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
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.
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.
Ryan D says
I was diagnosed with service-connected case of PTSD about a year ago which was after my last DOT physical I’m on 50 mg of sertraline and 150 mg of biuproperen?(Wellbutrin) as well as diagnosed with sleep apnea. I know what I need for the sleep apnea and can pass that part no problem, what I’m worried about is the PTSD and meds I’m on getting me dq’d from driving. What should I take to the medical exam to get my best chances of being cleared.
Trucker Docs™ says
@Ryan
Make sure you take a medical release form from your prescribing doctor and a release from your ptsd doctor explaining your medications, usage and how long you have been on the medication. That will help the CME make a more informed decision regarding your driving status.
Andrew says
Had a tia was shut down for 1 YEAR by company doctor I have successfully completed the year with out any problems received medical release and obtained a 1year med card from a certified dot doctor my company would not accept med card they wanted me to use there doctor they contract with do I have to use there doctor.
Trucker Docs™ says
@Andrew
All depends on what their company policy is. Are they going to pay for the re-examination? If they do, then you may need to go through with their examiner. If not, then the medical card that you have is valid and should do.
John says
I passed out while giving blood will this disqualify me for a dot med card.?
Trucker Docs™ says
@John
It should not be a major issue. If there is any question, then have your medical doctor write a medical release letter explaining the situation and go from there.
John says
Can a CMV driver who takes Zyprexa for Paranoid Schizophrenia be certified? With doctor note, can he be certified? Thanks.
Trucker Docs™ says
@John
You will need documentation from your prescribing doctor and a copy of the prescription. You should need a medical release form from your diagnosing doctor too. The medication and the condition are going to pose questions, so be as prepared as possible before you go in. GOOD LUCK
Henry says
I was diagnosed with depression several years ago and was on medication. I stopped taking it before I became a driver and have never put it on my medical card form. I’m needing to get back on whatever med I can to drive but all the reports I’ve read say the doctor will need one year of stable results before allowing me to drive again. Is their any way I can get on my meds and not deal with the year of unemployment?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Henry
A lot will depend on your doctors diagnosis and what medications he places you on. If this is not a serious condition and all he needs to prescribe is a mild medication, then the CME needs a medical release form from the doctor explaining your situation and the needs for the meds you are taking. The CME may request a short waiting period to make sure you will have no ill effects from the medication. Check with your primary doctor first and see what his thinking is – How severe is the diagnosis and how heavy are the medications. With the information in front of you before you do anything tells you where you are and what you are going to have to go through to continue driving. Good Luck
Bob R says
I have a friend that had a tumor removed from his brain, the day after the surgery, his arm shook uncontrollably for a few minutes so the Dr. administered so anti seizure meds to control it, (nothing was due to epilepsy). Once on the meds though he has to take them for a few weeks an have now started to back down the dosage. He only had the one episode right after the surgery, and is now on Levetiracetam 1000 MG max of 2000 MG a day. Once he is off the meds, how long does he need to be seizure free before he can resume driving? I’ve read different answers, one says two years without a seizure, and another says 5 years, but nothing is specific to this issue (Surgery induced), can you tell me what the guidelines are for a case like this?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Bob
Part of the answer would require knowing what type of tumor was removed. There are a multitude of answers from there to address your question. Also some of the basic side-effects of the medications now being taken will raise serious safety questions too. More information is needed.
Max says
I am bipolar. I have been medically stable for over seven years with no issues and my doctor will support me on that. Is this going to disqualify me on my DOT physical?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Max
It should not hold you back, as long as you have all the supporting documentation with you at the time of your examination. The CME needs medical releases and your doctors explanation regarding your case and a working prognosis.
Chris says
I was told just yesterday I had a ruptured disc and spinal stenosis. The doctor released me with no restrictions to go back to work. The company says I’m medically disqualified because it said I needed to follow up with my primary care doctor. So is this a condition that disqualifys me?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Chris
Not a reason to be disqualified, but does require a medical release form from your doctor and a new DOT medical certificate to determine fit for duty status.
Emily D says
I’m just wondering if an autism level 1 diagnosis is a disqualification for being a CDL driver. I was a school bus driver for 2 years but have left that, still current on CDL. Was diagnosed autistic in the last year. Don’t know if or how that changes things.
Trucker Docs™ says
@Emily
It all depends on a few things. What class drivers license do you have? How extensive does the condition effect your daily lifestyle and what type of support system do you have in place?
Diagnosis names a condition but does not give the truest picture of what your capabilities really are. So, some more information is needed to guide you in the right direction.
LessonLearned says
Advice to anyone reading this forum. If you want to drive a commercial vehicle DO NOT even think of mentioning any disqualifying conditions to your doctor. If blood pressure is an issue take your meds and quit salt the week before your physical. And when your doctor asks how your feeling you say,and this is important, like a million bucks. Don’t check ANY boxes unless you want to lose your job or not get the job or be sitting home not getting paid. Remember, you feel like a million bucks!
Trucker Docs™ says
@Lesson…..
Really?
So this is a driver telling you to lie on your federal DOT physical examination form. Not real sure that this is the best policy.
The CME’s job is to determine medical fitness for duty, not take your ass out of the truck. You guys have the single most important job in the USA. Yes, we can agree that some of the CMEs still do not have a clear picture of the FMCSA guidelines and what they are supposed to be looking for. It is difficult for the CMEs to do their job right now because FMCSA pulled the guidelines out of existence two-plus years ago for “revamping” and no one has seen them since.
But lying on the form does not protect you from any health issues and if found out could cost you your job and your driving career.
Why not find a CME that understands the driving community and what your job consists of so he/she can make the best, informed decision that he/she can.
That way you and the CME, both, keep everybody out there safe.
Bongo says
I would agree that lying on the med form is definitely not a good idea. In this day and age, everything is documented and stored forever. Should the lying driver be involved in a significant crash, the adverse party’s legal council will undoubtedly find out and barbeque the driver on the witness stand. Consider that many crashes now involve both civil litigation and criminal prosecution, and you have a scenario where the driver potentially faces jail time.
Chris G says
Hello, I suffer from Constant Migraines/Headaches, I take meds for them. Will this disqualify me from getting my Dot card renewed?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Chris
In and of itself, it may not be a disqualifier. But it is going to raise questions about what meds, how often and how well you can safely handle a commercial motor vehicle with this symptomatic picture. Get a medical release from your prescribing doctor before you go for the examination.
Ray says
I have peripheral diabetic neuropathy in my feet with a little bit of tingling but not bad am I disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle CDL?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Ray
You want to have your neurologist complete your medical release form explaining how your conditions effects your neuropathy. With that information hand, the CME can make a more informed decision. Your diabetes already limits your medical card to one year at the time and your condition is progressive, so he may keep an eye on you and your condition. But you are not automatically disqualified.
Dan D says
Does the treatment ECT disqualify me from keeping or obtaining a CDL
Trucker Docs™ says
@Dan
It is going to cause an extensive line of questioning, so make sure you have a medical release form from your doctors explain the need and results, with a prognosis, in hand before going for you examination.
GERALD B says
my husband went for a random drug test after he had his proton treatment and could past his water so they said that he would have to stay there for three hours until he past his water they never told him if he left that they would report him as not wanting to take the test so the company he work for told him he could not work until he get in touch with SRI so we don’t know how to do that so we need a letter and the company he work need a letter.
Bongo says
If your husband left the clinic before providing an adequate sample, he was probably reported as a ‘Refusal to Test’ and this is disqualifying. Unless he could get this action rescinded, he will need to seek out a SAP and work through a program of recovery. The company that let him go is required to provide your husband with a letter that lists several qualified SAPs (Substance Abuse Professional) near home, allowing him to choose where to go. This is a very unfortunate situation, but the fact that the clinic did not officially notify your husband that he couldn’t leave will most likely not relieve him of the burden of following the DOT mandates regarding this process.
Nick says
I was diagnosed with PTSD and bipolar type II as a service connected disability about 10 years ago. I have never been hospitalized or have any suicidal/homicidal ideations. I was prescribed divaloprex (depakote) about two years ago. The Dr. wanted to slowly get me off the medication (he said less is better.) I have not needed any medication in the last year or more. I have been completely sober and going to group therapy for some time now (at least six months.) I have two questions, should I get a medical opinion/release from my VA psychologist if these conditions will be a red flag? Is it better to be on medications or not in respect to qualifying for a CA medical examiner’s card? Thank you for your time.
Trucker Docs™ says
@Nick
You will need medical release forms from your doctors before you go for the DOT medical certificate. With proper documentation you should be alright, as long as everything else is within normal limits.
Angie S. says
I am trying to find the correct answer for a driver that has had a mild stroke. Is it “recommended” or
“required” that he sit out for one year before driving again? I have been told both ways. The newest version of this question that I can find was in 2009. ( Recommended )
Have there been any changes?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Angie
It is “highly recommended”! – but – with full supporting documentation from your neurologist the CME can make a more informed decision.
George D W says
I was diagnosed with et essential tremors is this condition something i will lose my medical card over
Trucker Docs™ says
@George
You probably want to get a medical release from your neurologist to take to your next medical exam.
Richard says
Can i get a 2 year dot medical card after having a severe concussion and fracture skull within the last 4 months?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Richard
No. You’ll need a medical release form from your neurologist and it is highly unlikely that you will get a 2-year medical card.
Penny says
Someone with a major Depressive Disorder and has had ECT treatments last one 3 months ago – no current meds can they have a DOT card?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Penny
The condition is going to raise many questions. It is doubtful that you will be able to go any further until you have a medical release form from the doctor stating that they are ready to release the driver to normal driving activities. A qualified medical release form will be the first step in this process.
Julia J says
Does anyone know the DOT regulations regarding suicidal thoughts and ideations? I am finding posts about mental illness, however not about suicidal thoughts and ideations. My husband was placed on unpaid medical leave by Greyhound in March after the DOT doctor for the company failed his medical examination due to suicidal thoughts. They are saying they can hold him out six months to a year based on DOT regulations. Does anyone know where I can find these specific DOT regulations?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Julia
This one is at the examiners discretion. Something must have been said that put the examiner on alert. You could try getting a medical release form from your doctor stating that your hubby is a pretty normal guy and is not under psychiatric care for any known suicidal tendencies.