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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 live in Oregon with a valid CDL-A with X and T endorsements (HAZMAT/TANK VEHICLES and DOUBLES/TRIPLES. My CDL-A license is valid through 2026 with no interstate or manual restrictions. My DOT physical is current and valid through 2022. My only DL restriction is that I must wear corrective lenses while driving.
I am going to therapy, as some, particularly my father and other family members, believe I am bipolar, such as close family members. My mother was diagnosed Schizoaffective (Schizophrenic and Bipolar). I went to a therapy appointment on January 6th 2020, and the community college psychologist asked me a series of questions and said I am “probably bipolar.”
I went to another office on her recommendation last week, signed up for Oregon Health Plan health insurance coverage, and was given appointments with two different mental health offices for treatment (with different psychologists). My understanding is that I am covered under OHP.
My new general practitioner concluded with, ” you’re not Bipolar, your Schizotypal.” I will see a clinical psychologist next Monday in this office.
If I am diagnosed with a mental illness, what are my reporting requirements (to DOT, as my Medical Certificate is valid)?
Is Schizotypal, Schizoid, or Bipolar I or II disqualifying? What about other mental/personality disorders like OCD, Avoidant, Borderline, Antisocial, etc? What will happen if I am diagnosed?
Finally, is this legally considered a disability under state or federal law?
@ Serval F T
If properly diagnosed and treated with medications you will be requested, by any CME, to provide good medical documentation regarding your ability to safely operate a CMV. The diagnosis in and of itself is not a disqualifier, but is going to raise questions regarding your safety and the safety of the public at large.
If a CDL driver has been diagnosed, with a concussion and has not had loss of consciousness or seizures, and has been asymptotic since the injury when should they be able to return to work?
@ Jackie
You will need a full medical release from your treating physicians, with no restrictions or limitations.
Does Dot have any restrictions on a driver if he receives that medical release from Doctor with no restrictions?if so what?
@ Roy h
Depending on the illness or injury, there may be waiting periods. Check with your local CME, he should be able to answer your specific questions.
I had a minor Ischemic Stroke with recovery within 2 days. Subsequent follow up and more advanced tests showed no fib or arterial plaque buildup. I have seen one study with weak I believe methodology recommends no CMV driving for at least a year following such an event. However, most of the risk of a second stroke comes within the first 3-6 months of the first stroke. What is the best way to resolve this issue and how does it impact a CDL?
@ Happy T
FMCSA guidelines for class A OTR drivers is a one year waiting period following a stroke. Since cdl’s are state issued, you would need to check with the state drivers license department for how it may effect your license.
Need to know the rule for I have passed out twice in six month , both times loss bodily functions . the second time woke up in emergency room. they found nothing wrong with me , all test are normal . been testing for almost two months. The Neurologist want to put me on meds even though test came back normal. How is this going to affect my DOT card
@ Reinhardt D
By FMCSA/DOT regulations your medical card is invalid at this time. Your present condition places you in a high risk category for accident and injuries to yourself and the public at large. Your class license will determine your likelihood of a new medical card. You will need a medical release from your neurologist and there will be some waiting period once you start medications and being cleared by the neurologist.
Like the driver comment back on January 21, 2019 at 5:46 pm, I was also recently diagnosed with hydrocephalus due to a benign tumor and a VP shunt was put in place about a month ago. Unlike the other driver I have a interstate Class A CDL in the state of Nebraska and drive in multiple states.
Is this a problem if my doctor releases me to full duty without restrictions? If not, would downgrading my license to an intrastate license or Class B allow me to meet requirements?
Thank You
@ Robert J
With good medical documentation supporting the medical release, without restrictions, and your doctors releases in place, you should be able to maintain your class A.
Where can I find a list of Psychiatric disqualifications? What if I have depression, or am suicidal? What if I have an addiction to alcohol, or sex? I want to see what are disqualifications and what is acceptable.
@ Donald T
Check with the FMCSA website for a copy of the FMCSA guidelines.
If I try to get hired back as a company driver, will the medical card be an issue if I have to disclose that I was “voluntarily” commited about a year prior, diagnosed bipolar, but stopped taking medication(Zyprexa and Lexapro) and seeing the psychiatrist?
@ Daniel W
You will need a medical release form from your doctors and any supporting documentation that the CME may ask for.
I just had a dot physical, passed, except Dr. saw that I have been recently diagnosed with CIDP, some weakness in my arms and legs, so she failed me. I am being treated by a Neologist and have seen improvement lately. I am functioning fine doing my work, ( drywaller/carpenter) and driving, no problems. Is there an exemption for this? If My leg and arm strength was tested I’m sure I would be beyond any standard.
@ Chris G
If you are not a class A driver, then you should not be held to a DOT/FMCSA class A standard. If you carry a less than class A drivers license then you fall under the state variances. As a class A you would need to be fully released, without restrictions, to return to work. But a lesser license fall under the states requirements and you should be fine. If there is an exemption, it would come from the state and not FMCSA.
I have taken 1.5 mg per day of Xanax for many years for panic disorder. My physician wants to increase the dosage to 2.0 mg per day. Will I be able to renew my license if have a medical statement that I am able to successfully perform my driving responsibiities?
@ Mary S S
Your cdl is state issued, you need to check with your states drivers license department for answers regarding drivers license. With proper documentation and a signed medical release from your prescribing doctor, you should be OK for the DOT medical card.
I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2001 and was put on seizure medication. I have been seizure free this whole time. Will this make me fail a DOT physical?
@ Samuel
Your medications are going to be the issue. You will need documentation plus a medical release form from your prescribing doctors. As a class A over the road driver, you will have difficulties passing the DOT/FMCSA medical examination. As a intra-state only cdl holder, you would fall under the states guidelines and variances. Find a CME who understands the differences.
Can you get a cdl if you have water on your brain or know as hydrophilic
@ Matthew M
If the condition causes no symptoms and you can support the findings with medical documentation and medical release forms from your treating physicians, you may be able to obtain a medical card. Your cdl is issued by the state and has it’s own set of requirements, so check with the states DLD.
I was diagnosed 7 years ago with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis when I was 25. Had a cdl at the time, was working in the heat all day every day farm related, semi didn’t have a/c either and feel that the heat is a little of what brought it on but I turned in my cdl found another job. Since the diagnosis I have not had any problems with my MS and was wondering if my MS would disqualify me from obtaining my cdl again. My neurologist said I was fine to drive and he would sign what he needed to stating I was ok to drive. Will that be all I need or is there more to it.
@ Bill T
With a note from your doctor explaining your situation and a medical release form from him will be a huge help in the CME’s decision making process.
Awesome!!! Thank you!
I had a minor tbi and skull fracture 3 weeks ago. Can I be ok’d back to duty?
@ Gary
Your return to work will come from your treating physician. Once released to return to work, without restrictions, then take your DOT medical certification examination. You will need a medical release form from your doctor.
I was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease several years ago. I am currently taking a diuretic that prevents any issues with dizziness and/or vertigo. I have not had an episode of vertigo in over 2 years. This being said, will I be able to obtain a DOT card?
@ Eric H
It will require medical documentation and a medical release form from your doctors. The information will be used by the CME to determine the possible risk factors to both you and the public at large.
I have a follow up question. My ENT doctor told me last week that Meniere’s is not present. Do I need to disclose to CME that I had Meniere’s? I am also taking bupropion, lamotrigine, and cymbalta for depression. Is it worth my time to try to obtain a DOT card so I can latch on at UPS? Thank you.
@ Eric H
Your conditions and medications are going to raise serious questions with any CME. With proper documentation from your doctors and a signed medical release form you may pass under the states cdl variances. Check with the states drivers license department before going for the medical card examination.
I had a severe TBI when I was 14. I am now 23 does this disqualify me from driving commercially?
@ Kaden
There will be questions by the CME. He will need supporting documentation from your doctor and a medical release. If you are capable of performing the duties of a CMV operator, you should do fine, if all is within normal limits.
Hi! My husband has been driving a truck since 1987. He was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His psychiatrist has already written a letter and his CDL was renewed for this year. He is doing everything his psychiatrist is asking him to do. During one of their sessions, my husband made a comment to her that she did not care for. She then threatned to take his license away. He is finding that he is not compatible with her anymore and he wants to change doctors. My question is can a psychiatrist (after writing a letter) have the CDL taken away??? He still plans on taking his meds he just wants a different doctor. He is afraid to change because of the threat she made.
@ Kim M
The cdl is a state issued license, so best check with your local DLD for the best answer.
My son is a truck driver in oregon. He was feeling suicidal and very stressed. He has an appointment with a doctor on Saturday. My question is if he tells this doctor that he was suicidal, does the doctor then have to report it to the dot
@ Kristen
Rules and laws vary with every state. Check with your local/state drivers license department.
Been diagnosed with ADD and my doc would like me to try adderall … is this allowed and will it effect me being able to keep my cdl
@ Robert
It should not effect your cdl since your cdl is state issued. Your medical card could be effected. You need to be on these medication for at least 30 days without any side effects before being issued a new medical card.
Thank you for taking the time to awnser … is there anything I can have on me as a precaution to avoid question
@ Robert
A medical release form from your prescribing doctor shouold be all you need with you at the time of the examination.
I had a left frontal lobe menenginoma tumor removed this past April (benign). My Neurosurgeon cleared me to go back to work. However my company DOT doctor has not cleared me. They say the wait time is 2 years to be able to drive again. I have never had a seizure in my life. How can I dispute this 2 year rule.
@ Kim R
The examiner is following FMCSA guidelines, so you could take up the dispute with the FMCSA.
I had Transient Global Amnesia two years ago. Does that disqualify me forever?
@ Daman R
Pretty much so. You may qualify for intra-state only. Get information from your state cdl drivers license department.
Is autism a disqualifying condition? It does not my affect my ability to drive.
@ John
If the condition does not effect your abilities to perform the duties of a driver, then it should not effect your medical card.
I have recently been diagnosed with Dystonia and are taking Trihexyphen and Buspirone. I also take Atenolol. I don’t want to tell my employer. Will this affect my medical card or CDL?
When I was 4 years old, I underwent treatment for an Astrocytoma Brain tumor. I have been cancer free since that time and have not had any seizures since undergoing treatment 16 years ago. Would I be disqualified from passing a USDOT Physcial with this health History?