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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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Can my brother be approved for a local CDL license? He’s had epilepsy since about 12yrs old. During that time he has been on medications. Last year he had epilepsy surgery. It’s been 18+ months
without any seizure. He still is taking one seizure medication, but that can be reduced after 24 months.
Does he have a chance at getting a local (non-passenger) CDL license?
@Jay
You will want to check with your local drivers license department on this one. Each state is different and your state may have a policy in place that would allow him to driver CDL as an intra-state only driver. But confirm that with your local DLD.
He lives in New York State. Would he be able to get a CDL in New York? How about Vermont or Mass?
My husband had a one time unprovoked Seizure and doesn’t have Epilespsy on Sept 29 2015 he was admitted to the hospital and was seen by a neurologist . He had an Eeg and a brain MIR with nothing conclusive . He has never had anything like this before and wasn’t precribed any anit Serzure medicine . The neurologist says he will lose his CDLfor 2 years. I beleive he is over guessing the time he would be disqualified for his Cdl. I don’t beleive he will sign off for him to drive before the two years are up .His CDL was cancelled by the state. But for how long?Who has the final word ? Thanks for your time ! Frustrated to the end !
@Penny
It would be a one year waiting period. The CME makes the final decision, but he will need a medical release form from the neurologist. Check with any CME to get a copy of the regulations to take back to the neurologist. The neurologist is great at neurology, but is not a CME and is unaware of the DOT regulations. Be polite, but have what you need before you go back to the neurologist.
my husband recently was diagnosed with parkinsons and doctor pulled his medical card and says he needs to see a certified DOT neurologist. where do you find one of these? or is there someone else he can see. we live in iowa.
@Deb
Certified DOT neurologist? Never heard of such a thing. Any neurologist will do and he needs to complete a medical release form explaining his findings for the CME. If the CME does not understand the neurologist explanation, then find a new CME.
August 18th, TIA with refusal of DOT medical card for a year;
After asking questions and pushing for answers, vascular surgeon found a blockage in carotid artery; An arteriosclerosis of carotid artery was performed; all blockage, plaque was successfully removed; vascular surgeon and Neurologist both say thumbs for returning to work as the risk for a stroke or TIA has basically removed. My risk factor according to them is the same or less than the average person;
In your opinion do you feel I will be able to attain my DOT physical again?
@Larry
Because it was diagnosed as a TIA, then the one year waiting period is in effect, according to the FMCSA. So any CME is held by this regulation.
You should be able to return to driving once the waiting period is over. Also make sure you have a medical release form from you doctors when you go for your DOT examination, as well as all of your most recent test results. The CME is going to want as much information as possible to get you back on the road.
I have been prescribed Meclizine for nausea … it does not make me drowsy …will this show on a urinalysis?
@Diane
If you have a prescription from your doctor and you can provide a copy to the MRO, if you are asked to provide one, then you should not have an issue.
I have had my CDL for 15 years (in Wisconsin) and have been driving interstate for the same company for 7 years. In October, I had labyrinthitis (inner ear inflammation) due to a viral infection, probably because my seasonal allergies were particularly bad this year. It caused a bout of vertigo and a trip to the ER (because we had no idea what was going on). It was treated, I was on short term disability and light duty for two months. The infection is 100% cleared up. Is labyrinthitis a disqualifier? Then, the Friday before my DOT follow up Monday morning, the DOT calls and says they need my full medical records from 30 years ago when I had a head injury from a car accident. Is having a head injury from 30 years ago a disqualifier? There’s absolutely no connection to the two. Do you have any recommendations?
My question. I’ve worked religiously for this OTR company for five years. Recently suffering from flares of gout. While getting blood drawn for testing I passed out and now they telling me I suffered a Transient Ischemic Attack, known as a TIA. Now my company has a policy if out of work (sick or hospital) for a week. They require a new DOT physical. Because of my hospital stay and the diagnosis of TIA. DOT doctor is telling me I cannot pass the physical. Must not have commercial drivers license for one year. I live in Florida. Is this true????
@Thomas
Any illness or injury, according to the FMCSA, not just your company, would require a new DOT examination.
You could go back to the hospital and make sure that the medical records support a TIA, if that is the case then you are on a one year wait period before you can pass the DOT examination, again FMCSA.
If a new diagnosis can be support something other than a TIA you may not have to go through the waiting period.
You should also check with your local drivers license department and see if you can drive intra-state only and ask what the states rules and regulations are regarding your condition and the wait period.
Hello I’m taking generic version of lexapro will I get a trouble to get DOT licence
Thank u..
@Andreas
It all depends on why you are taking this medication and how long you have been using the medication. There will be questions about the condition and your present usage. A medical release form from your doctor explaining the situation and your reactions to the medication will go a long way to answering the CME’s questions.
If I had a diagnosis of being bipolar but am not taking any medications at all for condition would I pass dot physical
@Jake
Depends when you were released by your doctor. You will want to have a medical release form from your previous prescribing doctor.
I wanted to know if atypical Autism ( very high functioning) is an automatic disqualified. I’m very high functioning and do know how to drive. Please reply.
@Sal
If you are able to perform the duties of a commercial motor vehicle operator, then you should not have any problems. Go to the FMCSA web-site and look up the drivers qualification / job description and see if you can perform all of these duties. If you feel that you can, then go for it.
I am Bipolar and taking LIthium since 1989. When I applied for my CDL in 1998, I had to wait a few months while the dept of public safety reviewed my medical records. And every 2 years they send a form and my primary care doctor fills it out and returns it so I can keep my cdl. I have not seen a psychiatrist since about 1998, he said primary care doctor could take care of Lithium. Now the doctor to do my DOT physical says I need a release from a psychiatrist not my my primary care doctor.He says it is the new ruling that it can’t be my pcp. Is this true? I will lose the job I love if I have to wait to set up with a psychiatrist.
@Retha
The CME needs to have all of the available information in his hands to make a decision about your state. If your Primary Care Physician has all of the available information, then there should not be a problem. Can’t tell if the CME is over-reading the guidelines or not looking at all of the available information. Get your PCP to help out here.
Hello,
I am a school bus driver in Michigan. Ihave been taking Adderal for over 10 years under doctors care. I drove a school bus in Michigan from 2005 until 2008. I then moved to Ohio and drove there as well. I am presently driving a school bus in Michigan going on 3 years.
When I returned to Michigan I was hired as a school bus driver in 2012. I was still taking the Adderal under my doctors care, and I was issued a 2 YEAR medical card.
.
I was off for some surgery for two months (not job related/not workmen’s comp)). During my time off the job, my medical card had expired. I went in for my physical before returning back to my school bus job and I was issued a 1 YEAR medical card.
I am in great physical shape & health, not over weight, no blood, heart, health or diabetes issues.. After many phone calls, on line research and a lot of run around, I could NOT get an answer as to why I was NOT issued a 2 YEAR medical card. I am still taking the Adderal under my doctors care. I have not had any problems with any drug screenings, and there have been many!
What has changed? I have been on Adderal since my very first day on this job. I am finding this
very upsetting that I only received a 1 YEAR medical card and no answers as to why.
Can you please help me figure this out?
Thank you so much,
@Krystyna
All that changed is that the CME who is doing your medical card only feels comfortable giving you a one year verses a two year card.
If you ask him point blank and he answered honestly, it would be based on his decision making process. No rules or regulations, just CME prerogative. Maybe he feels that your condition could deteriorate and he wants to keep a close eye on you. Seems like a medical release form from your PCP should suffice as more than enough information for a two year card.
Had a TIA that lasted 5 mins went to the ER they kept me a day had MRI Cat scan ultra sound EKG everything was perfect. They sent me home the nexted day and have to take a aspirin and a statin drug. The DOT doctor wanted me to go to the neurologist and I also went to a cardiologist and they both released me and so did my primary doctor. My company made another appointment with the DOT doctor and the DOT doctor called me before he even saw me and said I will not look at you even after all the other doctors released me. TIAs are more common then not. Its been 2 months and losing everything. The DOT doctor is a arrogant A and that is common knowledge.. Can he refuse looking at me and all my medical back up
@Jim
TIA via FMCSA is an automatic one year wait before returning to driving.
Check into doing intra-state only for a while. You’ll need to check with your local drivers license department to get further information regarding this issue. Good Luck
When did having narcolepsy disqualifing put into the rule that you were disqualifing. and were can get a copy
@Thomas
If not mistaken narcolepsy has been a disqualifier due to the fact that it makes for an unsafe driver. But the new DOT examiners are just now getting their stuff together. If your condition is being treated by your primary, and it is being controlled, then get a medical release form from your doctor explaining your condition and take that with you during the DOT examination. This will be a help for the examiner to take as much information in as possible.
Did a law go into effect July 2014 that if you have Narcolepsy but it is under control by medication and you are under the care of a physician that you still will be Disqualified from a CDL even though you have had CDL for years? Where can I get a copy of the ruling stating this?
@Thomas
Get a medical release from your doctor to explain your situation.
I have Hydrocephalus. I have had it since birth. I have held a valid Class A CDL for 22 years. I am now trying to get a job driving a school bus and the doctor giving the physicals said that I do not qualify because my the skin of my brain has be cut due to the shunt I have. I have no restrictions, no limitations, and no medications. I am 44 years old and the last time I had a shunt revision was 21 years ago. After which, I received a medical card. Is this true or is he misunderstanding the rule. I have held a valid medical card this entire time and Hydrocephalus has been listed on every one of them. The only thing that has ever been said is that I have a 1 year card instead of 2 year.
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I was diagnosed with idiopathic polyneuropathy on 12/10/2010. Will this stop me from getting a medical card.. It is rated mild to moderate.
@Mark
Because this condition is going to cause a multitude of questions from any examiner, it would be highly unlikely that you would pass an interstate class A license examination.
You could check with your state drivers license department and see what their regulations are for an intra-state only commercial license.
Got a medical release from Nuerologist, picture of meds. Taken just after hospital stay. Trying to get on with first trucking co. Four months ago I fell and had evac uation of epidural hematoma and left sided craniotomy. No seizures,no anything. Hair analysis showed pain meds. Sent home and waiting for DOT medical examiner to decide if Im ok to drive (medical card). Will they pass me?
@Kristine
Very questionable. Each person has to be taken on a case by case evaluation.
Your CME will have to weigh all of the examination and findings from his exam and all the information from all the other doctors involved in your case. He will also take into consideration any potential safety issue that his findings reveal and ask questions from the other doctor regarding your situation. Give him time and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Do I report a TIA to my boss? Does TIA go into the FMCSA data base and who reports that to them? I heard disqualified for 1 yr. after TIA
@Tony
At least one year, maybe more depending on the area of the brain.
Your information goes on your medical history form for the doctor and a copy of your most recent results must be attached to the federal form. All of that information is kept with the CME that does the examination. This information is not turned into the FMCSA, unless they ask for it. The FMCSA database only wants to know if you pass, if so for how long, and if you do not pass. There is no specific information to the FMCSA, unless they ask for it.
I was assaulted in october of 2014. My jaw and nose were broken. Then i ended up with a subdural hematoma (blood clot) and had head surgery in november. the blood clot came back and i had head surgery again in january and again in february. Finally in July of 2015 I was released from all restrictions and given a release form to return to work and my normal duties.. I am good now, never got a seizure or anything like that. I went to do a dot physical and was given my dot card in july. Now, i applied for a driving job and the company sent me to get another dot physical at the clinic they send all the new hires, they didn’t accept the card i had. Now the doctor said i didn’t qualify because i have to wait atleast 1 year from last surgery and maybe longer depending on my injury. Is this true or is the doctor misinterpreting the dot regulations?