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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 was just diagnose with 30% EF can I still drive school bus
@ Barbara
As a school bus driver, you fall under your state guidelines and variances. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department for clarification.
Thank you for the fast response!
@ dale
You are welcome. Be Safe.
I had a Cardioversion for irregular heart beats. How long by Law do I need to be off work?
@ Edward S H
DOT/FMCSA for a class A cdl. You will need a full medical release to return to work, without restrictions or limitations. Documentation that the procedure was successful and the condition is stable. With all this information in hand, you can take a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination.
How recent do the test results have to be for EF for heart failure. Can i use results from 12 months ago? 6 months?
I was diagnosed with a mild case of POTS and was wondering if this along with a deterioration of the jaw would disqualify me to hold a cdl or pass a dot exam?
@ Daniel
It will raise questions from any medical examiner. If you are trying for a class A cdl, then you will need documentation of a stable condition, plus a medical release form. Lesser class cdl’s will fall under your states regulations. So, confirm with your local drivers license department.
what if I have a heart murmur
@ Rodney S
If you and your primary physician are aware of this and you have a note from your primary stating this is a no issue murmur, then you are good to go. The CME needs to know that all parties are aware of the murmur.
I just got a pacemaker for a slow heart beat. Can I still drive a school bus?
@ Dave
Unless you are a class A cdl holder, you are probably OK. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department as your states rules and regs are different than those of the federal DOT/FMCSA.
Had a heart attack with stinting in the LAD Last October and was put back to work within 3 weeks and passing a stress test.
A little over a week ago I’m back in the hospital for another stint due to 90% blockage.
My question is did they send me back to work to soon and is it possible the stress from that helped aggravate the second?
Also how long should I be off work this time? It’s been less than a year between stints and I’m concerned not taking enough time off may cause permanent issues beyond the obvious.
@ Dan
These are questions you should be asking your cardiologist.
A friend will eventually need a TAVR valve, and his job requires that he holds an interstate CDL. Will that be possible?
My husband has a TAVR, but, he is intrastate only. Thank you.
@ Laura O C
With proper documentation following the procedure, they should be fine. The CME will need a medical release form from the doctors and a full return to work letter.
How soon can I drive a bus after I had a heart attack and stent placed to correct the problem?
@ Courtney A S
Depends on the class cdl you hold. Class A falls under the federal regulations and lesser class cdl’s are under your states regulations.
I have a class C
@ Courtney A S
You are under your states regulations and not federal regs. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department.