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Q&A
Is Meniere’s disease a disqualifier?
What if I’ve had surgery for Meniere’s disease?
Does vertigo disqualify me from getting a medical card?
What if I take anti-seisure medication?
Can I pass a DOT physical after having a stroke?
If a driver is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder will they fail the DOT physical?
If I take antidepressants can I still get a DOT medical card?
Is Meniere’s disease a disqualifier?
Yes. Meniere’s disease is disqualifying because it may bring about a severe condition of vertigo and is unpredictable. The risk here is sudden incapacitation.
What if I’ve had surgery for Meniere’s disease?
Still is a disqualifier. The FMCSA is reviewing this in terms of certification.
Does vertigo disqualify me from getting a medical card?
It could. When the medical examiner does his examination, one of the things he is looking for is things that would be unsafe for you as a driver and how it effects your ability to maintain control of a commercial motor vehicle. Part of that examination is to test for virtigo. If he feels the condition is unsafe then he will not pass you. If he feels there is something that can help you maintain, he may make a suggestion for you to follow-up with a specialist.
Drivers who have had one unprovoked seizure by definition do not have epilepsy (2 or more unprovoked seizures). Drivers who are seizure-free and off anticonvulsant medication(s) for at least 5 years after a single unprovoked seizure can be certified. Earlier return to work may be considered for drivers with a normal EEG who have no epileptic-form activity and normal examination by a neurologist specializing in epilepsy. (This answer from the FMCSA website)
What if I take anti-seizure medication?
Right off the bat you would be disqualified as a CMV driver. There is a new federal exemption for seizure and related medications. You will need to check with the FMCSA regarding that particular paperwork.
Medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy is disqualifying. Where a driver can demonstrate that safety would not be diminished by the condition, it is possible to apply for an exemption.
Can I pass a DOT physical after having a stroke?
It depends on many things, including the likelihood of having another stroke. Your best bet is to first go back to your neurologist and have him/her write a medical opinion letter stating:
- When you had the stroke.
- What was the treatment, and how successful was the outcome.
- What is the treatment you are receiving now.
- The doctor’s medical opinion about your readiness to return to work as a driver. Make sure that he/she knows all of your physical daily activities as a commerial driver.
With that information in hand when you go to do your DOT medical examination, then the DOT examiner has all the appropriate information to determine your physical state of fitness to perform the duties of a commercial driver.
If a driver is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder will they fail the DOT physical?
Well, it isn’t that you fail outright, but you will be asked questions regarding the condition:
- What treatment routine has been established.
- How long you’ve been on that routine.
- How are you responding to treatment/medication, etc.
So just prepare for the question line in advance, bring documentation from your treating doctor with you, and you could do just fine.
If I take antidepressants can I still get a DOT medical card?
Well it’s not impossible, but what you will need to do is get a medical opinion letter from your treating physician that states:
- When you were diagnosed with the condition?
- What treatment program does he/she have you on?
- Is the condition stable?
- Does your physician feel you could do the duties of a commercial driver and be safe for yourself and the people/public around you?
Then take that information the DOT physical appointment. It will still be the DOT medical examiner’s decision whether or not to certify you.
I have an anxiety disorder on and off. This raises my BP readings. Can I still pass the DOT physical if I take beta-blockers?
You should talk with your primary healthcare provider to determine whether or not this would interfere with the responsibilities and stress of being a commercial motor vehicle operator. If your doctor feels OK about your driving and understands the role of a commercial motor vehicle operator, then he should write a medical opinion letter for you to take to the DOT examination, explaining your condition, treatment and safe usage of the medications you are taking and whether your specific condition is stable. That way there is no surprises for you or the DOT examiner.
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I took a pre employment dot physical 6 years ago this was before the medical card was connected to your license. The doctor requested I take a physiologic examination. I took one and passed there was found to be nothing wrong with me the paperwork was faxed to the doctor who requested it she then told me I could come down and get my new medical card. I went down to the doctor’s to get it and then was told I needed an appointment. I got fed up with trying to get the medical card so I just decided to keep my old trucking job that I was stilled employed at. Since then I’ve been back to the same clinic 4 times to take dot physicals fortunately the doctor no longer works there but each time I go there up pops up on there screen that I need to take an physiologic examination and that’s incomplete! I’ve had to explain everything each time I go there and they have passed me each time my question is does the FMCSA know about this? And what’s the worst that can happen with this still in there?
@ Nick
The doctors office that you keep going back to must have it in their own system. This is not a FMCSA thing. Try to get it corrected at the doctors office and ask for a copy of the corrected document.
Will taking Sinemet 25/100 effect my class B CDL
@ Michael R
You are a class B driver, so make sure you bring a medical release form and medical documentation from your prescribing doctor. You fall under the states variances, so make sure you explain to the examiner that you are not a classA long haul, big rig driver.
I have over 30 years experience with a class a cdl i need to get my meducal card renewed i have an occasional tic thsr dies not affect my driving will thus dusqualify me frim getting my medical csrd
@ Dawn S
If it does not interfere with your abilities to operate a CMV, then it should not be an issue. If you have had this condition checked out with your primary physician, then bring supporting documentation and a signed medical release form.
Employee had an episode of “blacking out” while driving and hit a tree. He is getting all the tests run now to see why he lost consciousness. What does he have to do to return to his DOT job?
@ Anne G
He must pass a new DOT medical certification examination. Considering his present condition, he will need to bring supporting medical documentation and a full medical release, without restrictions, from his doctors. The CME will want as much available information to help him in his decision making process.
Hi, I have learned a lot of things on here. Thanks in advance. I am currently in process of going to truck driving school, I have my temps the thing is I am worried about the DOT physical. I have been diagnosis with bipolar and PTSD and I am afraid to disclose this information 1 and if I disclose the information would I be disqualified for a DOT medical card? What can I do to help my situation? Losing sleep behind this…
By the way this is in the state of Ohio and I am going for an Class A OTR
@ Alondra B
Your medications and condition are going to raise questions. If you do not disclose this information on the intake, then the DOT views it as lying and can withhold your license. Make sure you have a signed medical release form from your prescribing doctors and any supporting medical documentation that your doctors will provide you with. You should be OK from there.
I have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment; my neurologist is requiring me to have a driver evaluation done before she will give clearance for cdl physical. My concern is if I fail that test i not only will not get recertified for cdl but would lose my regular NYS drivers licence. What should i do?
@ Marcia z
If the mild cognitive impairment restricts your ability to safely operate a vehicle, then there is not much you can do. Talk with your neurologist about other possible options regarding your treatment.
So I’ve had seizures in the past and I know they’d do an EEG. My question on that is, I know for a fact that nothing will show up on an EEG. The only seizure I’ve had in the past couple of years was due to a very high fever from pnuemonia, so my question would be if my doctor states that I am ok to drive a semi would I be able to? My past seizures were never figured out, like I said I have home through countless tests (CT scans, MRI’s and EEG’s) could never be explained. Nothing shows up. I’ve seen my results and everything.
So as previously stated my question is if I get it approved by my physician and a neurologist can I get my CDL? (I have also not been on meds in a few years as well)
@ Hope
See if you can get an appointment with a CME for a consultation before hand. He is going to need supporting medical documentation before he even begins, but it gives you an opportunity to explain yourself and your situation. Seizures and class A will demand plenty of supporting documentation.
I had a DOT physical done in the last few months and got certified for a year with Major depression/Anxiety, didn’t show the examiner any notes from physicians but he did say I had to see a Doctor in 2 years and get a note. Now I’m going to a different company thats requiring another DOT physical with their examiners so my question is will I have to have a clearance form for my depression/anxiety even though I haven’t had any symptoms or episodes in over 3 years and that it’s only been 3 months since my last DOT physical?
@ Elias
Medical documentation and a medical release form from you doctor will be a big help with the examiners decision making process.
Hello.
I am going through training to be a residential garbage man. I also suffer from cluster headaches at times. If you are not familiar with them, they are worse than migraines. I see a headache specialist, and he prescribes medications. My employer is concerned, because sometimes the headaches affect my work output. Anyway, I asked the specialist for a letter that states it’s ok for me to drive the garbage truck. Well, he says because I have a CDL, I would need to see a CDL doctor. Is this true? No double vision, vomiting, or blackouts take place.
@ Jeffrey G
You may require a medical card to drive the truck. Check with the state DLD for confirmation. If so, make sure you explain to the CME that you will be driving local and do not fall under the full FMCSA guidelines. You may be within the states variances and should be fine. It will require medical documentation if you need the FMCSA examination.
I have been diagnosed with Digeneritive Disc Diesase and a Fracted T12 disc..Will my Medical Card get pulled
@ Mark
Any illness or injury requires a new DOT medical certification examination, via FMCSA/DOT guidelines for class A drivers. You will need a new medical card, without restrictions, to return to work.
I have to get a DOT a Monday I was diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar type and generalized anxiety disorder. For a non cdl truck driving job. Do I have to tell them about my disorder? If I do will I not get my DOT medical card? I have very little documentation like I have a invoice from my doctor saying my two disorders from my last visit is that enough? Like the ICD code is on there with my diagnosis. I know I am good for the job I am on medication and haven’t had any hallucinations for a while.
@ Jacob
DOT/ FMCSA medical certification examination guidelines were established for the over-the-road,long haul semi-truck drivers. Explain that to the examiner. The examiner should know the difference between federal guidelines and his states guidelines and variances. Start with talking to the state DLD first.
I am inquiring about obtaining a medical card, but I have advanced stage parkinson’s disease and early onset dementia. Does this automatically disqualify me? I am in Virginia
@ bnicole
You are going to have challenges passing a DOT medical certification examination. Not sure what your state variances have to say about the issue. Check with your states DLD for a better answer.
I have MS. I only have numbness in my hands and feet. Would this bar me from getting a class a cdl?
@ Jim
Most likely you would not pass the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination.
Would it also disqualify me from getting a class b license?
@ Jim
Check with your state DLD for the right answer.
I have a current CDL class a was recently diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s I am currently on no medication will I be able to keep my CDL and I am I required to inform the tester about my condition
@ Robert
CDL or medical card? CDL is state issued and medical cards are federal. Yes you need to inform the medical examiner of your condition. Make sure to bring a medical release form from your doctors, along with your most recent test results so the examiner has all the information available for his decision making process.
I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and taking carbidopa/ levodopa i have a Arizona class A license will this disqualify me of driving again or pass my physical
@ Steve
You will need to supply a medical release form from your doctors and any supporting documentation for the examiner to make his final decision.
I am a CDL holder that in April 2007 I failed a DOT drug-test for marijuana. I went to a DOT SAP (and paid for it out of my own pocket) whom recommended 10 hours of educational awareness and some additional testing (the details of which I do not remember due to it being 12 years ago now)
In June 2007 I returned to duty and drove CMV until February 2008 when I left my job for unrelated reasons. I have not applied for a job that would require me to comply with 49 CFR
382.101 – 382.727 since, thus I have not driven a CMV or otherwise used my CDL in more than 11 years.
It is now April 2019 and I want to use my CDL again and have just completed a refresher course which I paid for out of pocket.
Prospective employers are asking (required under 49 CFR §382.217 & §382.309???) to obtain the 12 year old DOT SAP documentation but the SAP and my former employer are NOT required to retain them past 5 years (49 CFR §40.311 & §40.313) which has already elapsed.
What is the recourse for a company that wants to hire me without initiating a NEW DOT/SAP process?
What is the recourse I can act on apart from a prospective employer without initiating a NEW DOT/SAP process?
@ Mr Smith
No one is required to maintain medical records for greater than 7 years. If you have not used marijuana or any other illegal drugs since 2007, then you are not required to produce any medical records.
I was getting my first DOT Physical. I mentioned my acute bipolar disorder and that my therapist recommended that I don’t take any prescription drugs being that it’s acute and can be controlled. I mentioned my past Marijuana usage that had went on for years. Now they said I have to get a psychiatric evaluation and a substance abuse evaluation by a psychiatrist and substance abuse specialist. I can’t find any in my region which is the DMV (DC, MD, VA) who are DOT certified. Do the evaluations need to be done by a DOT approved psychiatrist and specialist? Or can any mental health and substance abuse specialist sign off on it? If they need to be DOT certified how can I find them?
@ Jordan
Any licensed physician in those arenas within your state can provide the needed information that the CME is requesting.
ive been diagnosed with adhd and biopolar. but i havent had any problems or seen a doctor or any medication for about 10 years will i be able to pass a DOT physical ?
@ Billy J
The CME may request further medical documentation before issuing a new medical card, be as prepared as possible.
if you have had mini strokes and or short term memory problems can you pass a dot physical
@ Louis W
Depends on the class drivers license. States requirements and guidelines vary from state to state and from the FMCSA guidelines. Check with your state first for an answer. FMCSA examiners are going to ask a lot of questions and will require medical documentation from your physicians.
Do you have to have a new exam, if you are diagnosed as Bipolar a few months after you receive your DOT medical certificate? If you are applying for a new driving job and bipolar disorder and new medicines are not listed on your long form?
@ Maddle
Class A falls under FMCSA and would require a new medical examination. Other than a class A may fall under the states guidelines and may not require a new examination. Check with your local DLD for confirmation.
i’ve been diagnosed with vestibular migraines, i get vertigo from this.which happens spontaneously. It hasn’t happened in five years but just started up again. they didnt know what was causing it before but they do now. am i ok to drive with a doctors note? I had just passed my DOT examine before it started. im working inside the warehouse now. but want to go back out. what are my options? is this dequalifying?
@ dave c
Dave we have already answered this question for you, time didn’t change the answer.
this is my first time on here< must be a different dave c
@ Dave C
Vestibular migraines with spontaneous vertigo would be a FMCSA disqualifying factor. We apolize and had the same question from another dave c.
I someone is 302’d can they lose their DOT medical card?
@ Millie
302’d ? ? ?
Involuntary committed, psychology
In August 2018 I was in the hospital to have a ovarian tumor removed 4 hours before surgery I had a single seizure that lasted less than 5 minutes . The hospital gave me a ct scan showing a brain tumor on both frontal lobes was put on Keppera, in November 2018 I had the tumor removed thankfully no seizures since the 1 at the hospital, then in Feb.2019 I was taken off Keppera from my neurosurgeon and still no seizures. I have had a eeg done with normal results. I was a million mile safe driver and wanting to go back to the road, I have a Class A license interstate driver.
@ Pamela E
Due to both the seizure and the medications FMCSA is going to put you on a waiting list before doing a medical card examination. You might check into your states guidelines/variances regarding cdl / intra-state only.
I’m not eligible for a waiver? I have not had any seizures since the 1 in August. As for the medication I’m not longer on any.
@ Pamela E
A one time seizure raises lots of questions, especially for a CME. Medical documentation will be helpful, but will at least open the situation for questions by the CME. Otherwise it’s a waiting period for you.
I fainted and was cleared to return to work by my doctor after ten days of many tests showed no underlying condition (cardiac, carotid, halter, CBC.) I do not have diabetes or HBP. I was then told by a medical examiner that I have to wait 3 months to return to work, DOT rules. Is this period of time correct? Thank you.
@ SS
Based on a one time event, that can be supported by medical documentation, it falls to the examiners discretion. Guidelines takes loss of consciousness, of any kind and for any reason, seriously. But the examiner makes the final decision.