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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 stroke in 2016 and they have put a loop recorder in my chest my blood thickens and on a blood thinner would I get a 2 year or 1 year cert
@ dana
One year at a time.
I had heart bypass 14 years ago do I still have to do a stress test every two years
@ Allen
DOT/FMCSA for a class A interstate driver, yes, stress test every two years.
Can you keep CDL drive OTR with a Life Vest & being on Entresto & Aspirin?
@ Kim S
Highly unlikely, maybe intra-state only. But your CME will need supporting medical documentation from your physician before he make his final decision.
Open heart two valves will be repaired and will have one bypass. Will I be able to get my CDL up graded to interstate. After 90 days with stress test and ok from heart doctor?
@ Robert
The CME may have additional questions for your physician. Bring what you have for supporting documentation so the CME can decide what else he may need to aid in his decision making process.
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.
I have a left branch bundle block and have to do a treadmill stress test yearly. It is difficult to do. Why can’t I have a nuclear stress test instead. My Dr. Said that usually a nuclear stress test is done with a patient with a left branch bundle block. What does the DOT require.
@ Monica M
With proper documentation from your doctors, you could be fine with a nuclear test.
I have been told that was not an option who can I contact to get this done. That would be great. My cardiologist has no problem writing a letter I just don’t know who I would need to contact. Please if you could let me know.
Monica M
# Monica M
Depending on the class cdl you hold will determine who you need to be speaking with. Class A interstate drivers have the toughest time, while lesser class cdl’s or intra-state only drivers have to deal with the states guidelines and variances.
I am a Bus driver with a class S & P
@ Monica M
You are under the states guidelines and variances, not federal DOT/FMCSA. Your medical examiner must/needs to know the differences between the two sets of rules and regulations. You should not have any issues. Confirm with your local DLD.
I have defibrillator what type of Cdl can i get
@ Talesha B M
Class A will be out, but check with your local DLD for your states restrictions. Most states allow cdl’s of a lesser class or class A intra-state only. Confirm with your local drivers license department (DLD).
I had a tavr done in April and my cardiologist released me for full duty after 6weeks when can I renew my dot card
@ Pete
For a class A cdl, DOT/FMCSA requires a 3 month waiting period for interstate drivers.
if I have devloped afib can I still get my medical card for cdls
@ jean
The CME will request supporting medical documentation to aid in his/her decision making process.
i have afib and take eliquis. Do i need blood test results in order to be medically DOT certified for school bus.
@ Dennis
You, as a school bus driver, do not fall under the federal DOT/FMCSA guidelines, unless you carry a class A cdl. Best to check with your local drivers license department for guidance on this issue.
I have a new defibrillator with phone app n warning system connected to hospital can I get a DOT physical?
@ Larry W
It will depend on the class cdl you hold.
I had my mitral valve repaired on April 11. Not going back to work to July 12th. I had Afib, after surgery, but completely stable heartbeat after about 10 days. Without medication. Cardiologist says blood thinners and rhythm meds for 6 months. Does that affect my ability to get a medical card?
And, Medical card will expire on June 8th. Is there any way, to keep from being downgraded?
Had my echo & stress test , and all heart functions normal, plus ok on the treadmill stress test.
@ Rusty
For a class A cdl, DOT/FMCSA has a 3 month waiting period following the repair. Then you will need a release form from your cardiologist. Go to DMV now, explain the situation and they will have a process that will keep you from having to downgrade. DLD just needs to know where you are in the scheme of things.
I had a stint for a partial blocked artery over 12 years ago. Am I still required to get stress test every two years ?
@ Jesse
Class A, yes.
I dad two stents put in april 2021; stess test 2022 all fine infraction 60%. Blood pressure
fine and normal walk 3 miles every day. will i be able to keep my mass cdl?
@ bob
You should not have any problems.