Medically reviewed by Dr. Alan M. Tebby, D.C., FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner | Last updated: January 27, 2026
TL;DR: DOT Physical Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders don’t automatically disqualify you from DOT certification. The key factors are disease control, functional ability, and medication compatibility. Many autoimmune medications—including biologics and immunosuppressants—are compatible with commercial driving. Your examiner evaluates whether your condition is stable and whether you can safely perform commercial driving duties.
At Charlotte DOT Exam Center, our FMCSA-certified examiners have extensive experience evaluating this condition.
📞 Call 704-544-3494 | 💰 $70 flat rate | 🚶 Walk-ins welcome
📑 In This Guide
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders and DOT Physical Certification
Autoimmune disorders encompass a wide range of conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. These include lupus, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis), psoriasis, and many others. Each condition has unique considerations for commercial driving.
The FMCSA evaluates autoimmune disorders based on disease activity, functional impact, and treatment compatibility with driving. Well-controlled autoimmune disease with stable treatment is typically certifiable. Active flares or severe disease may temporarily prevent certification.
At Charlotte DOT Exam Center, we evaluate autoimmune disorders individually based on your specific condition and current status. Our examiners can help you understand what documentation supports your certification.
What Is Autoimmune Disorders?
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues. There are over 80 recognized autoimmune diseases affecting various organs and systems. For DOT purposes, evaluation focuses on how the condition affects your ability to drive safely.
How Common Is Autoimmune Disorders?
Autoimmune diseases collectively affect approximately 24 million Americans. Many people with autoimmune conditions maintain active careers, including commercial driving, with proper disease management.
FMCSA Standards for Autoimmune Disorders
The FMCSA physical qualification standards are found in NIH Autoimmune Disease Information. According to the FMCSA Physical Qualifications, autoimmune disorders affects many Americans, including commercial drivers.
The FMCSA evaluates autoimmune disorders based on functional capacity—your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. Key factors the medical examiner considers include:
- Current condition status: Is your condition stable and well-managed?
- Functional ability: Can you perform all required commercial driving tasks?
- Medication effects: Do your medications impair driving ability?
- Safety risk: Could your condition cause sudden incapacitation?
- Documentation: Do you have adequate records supporting certification?
For additional information, see the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association and Lupus Foundation of America.
Common Questions About Autoimmune Disorders and CDL Certification
Commercial drivers with autoimmune disorders often have similar questions. Here are the most common questions we answer at Charlotte DOT Exam Center:
Can I get a CDL with an autoimmune disorder?
Yes, many drivers with autoimmune disorders maintain CDL certification. The key is stable disease control and ability to safely perform commercial driving functions. Each autoimmune condition is evaluated individually.
Are autoimmune medications compatible with commercial driving?
Most autoimmune medications are DOT-compatible, including biologics (Humira, Remicade, etc.), immunosuppressants, and anti-inflammatory medications. Corticosteroids like prednisone are also acceptable.
What about lupus and commercial driving?
Lupus (SLE) can be certified if well-controlled. Considerations include organ involvement (especially kidney, heart, CNS), flare frequency, and medication side effects. Stable lupus on appropriate treatment is typically certifiable.
Can I drive commercially with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis?
Yes, IBD is commonly certified if well-controlled. Considerations include flare frequency, urgency symptoms, and medication side effects. Drivers need reliable access to restrooms, which should be planned for routes.
What if my autoimmune disease flares?
Active flares may temporarily prevent certification depending on severity and symptoms. After flare resolution and return to baseline, certification can typically proceed.
Do I need specialist documentation?
For well-controlled, mild autoimmune disease, primary care documentation may suffice. For moderate-to-severe disease or complex medication regimens, specialist documentation (rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, etc.) is helpful.
Does autoimmune disease affect certification duration?
Active or recently diagnosed autoimmune disease may receive 1-year certification for monitoring. Stable, long-term controlled disease may receive standard 2-year certification.
What about autoimmune diseases affecting the nervous system?
Conditions like MS have specific evaluation criteria due to potential effects on motor function, vision, and cognition. These require neurologist documentation and careful assessment of current functional status.
Autoimmune Disorders and Commercial Driving Medications
Understanding which medications are compatible with commercial driving helps you prepare for your DOT physical and communicate effectively with your medical examiner.
💊 Medication Compatibility Chart
| Medication Category | Common Examples | CDL Compatible? |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib | ✅ Yes |
| Corticosteroids | Prednisone, budesonide | ✅ Yes |
| Conventional DMARDs | Methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine | ✅ Yes |
| Biologics | Humira, Remicade, Enbrel, Stelara, Entyvio | ✅ Yes |
| JAK Inhibitors | Xeljanz, Rinvoq | ✅ Yes |
| Aminosalicylates | Mesalamine, sulfasalazine (for IBD) | ✅ Yes |
| Immunomodulators | Azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine | ✅ Yes |
| Antimalarials | Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) | ✅ Yes |
✅ = Compatible | ⚠️ = Requires evaluation | ❌ = Not compatible while driving
Certification Duration Based on Autoimmune Disorders Status
Your DOT medical certificate duration depends on your condition’s status, treatment effectiveness, and documentation provided:
📊 Certification by Severity
| Severity Level | Characteristics | Typical Certificate | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild/Well-controlled | Minimal symptoms, stable on treatment | 2 years | Medication list + primary care records |
| Moderate (controlled) | Some symptoms but functional, stable treatment | 1-2 years | Specialist records recommended |
| Moderate (active) | Frequent symptoms or recent flare | 1 year or defer | Specialist documentation required |
| Severe/Poorly controlled | Significant symptoms affecting function | Defer until controlled | Specialist documentation + treatment plan |
⏳ Waiting Periods
| Situation | Typical Wait | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| After disease flare | Until symptoms return to baseline | Documentation of disease control |
| New diagnosis | After treatment initiated and stable | Treatment records + specialist input |
| New biologic started | After initial dosing (4-8 weeks) | Documentation of tolerance |
| After bowel surgery (IBD) | Full recovery (6-12 weeks) | Surgeon clearance |
What to Bring: Documentation Checklist
Proper documentation streamlines your DOT physical and supports certification. Gather these items before your appointment:
Required Documentation
- ✅ Specific autoimmune diagnosis
- ✅ Current medication list with dosages
- ✅ Description of disease activity and functional status
Recommended Documentation
- 📋 Specialist records (rheumatology, GI, etc.)
- 📋 Recent labs if relevant to disease monitoring
- 📋 Documentation of flare frequency and management
- 📋 Functional assessment if any limitations
🚨 After Hospitalization
- 🏥 Discharge summary for autoimmune-related hospitalizations
- 🏥 Documentation of current disease status
- 🏥 Updated medication list
- 🏥 Specialist clearance for return to driving
Related Conditions and Resources
Drivers with autoimmune disorders may have related conditions also evaluated during the DOT physical:
- DOT Physical Medical Conditions
- rheumatoid arthritis
- multiple sclerosis
- chronic pain
- organ transplant
For complete information, see our DOT Physical Medical Conditions hub page.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a CDL with autoimmune disease?
Yes, if your disease is well-controlled and you can perform driving functions safely.
Are biologics and immunosuppressants allowed?
Yes, most autoimmune medications are compatible with commercial driving.
What about lupus?
Can be certified if well-controlled, depending on organ involvement and flare frequency.
Can I drive with Crohn’s or colitis?
Yes, if well-controlled. Plan for restroom access on routes.
What if I have a flare?
Active flares may temporarily prevent certification until resolved.
Do I need specialist records?
Helpful for moderate-to-severe disease or complex treatment regimens.
Schedule Your DOT Physical at Charlotte DOT Exam Center
Charlotte DOT Exam Center provides expert DOT physical examinations for commercial drivers with autoimmune disorders. Our FMCSA-certified medical examiners—Dr. Alan M. Tebby, D.C. and Dr. Lemuel Byrd—have extensive experience with this condition.
📍 Charlotte DOT Exam Center
8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102
Charlotte, NC 28226
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Questions? Call us at 704-544-3494 to discuss your autoimmune disorders and DOT certification requirements.
