally bleeding(diabetic retinopathy) and he has peripheral neuropathy and I’m pretty sure the booze doesn’t help, Is it safe for him to be on the road?
NO
I work for RTA in cleveland ohio, 3 days ago on tuesday my company asked me to see a dot doctor to be checked, I was not off work,I did not complain of pain in fact I drove my morning shift and was about to do my afternoon shift when the company ordered me to see a doctor at eastside occupational center in cleveland ohio, he reviewed my chiropractors notes and said I willl loose my cdl endorsement,I want to know what I can do at this point instead of being on disability which this doctor said I can go on, I prefer to keep my cdl and continue my driving job as a bus driver.
@Alan
You are an intra-state driver and are not interstate.
Someone needs to understand that difference and rank you accordingly. Now if you unsafe due to injury or pain that’s one thing, but if are doing your job without any safety issues, then you should be able to drive.
So the first question would be, why did work send you for a DOT physical?
Second question would be what class driver are you and do you need endorsements to do your job?
My husband is non CDL holding but his company still requires a medical card. He injured his back at work in Feb and has been on light duty… driving only. Nothing else. His restrictions are no lifting over 20 lbs and push pull up to 40lbs. He has a herniated disc, and does is not on any meds for the injury. Can he get re-certified? or some sort of limited pass?
@Tracy
Medical certificates are to determine medical fitness for duty as a driver. Your husband should explain to the examiner that he needs a medical card for a non cdl holder. Then based on the finding of the examiner he will make the final decision.
My husband fell 2 wks ago cut above his elbow and got mersa in it. He went for company DOT and doctor said if he signed in they would fell him. We went back for wound check and it healing but that the elbow has bursitis (inflammation) doctor wrote a note saying he can return to work and that he is able to drive. Will they fell him on his test if he goes in for the dot physical?
@Alicia
If he cannot perform the duties of a commercial motor vehicle operator, then he will fail. Driving is only one part of his duties, so he must be able to pass as medically fit to operate a CMV with all of its duties and requirements.
I have a spinal cord stimulator implant l4/l5 my doc gave me release filled out all paper work I went for my dot physical and the doc said she not sure if she can pass me with the implant I pass all of the other test can she fail me
@Peter
The CME just needs more information from your neurologist and surgeon. Get a medical release form from both of them and make sure that you can perform the duties of a CMV operator.
I had my left kneecap shattered and had surgery. I am fully recovered (apprx 2 years) but cannot bend it fully. I can still walk normal and move around, but I cannot squat all the way down with both knees bent. I can still bend it somewhat but not all the way. Wearing a knee brace also helos it alot. I haven’t had any issues with it since. I wanted to know if I can still be qualified to pass a DOT physical with conditions if need be?
@Crysostomos
If you can manage the basic job description of a CDL driver, then you should be fine. As a class A driver you will need to perform some duties that may require you to kneel to do basic inspections of gear. Even if you use a brace to do so, you should be OK.
My CDL physical needs to be renewed and I am currently wearing a carbon fiber knee brace as I may need knee replacement surgery. Will this fail me on my CDL physical? Thank you.
@Fred
If you are presently unable to perform the duties of a medically fit for duty driver, then you will not pass the DOT examination. And if you are possibly going to have knee surgery in the near future, then you will want to talk with your local drivers license department and see what they recommend for you to do to keep your cdl while you are out with the knee replacement and recovery.
sorry i corrected this its my left hand an thumb in cast
hi i am wondering if i have my left hand in a cast from where i broke my thumb an i can not grip anything with it an i drive a lowboy with a peterbilt 379 can i legally drive the truck if doctor ok me to return to work.. we are from Pa
@Richard
As a class A driver you do not fit the requirements, via FMCSA, as a medically fit for duty driver.
Your medical card was invalidated at the time of the accident and you need to have a new medical certificate, once the doctor releases you to return to work with out any restrictions.
I have my left leg amputated below the knee and use a prosthesis to walk. I get around fine and most people don’t even realize I have one unless I wear shorts or tell them. Anyway, I have missed out on a few decent paying driving jobs because when I was sent to have my drug test and DOT physical, the medical examiner said I would need a SPE certificate because of my leg. This job I was applying for wasn’t even one which required a CDL. The vehicle I would be driving was a typical Ford delivery van that anyone with a drivers license can operate but because of bureaucratic BS, and a DOT number on the van, I need an SPE certificate.
The problem is that I have to go have this evaluation done and none of the specialists offices I have contacted even know what I am talking about when I mention the SPE and the packet of paperwork from the drivers license office. I was told it takes 6 weeks to process the paperwork once it’s mailed to the Texas DPS in Austin by Concentra, the clinic that does the drug test and physical. Employers aren’t going to wait that long plus the time it takes to get an appointment and see the specialist. They are going to move on to the next candidate. I was working as a driver for another company which didn’t have a “magic DOT number” on their trucks before this but left due a cut on work hours from 40 to 30 (thanks Obamacare) and dismal pay.
My question: Is there a way to expedite this process or is there some kind of waiver I can get when a driving job doesn’t require a CDL?
@Nick
It seem like someone is evaluating you as if you are going to drive interstate and big rig.
You need to have a CME evaluate you for an intra-state job and a lesser class license other than a class A. Your state should have a policy and guidelines that a local CME can use without the need for the SPE. You will have to explain what you are going to be driving and out to what distance. After that you should be OK.
I’ve had an Inguinal hernia for about 27 years . Hernia belt controls it except for squatting . Will this disqualify me on the physical exam ?
@Alan
If it does not restrict you from performing the duties of a commercial motor vehicle operator, you should do fine.
can you pass a mdot phsycal and be quilified to drive a commercial vehicle while taking lyrica?
@James
It is going to cause a lot of red flags, so be prepared to answer questions about it needs and usage. Get a medical release form from your prescribing doctor before going for you medical examination. The MD will need to explain why he has prescribed this medication, how long you have been on it and what conditions you are being treated for.
I have class a CDL I have injured my left elbo. They put cast on my arm.. Dr says I can still drive, is it legal for me to do so if I can perform my job? No medication and I have the note from doc. Can I just drive or is there another step
@Bob
An injury that takes you out of the truck requires new medical examination/certificate. You won’t pass the DOT medical examination until you are fully healed and have a full medical release from your doctor. Since your doctor does not deal with the FMCSA and does not have to contend with the federal guidelines, he does not know this.
So get healed and get a medical release form from your doctor. Then you will be good to go.
I have not missed any work due to the injury. I can still do my job completely. I’m just concerned about going through weigh station or something like that and someone saying something.
Being on long term prednisone is ground for disqualification
I had an accident in 2014 I had a spinal fusion, also had a broken clavical the doctors gave me a 13% disability rating with a permanent 50 lbs weight limit for the rest of my life..1. Would I pass a dot physical with that restriction 2. If I get out of pain management would I qualify
@Scott
Given todays driver requirements, you may do OK with the weight restrictions. You want to bring a doctors release form with you the time of the examination. Out of pain management and off all meds for awhile before you go for the DOT medical certificate. There will be questions about your medication usage, so be prepared and if you can get a medical release form from your PM doctor even better.
My fiance was in an auto accident 3+ years ago that rendered his left arm partially useless. He is able to lift the arm and move it around however the lower portion of his arm has very little muscle left and his hand is slightly contracted with limited movement of his fingers on that hand. He got his regular license back with documentation from his doctor that he is fully able to drive. He had his CDL prior to his accident and they were reinstated as well. He has applied for a job driving again and while seeing the DOT doctor that doctor asked if he could turn his left arm palm up. He told him “NO” then asked why. The doctor stated he wanted to make sure his arm was strong enough to drive. He told the doctor he was already medically cleared by his doctor that he could as well as he has the ability to lift 70-80 pounds with no problem. The DOT doctor now wants him to go out on a road test with a FEDERAL DOT Representative just cause he can’t turn his arm palm side up. Is this legal and if so why is he requesting this and whom would administer this driving test? Please help if you can. We reside in PA.
@Gina
The CME is forced to follow the FMCSA guidelines and what he is requesting is FMCSA. Your doctor does not do DOT examinations and is not aware of their requirements. Your fiancé will need to have a skills performance evaluation to go back to cdl interstate driving. Your doctor cleared him for intra-state only cdl and a regular drivers license.
Hi, I got hurt at work and had L4-L5 spinal Fusion and am still off duty and recovering from the surgery.
My DOT physical expires in 3 weeks and i dont want to lose my Class A CDL liscense.
I dont believe they will pass me in this condition as i still can’t lift over 8 lbs, bend over, or twist.
Do they have an extension for something like this ???
@Randal
You need to get further information from your local drivers license department. They should have some policy in place for situations just like yours.
You will not pass a DOT physical, so you need the information from the DLD so they don’t downgrade your CDL.
Change your over the road status to local driver in the state you live not required to have DOT physical until you get back on your feet
Does not being able to stand on your tip toes disqualify you frim a cdl renewal?
Does a heart catherization override a stress test to retain your medical card?
@ Donnie
Not that I am aware of. One test gives results and a report. Not the other. A medical release form from the cardiologist will be very helpful though. If the treatment resolves the problem, then the release from the doctor is going to be required.
Applied for another CDL job. Previous job was on workers compensation part of time. When new employer calls for verification company states I was employed to the date I went on medical leave. While on workers comp aren’t I still considered employed by the company? And also can they come out and state I took a leave of absence?
@Gregory
We answer medical questions concerning qualifying for DOT medical certification.
Sorry, can’t answer company policy / OSHA type questions.