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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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Hi I just had my dot physical I’m 35 yrs old and they gave me a three month card cuz they recommend that I take a sleep study is there any way out of taking the study cuz I feel that there is no need for me to take it at this time
@Steve
Yes, go get a second opinion somewhere else. You may be being taken for a ride, but confirm elsewhere.
Hello, I recently had a DOT physical by my company’s industrial clinic and the determined I was not qualified due to my BMI. and high blood pressure. They want me to do a sleep apnea test and will not qualify me until this is done. I haven’t seen a personal doctor for several years and my knew doctor does not have enough history with me to sign off that it’s okay for me to drive until further tests are done. I have been out of work for a week now on safert hold.
Since this is the company’s medical clinic that disqualified me for work, can I file for workers compensation? I’m in California. Thanks.
I had back surgery a couple years ago, and have noticed that my leg is having trouble moving like it used to before surgery. Will that disqualify me from getting my DOT card?
@John
It all depends on whether you can still perform the duties of a commercial motor vehicle operator. If the limitations effect the safe operation of a CMV, then it will be an issue. If you can still work around the situation and perform your duties, then it’s not an issue. Good Luck.
can i refuse hernia exam and pass my dot physical?
@Myranda
No, but you can insist on a same sex examiner.
About three months ago I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and have been off work since I drive for a bottling company delivering cases of pop and only reason I’m off was because of the physical demands NOT the driving my med card is up in july 2017 I have talked with employer about doing other jobs besides delivery and they said they will work with me! right after I was diagnosed from my family doctor I went to rheumatologist and I am on sulfasalazine and methotrexate and prednisone they seem to be working anyway?My concern is being able to requalify and I plan on getting the release form from rheumatologist before I go I know it will be the cme final decision if I am not driving! I just want to keep my cdl A
Andy, I kind of in the same boat however my card expires in 3 weeks, I live in Florida so I will let you know what happens to me. Florida DMV told me I could down grade to a class E for a small fee. Them when I get My release to work, and pass a DOT Physical I can go back to DMV and again for a small fee get my CDL A back with all endorsements and not have to retest, as long as it is with in a year from the down grade.. I’ll let you know if that is indeed the truth in a few weeks.
Pete
Thanks peter, Good Luck!
Well with my issue, (dermatomyositis) the DOT Medical officer told me it is disqualifying with an exemption, So I will need my Dr to sign off on disease and my medication list as well as being able to shoe MRO that i’m in good shape and my lower extremity muscles are able to support my body and complete the job description of a fuel hauler.. Right now that is not the case, so I did not pass which I fully expected, Dr said wait until you are sure and show definite signs of remission before attempting DOT physical again. So with that the state of Florida will allowed me to downgrade my CDL and I am able to reinstate it and will not have to retest at any time before it expires for a small fee. Good Luck to you..
This comment is for the state of Florida only. Speak with someone at your local office where you renew your driver license, you may find there is a document you can sign which allows you to keep your class A, even if you have no current medical card and your unemployed, but this is serious and not to be used for fraudulent work! Driving class A vehicle’s carry some serious responsibilities, please have yourself medically healthy and fit before jumping into a truck just because you want to.
@Andy
With your doctors release form in hand and a brief explanation regarding the uses of the medications that you have been prescribed, you should not have any major issues. As long as you have supporting documentation and explain to the examiner the type of driving that you do, you should be good to go.
Thanks for thoughts on situation my main concern is being disqualified for a disease that is such a red flag and with the hopes of having the proper paperwork that the cme will have the right call and not be a automatic rejection! All I can do is hope….
I was born with Spina Bifida, I had a successful surgery when I was born . I have fully range of motion and no pain. I’m 6ft 1″ 280lbs. But I do have a noticeable lipoma on my lower back, noticeable when naked. Would this DQ me?
@James
No, you should not have any issues with this condition. It does not effect your ability to operate a CMV safely.
How long must I wait to return to driving a bus after hip replacement?
@Pamela
Once released from your doctors care and a return to work statement. Then you will need a new DOT examination to make sure you are medically fit for duty. That’s it. Good Luck
Is it possible to get your cdl or approved by SPE if you were to only have a right arm?
@Danny
It is possible. You will need a valid medical examination and then go through the FMCSA process to attain the needed physical limitations waiver. With those two things, you should be good to go, as long as all else is OK.
I suffered an accidental gun shot wound to my left shoulder when I was 18 resulting in a fused arm to shoulder connection. I’m 44 now, the fused part limits me from being able to extend my arm above my head, but not side to side or backwards. I can drive just fine. My question is, would this fail me on a physical or result in me having to participate in the limb impairment program? I’m a lifelong pipewelder but due to the state of the economy welding jobs are being sent overseas so I’m thinking of a career change
I’m trying to get my cdl class b in California I have back issues that require me to get injections and possibly surgery to repair damage my left leg has like 50 less strength then my right and I have very high blood pressure will this DQ me from licence?
@Curt
It is going to be tough for you to pass the DOT examination. You have pain issues, medication and possible surgery on the horizon and loss of strength in one leg. Based on the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination, you probably won’t pass at this time. Get your health issues taken care of and fully healed and you could try again later.
I have a brachial plexus injury I have half use of my left arm. I am wanting to fufill my dream of getting a class A license is this going to stop me from getting it?
@Justin
All depends on the extent of the limitation. First read the job description for an OTR / interstate driver (FMCSA-website) and see if you feel like you can pass the DOT medical certification examination. Then it will depend on your abilities and the CME to make the final decision. Good Luck.
I had a downhill skiing accident on December 26, 2015, four surgeries and 2 staff infections later, mid December 2016 my HR team will not clear me to get back to work…I’m a wine & spirit salesperson. Doctors have given them vague information regarding lifting weights 25-30 lbs. for 2-3 months, even though lifting 50-60 pounds is not an issue for me. I have a drop foot from medial nerve damage, but can walk wearing an orthotic when out for long distances or without the orthotic around the house. HR stating insurance liabilities for driving with this condition, even though we drive our own vehicles on the job. I have driven myself to the hospital twice now, which is 2 1/2 hours away since July 2016 and drive all around our valley without any incidents. My patient coordinator at the hospital recently suggested I may need to get an Independent Medical Exam or a Functional Capacity Exam. I contacted my local DOT, no clear answer and the Hospital staff at Occupational Health says they only deal with L&I (work related) cases. My question is: where can I go to get tested to validate whether I can drive my personal vehicle so I can get back to work and/or possibly validate my CDL B license so I might have the opportunity to drive commercial vehicles such as the local Link buses or school buses as alternative job possibilities in the future. Thank you very much for the site you’ve created and the information you provide to so many that are baffled by our medical professionals. Even though the staff that treated my tibia/plateau spiral fracture did a fabulous job of saving my leg and getting me healed, they’ve done very little to address the nerve damage in my lower leg and foot. At my last appt. in November this year, I got the “doc in a box” examination for BTW (back to work) and subsequent paperwork, my HR person called and asked what the heck is this info, she could not even comprehend the minimalized report or tell who even signed it! MAKE SURE WHEN YOU SET YOUR APPT. THAT THE DOCTOR YOU WANT TO SEE IS AVAILABLE AND THEN PREPARE A LIST TO ASK ALL PERTINENT QUESTIONS FOR YOUR SITUATION, DO RESEARCH ONLINE.
@CJ
Question – Do you hold a valid class A or B license?
With your present situation you will have some difficulty passing a DOT medical certification examination.
If you are a CDL holder you need to be fully recovered to even be seen to do the examination and you will need documentation to support your CME’S findings in the examination.
If you only drive on a standard drivers license then the best answer will come from your local drivers license department within your state.
I have recently been put on disability for medical reasons ,but I do not wish to lose my CDL’s ….
My question is can you be on disability, pass a CDL physical so you can keep your CDL and not lose your disability ????
@Tina
You want to check with your local drivers license department.
If you are on disability then you are not fit to pass the DOT medical examination. Each state has a process in which you should be able to keep your cdl until you can pass the DOT examination once you are released to return to work. So check with your DLD to find out what those steps are.
I had a seismoid ectomy. The only last effect is intermittent mild pain that is relieved with otc meds like Advil. I currently drive a RR5000 which is a stand up fork lift for 12-16hour shifts 3 days at a time without issue. Will I still qualify for a medical card?
@Lisa
If you can pass all else, you should not have any problems.
I have a CDL license in IL but I got a drop foot problem from an accident I was in I have a AFO flexible foot brace to wear. I have been getting my foot movement back slowly an now my doctor wants me to practice driving my pickup truck around to see how it works. If this works to drive my pickup truck I think he will let my go back to work an see how I do driving my semi. I have been trying to find out if I can drive a semi with my brace on til my foot heals up. Is it against the law to drive or would I have to have a doctors note to be able to drive with my brace. Thank u for any intel on this issue of mine.
@John
You will want to have a medical release form from your doctor explaining your situation and capabilities. That will be a huge help to the CME when he is doing the final evaluation for your CDL medical card. It all boils down to safety issues and your capabilities.
I also have a drop foot issue though with medial nerve damage, I also have an AFO flexible foot brace and progress is slow but steady. Keep doing your PT & exercises. I have a CDL B license which is cleared, but drive my own vehicle for work…but am still trying to get cleared by HR to return for work. I’ve adjusted my driving by moving my knee and leg to push on the gas pedal since I have limited movement in my foot/ankle…you can do it!
Hi so i just want to tell you my story right now, I may have a chronic ankle condition that causes my ankle to hurt and be unstable. The rest of my body is fine lol. i’m looking at my options in case i can not return to my current job. I was just a little concerned as I may need to do some heavy lifting, maybe i could use a dolly cart to push stuff. I am on restriction not to lift over 20-25 pounds.
If i am stuck with these restrictions can i still do this ???
Just exploring my options at this point as i have not been able to return to my job since September….its been a battle with this ankle all year but if i can drive a truck I may just do this if my ankle isn’t going to get better.
Thanks for reading 🙂
@Lauren
It does not appear that you could qualify as ‘fit for duty’ to operate a commercial motor vehicle, as an over-the-road driver.
You could explore the likelihood of doing more regional work, but you will need to deal with a company that understands your physical condition and is willing to allow you to work with those restrictions.
I have partial drop foot I can push my ankle and foot just fine with no problem I can stand on my tippy-toes, My problem is with lifting my foot up the nerves will not allow me to lift my ankle up. I can lift my leg with no problem I can drive with no problem I have no problem pushing the gas or lifting my foot up to the break or back to the gas. Do you think this will stop me from being able to get my CDL or passing the DOT physical?
@John
As long as everything else is in good operating order, you should be OK. The CME is looking for issues that would be considered a safety hazard. Also, have your doctor sign a medical release form for you explaining your situation and abilities, that will be a huge help.
I was told since i have a splint on my right hand that disqualifies me to drive under my cdl license….my question is this true?
@Charles
If the splint limits your ability to operate a CMV safely, then you are disqualified until you can return to work without limitation and can be found, by a CME, to be medically fit for duty.
I have congenital heart disease that later resulted in VSD repair and two other surgeries for aortic valve replacement. I have been able to pass my DOT physical in the past. However due to a episode of overexertion I was sent to be checked out by my cardiologist. They found a abnormal heart pattern in a stress test (ST depression during exercise*No Arrhthyias noted*)and was then proceeded with a nuclear test which came with clean good results. Complications My Cardiologist listed Tachycardia, dyspnea, and presyncope. Prior to nuclear test results coming with clean bill of health results. My question. Can I pass a DOT physical with a letter from Cardiologist stating that I need to refrain from sustained heavy lifting, or resistance that requires bearing down and holding breath. (Valsalva)? I’ve seen Truck drivers with handicap stickers in windows before so I presume I can? Can I get some answers please?
@Christopher
A medical release form is going to be a must in your situation. Have your doctor explain your condition and restriction, if any. A lot will depend on the class and type of driving that you do. With all the information in hand before you go for your new DOT examination, that will be a huge help to the examining CME. He/she needs as much information as possible to make his/her best decision.
I am currently taking dialysis would I be able to get a dot license to drive trucks?
@Ken
You may qualify to drive within the state only, but not as an interstate driver.
Check with your local drivers license department and ask them for further information.