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Q&A
What if I’ve have a Myocardial Infarction (MI)?
What if I’ve have coronary artery bypass surgery?
What if I’ve have angioplasty surgery or stents?
What if I’ve have ventricular tachycardia?
Can I get a DOT medical card if I have a defibrillator?
What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?
My medical certificate only expires in nine months. What if I recently developed a medical condition that I couldn’t drive. Can I drive truck again now?
Even if you currently have a ‘current’ medical certificate, you are prohibited from driving a CMV with any medical condition that would be disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What if I’ve have a Myocardial Infarction (MI)?
You will need to be off work for at least two months. You will need to get an Ejection Fraction and Exercise Tolerance Test, and be cleared by your cardiologist before returning to work. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What if I’ve have coronary artery bypass surgery?
You will need to be off work for at least three months. You will need to get an Ejection Fraction and Exercise Tolerance Test, and be cleared by your cardiologist before returning to work. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What if I’ve have angioplasty surgery or stents?
You may return to work once you’ve been cleared by your cardiologist, which may be as soon as one week after the procedure. You will need to get an Exercise Tolerance Test three to six months after the procedure, and again at least every other year. This is a disqualifying medical condition, so once it is resolved, and before resuming operation of a CMV, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What if I’ve have ventricular tachycardia?
If you have recurring episodes you should be evaluated by a cardiologist to see if the underlying cause of the ventricular tachycardia is disqualifying.
Can I get a DOT medical card if I have a defibrillator?
The defibrillator is a disqualifier for inter-state driving. The defibrillator is designed to correct problems when they occur, but it still leaves a safety risk.
You may be able to drive inter-state, based on your state’s regulations.
What if I take nitroglycerine for angina?
Taking nitroglycerine is, of itself, not a disqualifier. The medical examiner may require an evaluation by your treating physician to make sure that your angina is stable.
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I had a TAVR procedure in September. My cardiologist has given a letter saying I can go back to driving school bus. I went to have my bus physical and was told at the of the physical I had to wait 90 days from surgery. I did not have surgery with the TAVR. The doctor went up my artery in my leg to replace my Aortic value. So I just want to know the requirements. I was home in 31 hours. Thanks
@ David A
As a school bus driver with a lesser class cdl, not class A, you fall under your states regulations and not federal DOT/FMCSA. Confirm with your local drivers license department. Your medical examiner may be holding you to a class A standard.
Whom should sign off on DOT Medical Clearance: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery?
Cardiologist or General practioner.
@ Jock C
Cardiologist.
Hello I am 72 retired thinking about part time work just in my state of PA. I have AFIB,congestive heart failure and a pacemaker defibrillator. I see my DR every couple of Months. Can I still drive.
@ Dennis E
Your best bet will be to confirm with your local drivers license department. Their rules and requirements will different from those of the federal DOT/FMCSA.
Is Heart Failure a disqualifying condition for the physical? Current EF at 42 %. Taking ENTRESTO, blood pressure under control.
@ Rowilson F
For a class A cdl holders, LVEF of 40% or better, which you are above, you may be OK. It will depends on any other physical findings that the CME must evaluate and he/she will need release forms from your doctors, with a recent stress test. (stress must be within the past two years)
Good news. I am a School Bus Driver (not active), with a Class B PS endorsements. Planning on retireing from my current position at the school, but staying as a part time driver. Thank you for clarifying.
What is the heart rate range to pass dot
DOT/FMCSA for a class A cdl: Bp below 140/90, pulse rate can run in a normal range of 60 to 80 bpm.
Hi, can a person diagnosed with AFIB drive a commercial vehicle or is it a exclusionary condition? Thanks
@ Nonya
All depends on the class cdl you hold or are going for.
If someone who carries a class A license has mitral valve repair or replacement, will they be able to drive again?
@ Beth
Yes, they will need a medical release form from their cardiologist and any documentation the CME may need in his/her decision making process. But with that information, you should be able to return to driving.
Can I get a medical card in south Dakota if I have a pacemaker?
@ Bruce H
Depends on the class cdl you have. Less than a class A interstate cdl will fall under your states regulations. Best to confirm with your local DLD.