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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 have afib What test is required for medical card?
@ JL
The CME will require a medical release form from your cardiologist, along with any supporting documentation of your situation. He may also request additional information from your cardiologist.
I have leak around my new aortic valve I had replaced in 2022. Now they are going fix it so how long will I be off ? Before I can recertification for my dot physical.
@ Mike
3 months with a post aortic valve repair.
Hello, I have occasional episodes (3 times a year) of SVT Supraventricular tachycardia. I was prescribed a beta blocker, which helps and gets me out of them quicker. Its controlled and mostly preventative if I don’t drink a lot of coffee or smoke/vape. Would this disqualify me from passing DOT exam?
@ Colin
It will depend on the class cdl you are going for. Class A is going to require documentation. Lesser class falls under your states requirements.
can someone send me some information on defibrillator if I can drive a commercial vehicle need it asap please .
My husband had stents placed shutters a cardiac incident in 2016, does he need to have the biannual stress echo every two years until he retires?
@ Aggie
For a class A cdl, yes.
i had wolf-parkinson-white syndrome and had an ablation done as a ten to correct the heart rhythm. I’ve recently developed some symptoms resembling that of the wpw. few years ago, i read that anyone who had the ablation done couldn’t hold a cdl a license. if it turns out that the wpw is back, am i disqualified to hold a cdl a?
@ Scott mcg
The condition will raise questions and will need to have supporting medical documentation. Not an instant disqualifier, but is possible risk factor for you and the public at large. The CME needs to have information from your treating physician and then make his final decision.
If I have a Pace Maker, would I be eligible for DOT clearance with authorization from my Cardiologist ?
@ thomas a h
If the unit does not have a defibrillator, then you could be alright. A lot will depend on the class cdl you are going for.
Do you have to have a cardiologist letter clearing you every year after open heart
@ Debbie
A medical release form from your cardiologist at each DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination, for a class A otr driver.
I am a non-cdl cmv driver. Does this question apply to me? Do I need this recertification every year from a cardiologist? Will my PC suffice?
@ Donavon L
You fall under your states guidelines and variances, not federal DOT/FMCSA. Your medical examiner should know the differences and evaluate by the correct guidelines. You can confirm with your local DLD for your requirements.
How long can I get a dot medical card with a trace mitral valve regurgitation?
@ Donovan S
Most likely one year at the time. And you will need supporting documentation from your cardiologist.
i found out that i have a abdominal aortic aneurysm it is 3.8 how big does it have to get without a stent in before i have to stop driveing
@ Kevin G
At 3.8 your chance of rupture is slight, but once it reaches a level of 5 to 6 cm, then it will become a major question by the CME.
what are the guidelines for recent (3 months) dx of CHF with EF currently at 40%? Can a person be certified with cardiologist clearing? is there a waiting period?
@ Iris M
With a return to work or medical release form from the cardiologist and a LVEF greater than 40 %, a driver can drive. Medical certification should be for one year at the time.
If you have had bypass surgery 23 years ago do you have to have a stress test every year.
@ Tony C
No, not every year. DOT/FMCSA wants a stress test every two (2) years.
I have had a aortic trans catheter heart valve replacement, what is required to get a dot medical exam back
@ Kenneth W
A one month waiting period and a return to work release. Medical release form from your cardiologist and a new medical certification examination. Medical card will be limited to one year at a time.
Is a stress test required after five years following bypass surgery.
@ John M S
DOT/FMCSA for class A interstate drivers, stress test every two years following cardiac surgery.
I’ve been told this is not a requirement anymore.
@ David
I guess it depends on who you got your information from and if they are in the know.
I read someplace that you only needed yearly echo for five years after stent. (Heart attack preceded stent). Is this correct or will I need an echo every year? I know the stress test is every two years.
@ Dean F
Echos for 5 years and stress test every two years.
My husband is about to go an Atrial Flutter Ablation. His doctor told him he has to be off work for one week. I can’t find anything in DOT guidelines for the specific procedure, as to how long before he is cleared to return to work.
@ Karen W
For a class A cdl, there is a one month waiting period following this procedure via DOT/FMCSA requirements and regulations.
I let my CDL A lapse and am interested in regaining it. However, a few years ago I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, but I have a recovered ejection fraction. Would I need to get clearance from my cardiologist first before trying to get the DOT physical done? If so what would the document need to state?
@ Christine B
Note from cardiologist needs to indicate that your LVEF is above 40% and a medical release form from your physicians.
If a driver’s certification expires while he is out during 3 month wait after coronary bypass will he be downgraded?
@ terry h
Probably not if the drivers license department is aware of the situation. Check with your local DLD for guidance in their process for this issue.
Can you get you CDL after heart transplant?
@ Steve
It is possible with proper documentation from your cardiologist.
Do I need to disclose to the DOT medical examiner that I had double pass surgery two and half years ago if I have already been cleared by my doctor two years ago?
@ Brian
Yes. Your doctor can clear you for work, but the CME has to clear you through the DOT/FMCSA guidelines and regulations.