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.
Hello I’m trying to get my cdl but have been diagnose with myotonic muscular dystrophy. I’m worried that it will interfere with me getting my cdl……any information and advice would be greatly appreciated
@Yvette
A lot is going to depend on what class cdl license you are going to go for. If it is a class A, then you will raise may questions, because you will be a potential safety risk.
But if you are going to be state restricted, then you fall under the states variances and not FMCSA. If so, then you want to check with your local drivers license department.
Thank you for your response….I found out when my father suffered a heart attack they couldn’t figure out why so they did a biopsy on my aunt and myself since then I see a neurologist 2 times a year…. I have no heart problems as wel las no respiratory problem and hardly have any symptoms with the exception of a little tightening of leg muscle so I guess my next question would be if it hasn’t had a really bad affect would that matter?
Also the school I will be attending only gives both a and b classes together but I’m almost 100% sure I don’t want to go across state mainly local but want the option of going across state
I have a spinal stimulator due to stenosis. Will this be reason to fail my DOT physical. I have a class B with an air brake endorsement. I am a manager and perform as a fill in driver only. I am not a full time driver. Thank You
@Brad
Make sure you have a medical release form from your doctor explaining your condition. And explain the type of driving that you would be doing to the CME. With the proper documentation, you should be fine.
I had a Worker’s Comp. back injury approximately three years ago, I then obtained a attorney, There was no permanent injuries to my back I had approximately a year and a half of rehabilitation, which included physical therapy,and actual puncture. I had to see a physician who was a mediator, to determine the severity of my injury It was determined that I had 11% permanent disability due to my age. My primary physician informed the DOT doctor by letter that I was cleared to return to work with no restrictions. I was told that my primary physician latter was not acceptable,I was just Disqualified to receive my DOT medical certificate, other than that I passed all the necessary requirements, I have been working as a Uber driver now for the past ten months, with over 3500 trips
@Derek
You would be disqualified as a class A driver, but could qualify as an intra-state driver. We suggest that you check with your local drivers license department to confirm your situation.
Hello there again Doc. What I was applying for was for my class B license, to drive a city bus, and my previous work I was a concrete Mason, I was cleared to return back to work with no limitations. I brought back a letter as the DOT Dr. required me to do, from my doctor . I went back to the DOT Dr. with a note from my doctor saying I can return to work with no instructions I gave the paperwork to the receptionist, she took it back to the doctor and when she returned she told me I did not pass with no explanation, The physician would not even come out and explain it to me. Could you please tell me where I could find out what the actual regulations For disqualification for a DOT medical certificate . Thank you sir
@Derek
You are a class B driver and do not fall under FMCSA class A regulations.
So, check with you local drivers license department to find out what regulations or restrictions may apply to you. You’re being examined as a class A driver which is not appropriate for a class B driver.
Can I get my Cdl with rheumatoid arthritis
@Chris
Can you perform the duties, as described by the FMCSA, safely and effectively? If so, then you might pass the medical certification examination. Also, a lot is determined by the type and class driver that you wish to become as a cdl driver. Check with your local drivers license department to verify your requirements.
Hi, I am a class C cdl driver, I have a cataract they will be taking out but have also been told that I have optic nerve damage is that a disability, I was told by the nero doctor my vision in my right eye last month was 20/400
@Thomas
If your present vision is at 20/400 and uncorrectable, then you would fail a federal DOT medical certification examination.
Since you fall under your states drivers license rules and regulations, as a class C driver, we suggest that you check with the state regarding any visual impairment waivers or releases. The cataract, once removed, may not impair your vision too much. All depends on how much, if any, nerve damage has occurred. Good luck
A driver fails his medical exam. He has a current medical card that is valid for 3 more weeks. Is it legal to drive under current medical, registered with DOL, after failing a renewal?
@George
No. The failed exam is reported to FMCSA.
can you wear a knee brace in a commercial vehicle
@Vernon
As long as it does not interfere with your ability to perform the duties of a cmv operator and poses no safety issues. There will be questions about the reasoning behind the use of the brace, so be prepared with supporting documentation and a medical release form from your doctor explaining why you should use the brace and how long he expects you to be using it.
Can chrons diseas disqualify you if you are a class A deivwr operating in all 48 states
@Jonathan
Only if it causes you to be a potential safety risk. If you can continue to perform the duties of a cmv operator and are not a safety risk you should be alright, if everything else is within normal limits. Get a medical release form from your doctor explaining your condition and medications, that helps the CME make a well informed decision in your case.
I have worked with a Class B license driving a bus for 4 years. I went today to get my DOT card renewed and the doctor said I did not have full range of motion when I turn by head to the left though I feel I do . She said she thought I had spasmodic torticollis and sent me to my family doctor and she said I was a little tight on the left side. She wants me to see a physical therapist to see if there is a test I can take to determine it. Is there anything in a DOT physical that says this is a criteria and also if I cannot work while getting better what are my options. Does the company put you on sick leave or are you considered unemployed.
@Debbie
There are range of motion guidelines with the FMCSA, but you are a class B driver, driving a school bus. You fall under the states variances and not FMCSA. As far as your other question, you need to check with the company policy for a situation such as yours.
In 2007 I slipped on ice and ruptured my right quadriceps tendon, after the repair surgery failed, I had surgery again 8 months later. I finally was cleared MMI, with restrictions of no crawling no kneeling. I fell last year and ruptured my left quadriceps tendon, and completely tore my right rotator cuff. After surgeries, and therapy I am at MMI with major work restrictions, no climbing, no lifting more than 10lbs. Can I pass a physical?
@Robert
For a class A interstate driver, no.
You might want to look into intra-state as there are state variances to work with and not the FMCSA regulations.
@Robert
For a class A interstate driver via FMCSA, no.
If you are not going for interstate and will be running locally, then maybe, based on your job description.
Does wearing a leg brae for drop foot disqualify me from driving a school van/bus in NJ?
@George
You will need to check with your local drivers license department to determine the best answer. This is a state related question not FMCSA.
I had arthroscopic knee surgery. I had a torn meniscus. After 4 days of rest, I could get around pretty good. The doctor cleared me for unrestricted work. We drive automatic trucks. Is there an automatic time off period for this procedure? I am a class A license holder.
@Dan
You will have to have a new DOT medical examination before you can return to driving. As long as you can perform the duties of a CMV operator, without posing a safety issue, you should be fine. Take your medical release form from your doctor with you, it will help the CME in his final decision making process.
I have 2 lumps on the left side of my abdomen, and one one each thigh that I’ve had for over 15 years. A doctor checked them out years ago during a physical and said they were just fatty tissue. They don’t hurt unless I press directly on them, and they have never been an issue.
My question is, will this disqualify me if I don’t have a doctor’s release? I know they need to press on my abdomen for the physical, but as long as they don’t interfere with my duties, will I be ok?
@Robert
You should be fine. If it is questioned simply explain yourself to the examiner. He may request a further medical examintion for a confirmation that they are simply fatty cyst. The CMEs are not supposed to do diagnostics, but to request further documentation from your primary doctor.
I have a B with tanker endorsement and before my injury I was driving interstate. I’ve had 3 surgeries on my right arm within the last 5 months. I was just released to work but I’m not allowed to use my right arm at all. I had part of my forearm muscle removed, tendons in my elbow repaired, and nerves repaired in my elbow and hand. My index and middle finger are probably going to be permanently numb. My question is will I be able to renew my med card before it expires in May? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
@Chris
If you plan to go back to interstate driving, then the examiner will want you to have a skills performance evaluation done before he will sign off on you. Another option may be to go intra-state only. That way you are home everyday and you will fall under the states variances and not FMCSA. Good luck.
I’m a right above the knee amputee and went for a rode reevaluation in 2003 and the state trooper let me keep my my cdl b license and now my doctor says I need a spe I’m intra-state on my self evaluation and I’m having a hard time finding a doctor that does spe they don’t know what I’m talking about they say they have never heard of this I’m located in Massachusetts
@Rob
You are a class B driver and fall under the states variances, unfortunately your examiners are trying to evaluate you as a class A interstate driver.
We do not believe that as an intra-state, class B driver, that you need a SPE exam. You need to explain to your DOT examiner that you are not being held to class A interstate driver standards. You are in your states rules and regs. Good luck
I have arthritis in my left foot and the doctors would like to fuse the two bones, however, I am worried this will disqualify me on my next DOT physical since I won’t be able to squat. I have been driving 15 years and I don’t want to lose my career.
@Edward
Once the fusion is done and you are fully healed you should be able to modify your movements thus allowing you to continue to perform your normal work duties. Squatting is only done to perform your normal work duties, but if you have a modified activity that still allows you to get the job done, then you should be fine.
I had an IUD pacemaker put in last month. Am I restricted from driving a commercial truck. I have a class b
@Lance
As a class B driver with your situation, you will fall under the states variances and not FMCSA. So check with your local drivers license department to confirm your situation.
Also when you go for your DOT medical examination make sure you explain your driver type and have a medical release form from your doctor explaining your condition and a working prognosis, if possible. All the information is for the CME to overview and make his final decision. Since you are not an OTR driver, then make sure that the CME understands your driver type. Good luck
I need total elbow replacement..can I still drive a semi..I hear the weight restrictions are 10lbs…total mobile but very limited weight bearing
@Donna
You should not have a major issue, if you can perform your normal work duties as a commercial motor vehicle operator. Make sure you have a medical release form from your doctor too.
I had lower lumbar decompression surgery and the doctor has approved to go back to work. I have am class A and pull doubles out of state. All healed up but my left toes and foot is still numb will I be ok for dot physical.
@Kevin
As long as you have a medical release form from your doctor explaining your condition and you can perform the duties of a cmv operator safely, then you should do alright, if all else is good.
Hi I’m still in highschool and I was wandering if your can be a truck driver and have metal rods in your back from scoliosis or is that a disqualification
@Stephen
Before you get started, you should look at the job description for a driver and make sure that you can perform the duties of a cmv driver. If you can do the normal duties, then there is no reason you should have any issues with the FMCSA. Rods are not a disqualification issue by themselves.