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
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.
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.
what is the min. cardiac ef to have a cdl?
@ Douglas E C
LVEF must be 40% or better.
I have been driving for 5 years OTR,but I had a heart attack and need a defibrillator. Can I still drive?
@ Camille
Not as a class A OTR driver. You may drive as an intra-state only, so confirm with your local DLD for guidance.
Afib cardiomyopathy chronic heart failure
@ Jerry B
And the question is….? Class A, probably not.
I HAVE MODERATE AORTIC STENOSIS CAN I DRIVE A FMCSA
@ Wadden
All depends on the symptomatic condition of the stenosis.
If no symptoms then no problem. If you have symptoms, then the CME will request additional information before making final decisions.
I am an amputee above the knee on my right leg and I take opiates for phantom pain. Will this disqualify me from obtaining CDL
@ Tyson P
2 thing will be in play. 1. Your cdl is a state issued document, so you will need to check with your local drivers license department (DLD). 2. Much will depend on the class cdl you are striving for. Class A is going to be the toughest and any lesser class cdl will fall under your states guidelines and variances.
had by -pass 13 yr go do i have to do a Stress test early to renew my d.o.t Medical Card
@ Paul A F
Class A cdl, DOT/FMCSA, stress test every two years. Stress test results must be within the past two years.
Good Morning. I was diagnosed having elevated triponin levels and heart attack in April of 2022. During my catheterization, my Right Coronary Artery was 100% blocked. Of course the blockage was cleared and a med coated stent was inserted. Fast forward to April of this year. U cardiologist gives me a clean bill of health and encouraged me to live my life with the restrictions bring moderation and good sense.
Will I be eligible to receive a CDL and take a driving job??
@ Eric P N
Lots will depend on the class cdl you are striving for. Class A is going to be more difficult due to federal regulations. Lesser class cdl’s fall under the states regulations and requirements. Make sure your medical examiner knows the difference between the two.
Trucker Doc I need to know. I’m trying to get a NON CDL driving job. Emphasis on NON CDL. MEANING NO CDL REQUIRED I JUST NEED A DRIVER’S LICENSE WHICH I HAVE. ARE THEY ALLOWED TO BASE DECISIONS TO DISQUALIFY ME DUE TO AN ICD EVEN IF IT IS NON CDL
@ Robert
We know what a non-cdl physical means. NO NEED TO SHOUT, thank you. There are two standards here. 1. DOT/FMCSA for cld class A OTR drivers, that ain’t you. 2. Your states guidelines, variances, and regulations. This is you. The medical examiner in your state has to know the differences and evaluate you accordingly. Apparently your examiner held you to DOT/FMCSA standards and not your states requirements. Find a medical examiner that knows the difference.