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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’m a transit operator for the City and County of San Francisco I had a stroke a little over a year ago I was denied my queen medical card because of where I had my stroke they’re saying telling me its a five year hold weight to get my green card because I had a left middle cerebral artery stroke I have no deficit I’m back to 95% I passed the test in office but they came back and said I couldn’t have my green car because of the type of stroke that hat I can’t find my question anywhere nor does it say on any website for the state or federal that it’s a five year hold I need that question answered is it really a 5 year waiting period
@Myra
It is a recommended waiting period. Try having your neurologist complete a medical release form for you. With the correct information, the waiting period can be shortened by the CME. But he has to have supporting information before he can act on it.
I am currently have a CDL B with hazmat I am currently seeing a therapist that thinks I have a issue with anxiety. I was trying to find out if my primary physician can write me a prescription for antidepressants and what they would so that I would still be able to keep my job with Virginia CDL
@Cindy
Just have your prescribing doctor complete a medical release form for you. That will answer all the questions that any examiner will have.
Is there a required length of time a CDL driver who’s had a stroke has to wait before returning to driving?
@theoron
A lot will depend on the location of the stroke. In general it will be a one to five year waiting period. Check with your local DOT examiner to determine the level and length of time you will have to wait.
I am UPS package car driver for 25 years. For the last two years in the month of December my Doctor puts me on Lexapro 10mg once a day for stress or maybe low level anxiety. At the end of January I usually stop. I went to get my DOT today. DOT Doctor said since Lexapro was prescribed by my primary Doctor and not a psychologist or psychiatry she is putting it on hold. Once I get cleared from either of them, she will pass me. What do you suggest?
@Jim
The medical examiner may be over-reading the guides.
If you have a medical release form completed by your primary doctor explaining your situation, then you should be good to go.
Does Chiari malformation type one disqualify you from obtaining a fed med card.
@Jason
Not in and of itself.
Make sure you take a medical release form from your medical doctor with you at the time of your DOT examination. That form will answer most of the questions that the DOT examiner will have. Good Luck
My son is trying to get certified. When he was 19 he had an accident (almost 7 years ago) that involved a TBI were a small cotter pin penetrated his dura. He did have surgery to have it removed. He never lost consciousness during his accident, has never had any kind of epileptic seizure that is defined in the DOT handbook that says would disqualify him. He is a very healthy adult male. He has been denied his clearance by a dr. because of his accident. Everything that we read states that even a person that suffers from epileptic seizures is able to get approval if they go 5 years seizure free. My son should be able to get his if he has NEVER once had any type of seizure in 7 years?
@Dawn
A lot will depend on what his primary doctor states in the medical release form that your son needs to have completed before he goes for his DOT medical examination. If he is not taking any seizure medications and he is as healthy as you imply, then there should be no problems. The rules and guidelines are pretty straight forward regarding this type of condition, and you are reading the guides correctly.
So get the medical release form completed first, and then go for the physical. Good Luck.
My husband has been seizure free for 15 years but still take medication for the seizure. He drives truck and need a DOT physical to keep driving, but doctor won’t pass his because he still takes the medication and the state of New York said he is ok to drive even tho he is still on the meds. Can you give us any advice on where we should go from here. Thank You
@Trina
The CME’s with not much experience doing DOTs are not reading through all the information.
Start with a medical release form completed by his primary doctor and neurologist, if you have one.
The medical release form should answer most of the questions that the CME will have.
Also make a copy of the information from your state regarding the issue.
The more information you can bring with you regarding his situation, the better. Good Luck
In the state of Oregon how often does a person who has been diagnosed with bipolar need to have their Department of Transportation card renewed? Once a year or every two years? Thank you.
DOT is federal. State doesn’t matter. Maximum 1 year card.
I had a heart attack Sept 1st, 3 stents, went home after 4 days, had a TVI or stroke Sept 12th, released 5 days later. Passed stress test Nov 3rd, have Dr releasses from primary Dr and Cardio Dr. Now being told have to be off work for 1 yr.???? Is there a way around this, drive mini bus for small town for general pub.
@Dana
You actually fall under a different set of rules, other than federal DOT. Federal is going to be a one year wait for a class A wanting to drive interstate.
But intra-state only has a different set of rules, and each state is different.
Check with your state Drivers License Department and see what your state rules are regarding your CDL and driving intra-state only for commercial operators. Good Luck
i had surgery 4 years ago to remove a colloid cyst. i have had no medical problems since the surgery. i went in for my dot physical last week. the exam was done by an assistant. he would’nt sign the medical card without consulting with the senior physician. about a week later, the physician contacted me and informed me that he was unable to issue me a medical certificate because of a new rule concerning invasive cranial surgery and seizures. As i stated i have had no medical issues since the surgery. also no family history of seizures. any help would be greatly appreciated.
@David
Get your doctor to complete your medical release form and take it with you when you go for your next DOT examination. The release form answers many questions that the CME will have and it also explains that you are well past the waiting period for any type of surgery.
I have been driving commercial vehicles since 1986. I was diagnosed with a mild form of Narcolepsy 10 years ago and was treated and cleared by my doctor to drive. I have passed several DOT medical exams by my family doctor since but with the new requirement for Certified Examiners he can no longer do my physical. The doctor I went to this week disqualified me because of my Narcolepsy. I have been driving for 28 years with no incidents before and after my treatment. My record proves I am a safe driver but apparently that doesn’t count. Is there anything I can do to retain my CDL and get medical clearance?
Thanks, Matt
@Matt
Get your medical release form completed by your primary doctor explaining your conditions and that will answer many questions that the CME will have.
Good Afternoon,
I was just hired for a delivery carrier, pending my dot physical. My question is I have add, and I am currently taking adderal for it, does this disqualify me from passing?
Thanks for your time.
@Reginald
No. Just make sure, before you go for your DOT examination, that you have a medical release form completed by your primary prescribing doctor. That form in hand at the time of the examination answers many of the questions that the CME will have.
I had a stroke in 2012 called a cavernous malformation (ich). There was no surgical intervention was necessary for my diagnosis. I returned to work after a 1 year waiting period. I just went to renew my dot card and they won’t issue me one. Do you know why I would be denied?
@Mike
You want to have your neurologist complete your medical release form for you before you go back for your DOT physical. The release will answer most of the questions that the CME will have.
@Mike
Did you have a completed medical release form done before you went for your DOT examination?
If not, do it first with your cardiologist and then go for the DOT examination. That forms answers many of the CME’s questions.
2004 I recieved surgery for a brain tumor. The resection left me with what they call simple partial seizures that are controled by medication. Their nothing more than slight twitching of the left arm. I have authorization to drive a car or pick-up truck for personal use per my neurologist and seizture specialist and all I want to do is drive a vehicle that falls within the peramiters of a standard license. Can I qualify to get a DOT card if I have a note from either doctor?
@Glenn
If you are going to change drivers class to a class A, then you will need to get a waiver from the FMCSA.
If you are going to stay with a standard driver’s license, you should be able to get a medical card with a note from your neurologist and your state may require a waiver permitting you to operate a vehicle over 10,001 pounds.
My doctor has had me on clonazepam for the last eight years to help with my dystonia and sleeping disorder at the same time. I also suffer from anxiety and take lexapro for that. I have heard that being on clonazepam is disqualifying for the DOT physical clearance even if my physician has written a medical opinion letter. I do not suffer from seizures for which this medicine is typically perscribed. I also have an impeccable safety record and have been driving since 1988. Is this really a disqualifying event?
@Dan
Have your doctor fill out the medical release form and take it with you when you go for your next DOT examination.
It will answer most of the questions that the CME will have.
HOW LONG DO HAVE TO STAY OFF FROM DRIVING A TRUCK IF YOU FALL OFF YOUR TRAILER AND HAD BLEEDING ON THE BRAIN
@Johnny
Once your neurologist releases you to return to work, then get him to complete your medical release form for you. Take that with you when you go to get your new medical certificate. It will help answer the medical examiner’s questions.
Yesterday I went in for a DOT physical after being disqualified for 6 months due to suicidal ideation. I was not trying to be deceptive, but I said “no” to mental health in my health history because I didn’t feel like I was having any issues with my mental health and I was ready to perform my duties driving a CMV. This was the same ME’s office I went to as I did 6 months ago, so they had my chart to go by. The nurse asked me if I was still taking prozac; I said no, she left okay and left. The ME came in and performed the physical and passed me. I had the letter from my psychiatrist’s office stating that I was fit and no mental health issues were present at this time. The ME never asked about my prior visit there and whether I had something stating I was psychologically healthy, so I left it alone and was ready to get back to doing the job I love.
Today I get a call from my soon to be employer that I had to go down and close this loop and give a copy of the letter to the ME. The ME’s office refused to take the letter from me, despite its validity. The ME also told me he would not because I mislead him and he would not listen to my explanation of the situation, and he also did not notice the letter in my hand during the physical even though it was in plain view. Despite the fact that he said he wasn’t upset, he was clearly angry at me and would not try to see this rationally and come to a resolution. He disqualified me for an additional 12 months. Do I have any other recourses in this situation legally or otherwise?
@Chad
Basically, you have a one year waiting period to pass first, from the first incidence.
Then get the medical release form completed by your doctor. After that you should be good to go.
Does guillan barre syndrome disqualify a patient? They also have neuropathy but it does not effect their driving. Grips are weakened and I have not been on any medication for neuropathy because my insurance will not approve it.
@Cristy
Get your doctor to complete a medical release form for you.
He/she will be able to answer this question a bit better once he/she sees what a driver must do for a living. I believe your condition is going to be restrictive, but you may be able to make it, for a while, with the right documentation.
Hi I was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy which is causing all sorts of problems this causes dizziness blood pressure swings and loss of body sensations I think I already know the answer to this but is this a disqualifying disorder and this isn’t the only thing I have wrong I also have sleep apnea and a heart condition and I take three different kinds of blood thinners from antiphospholipid syndrome anyhow thanks for your time.
I believe you are right. Your present list of conditions would more than likely disqualify you as a CDL driver.
In most cases we are looking for any condition which would cause the driver to be unsafe or have conditions that could come on quickly and not allow the driver to get to a safe space before the public at large was endangered.
Hello, I’m a Tow Truck Driver in MN and have recently had a seizure. Once I’ve been cleared by doctors can I return to work straight away or do I need to wait a year?
The FMCSA regulations are pretty strict on this, and want a one year waiting period.
I did have a driver go from interstate to intra-state, so he could continue to drive until his one year was up. Good Luck.
I had a TIA on September10th, 2010 should that effect me getting a CDL ? Had an echocardiogram on August 20th,2014 my EF is 60% . Have seen my cardiologist every 6 months since TIA and have had no problems or recurrences since. Todd
@Todd
You want to have your cardiologist complete your medical release form before you go for your medical examination. The waiting period following a TIA can be as short as a year and as long as ten years, all based on what the cardiologist has to say. Take as much information as you can so that the DOT examiner has enough info to make an informed decision. Good Luck