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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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This is my first time getting clearence for the DOT Medical card
I had bovine valve in 2007 – currently I am seeing a cardiologist.
This week I had two tests a echocardiogram and stress test.
My test showed 55 – 60% ejection fraction
The only issue is the Stress ECG was abnormal, conclusive and consistant with myocardial ischemia.
We will be doing a nuclear stress test on the treadmill this week to see if it is the case.
Otherwise, the heart rate demonstrated a normal response to exercise. Overall, my exercise capacity was good. I am very active and have had no problems with this at all. I am waiting on his recommendation saying that I can drive a commercial vehicle from a cardiology standpoint.
What are my chances on passing? Thank you for your help, I appreciate it.
@ Jason
Your chances are very good. You will need to provide supporting medical documentation and a medical release form from your cardiologist. Good Luck.
Driver had aortic valve replacement. How long before he can be medically qualified to drive a CMV?
@ Robert
Class A cdl, 3 months waiting period before he needs to have a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination.
My driver had a stemi heart attack and two stents put in. Is there a specific timeframe for returning to work beyond the 7 days?
@ Susan C
DOT/FMCSA class A interstate driver, 2 months. Medical release forms from physicians and a stress test. And he needs a new medical certification examination and medical card. It will be limited to one year time frame.
I had a defibrillator and a pacemaker placed in my chest in March 2023. I have a Class A license and have been driving over the road for about 2 years.
Can I go back to driving a Class A vehicle if I am cleared by my doctor and the DOT exam?
@ James B
If you get clearance from the CME, then you could drive.
Class A interstate medical certification examination will require supporting medical documentation and medical release forms from your physicians.
I had coronary artery bypass surgery in March 2023. How do I obtain recertification form for my Medical examiner.
@ Stephen W
You have completed the three month waiting period, now you need a medical release form from your doctors and a stress test. Then you can go for your medical certification card.
I’m about to have cardioversion, for afib .what is the wait for recertification? Thanks
@ Joe T
30 days post surgery.
Does a heart halter loop recorder implantation disqualify you? Cardiologist has cleared to drive. All my testing cameback normal with the exceptional anemia.. Made some medication changes.
Just wants to insert this as its good for 6 years and history of heart disease in the family. I’m not having it if it disqualifies me.
@ Tia
It is going to raise questions with the CME. He/she will want supporting medical documentation and a medical release form from your doctors. All to aid in the decision making process.
Had a pace maker put in how long do I have to wait to get recertified
@ Douglas W
One month post implant.