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.
i had bypass on february 19th of 2024 and have a class A CDL and only drive local for my own company that i own. How long before i can get my medical card renewed and drive per DOT in Ohio
@ scott
DOT/FMCSA class A, 3 months waiting period before renewing medical certification card.
Underwent elective PCI 2 weeks ago without angioplasty or stents, have received release from Cardiologist to return to work, asymptomatic, no injury at groin site, is FMSCA recertification required if I have valid medical certification?
@ David W
DOT/FMCSA for class A interstate drivers, new medical certification examination needs to be completed. Lesser class cdl’s will fall under the states requirements.
Diagnosed with an enlarged aorta and leaky bicuspid valve. Htn also.
Asymptomatic and cardiologist cleared me to drive (CDL A). Surgery not needed at this time. However placed a weight restriction of 50 lbs. Medical examiner would not pass even though I do not lift more than 50 lbs.
@ Amy
DOT/FMCSA for a class A driver should not have restrictions or limitations which are related to the job description of a CMV operator. Get the note from your cardiologist without weight restriction.
I had rotator cuff surgery in November and have been cleared by my Dr to return to work. I have to recertify my DOT physical since I was out over 30 days. I have CHF and the DOT Dr is requiring my EF to be <=40%. I have a Class B with a P endorsement. Is the 40% only for Class A? I can’t find anything about other Class guidelines. Any help would be appreciated.
I had a mild heart attack 7 years ago. I had 1 stent put in place. How long do I need to get my cardiologist’s approval, and pass a stress test, to drive a CMV or get a DOT Physical card?
@ Roger J R
For a class A cdl, as long as you plan on driving. Stress test every two years, cardiologist release form every time you go for a new medical certification examination.
I am having a cardiac ablation done in April, my Dot physical is due in September, will the ablation disqualify me in September?
@ John
Your medical card will be invalid when you have the procedure done. With supporting medical documentation from your cardiologist at the time of your next medical certification examination, you should be fine.
Is their a waiting period for a CDL driver to get their medical examination updated after a cardiac ablation is done?
@ lsevere
Full medical release to return to work and a medical release form from your cardiologist. No specific waiting period.
One of our drivers put out of work for 30 days by DR. performing physical. What regulation covers ablations?
@ sonny k m
Not a regulation, a DOT/FMCSA guideline. Your driver will need a full return to work, without restrictions or limitations. The CME will want to confirm that the procedure was successful and the treatment has proven to be effective.
I’m a non cld driver with heart failure and needing a dot physical. Will I pass if my ef is 40
@ Rebecca
A non-cdl physical will fall under your states guidelines and variances. A LVEF of 40 or better is required by DOT/FMCSA for a class A cdl holder. Your state may have different guidelines that must be met. Check with your local DLD.
Do i need a clearance letter from my cardiologist?
@ Rebecca
You are non cdl, what does your state drivers license department require of you.
I have a patient who had an LVAD placed in 2019. He is trying to get back into CDL driving. His Cardiologist has cleared him to drive a commercial vehicle, but does the FMCSA allow these types of devices?
@ Dan
LVAD are installed in the final stages of heart failure. Battery operated device while driving an 80,000 lbs. tractor trailer. Might look at intra-state only and a 1 year medical card at best. It will fall to your final decision making process and the weight of possible risk factors for the driver and the public at large.
i got my CDL pull for have a defibrillator my doc said it was ok to drive. but it is aaok to drive a car
@ walter m
For a class A cdl holder running interstate,(OTR) you will be unqualified to pass a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination. Intra-state only or a lesser class cdl you may qualify to drive a cmv, based on your states regulation. Check it out with your state drivers license department. You should not have any issues driving your car.
I’m in Calif-during 2020 Covid I could not find any dr to give me a dmv medical-my card was extended 2weeks -I’ve had triple bypass surgery and 75 years old but in good shape-I have to have exam every year-what we’re the extended law on this one.ty
@ Troy
There is a 3 months waiting period following the bypass surgery. Then a physical each year. The CME may request some supporting documentation before making his/her final decision.
I drive a school bus I went to my heart dr take meds lost weight and feel great. Do I have to get stress test if I feel good? Insurance want pay if your not having trouble?
@ Pam
Unless you carry a class A cdl, or your state requires a stress test for your class cdl, the answer is no. Confirm with your local DLD to determine the stress test needs. Make sure your medical examiner knows the difference between DOT/FMCSA class A examinations and regulations vs your states requirements and guidelines for your class cdl.
Hello,
I am a medical examiner, just passed my 10 year recertification. I have a young driver with a h/o POTS and needs a DOT physical.
I can not find anything online or in my recent course addressing this condition. She has a letter from her cardiologist saying she has “no cardiovascular restrictions relative to her DOT physical”
Is POTS a disqualifying condition or am I OK to pass her with the cardiology clearance?
Thank you in advance! This website has been so helpful
@ Dana G PA-C
Much will depend on the class cdl this driver holds. Class A, the guidelines are not specific and your judgement call will be best based on your over-all findings. Is she safe to drive and is she able to perform the duties of a CMV operator. Lesser class cdl’s will fall under her states guidelines and regulations. Best if you know both DOT/FMCSA and your states guidelines.
POTS can occur without syncope. If she has syncope, that falls under the rules for syncope. If she does not have syncope, POTS is benign and she is okay to drive.
is anything special needed for a dot exam in a young male with bigeminy
@ david s
If the examination is for a class A cdl, then documentation from the cardiologist will be needed. If a lesser class cdl, you will need to meet the state requirements. Confirm with your local drivers license department (DLD) for guidance.
If you have wolf Parkinson white syndrome can you still get a physical card and have a class a cdl?
@ Ted
It will require supporting medical documentation indicating proper treatment has been established and your situation is under control and stable. Then the CME will take all the available information and make a final decision.
If you have mild blockage on one artery on the front of your heart can you keep a CDL a license?
@ Scott m
It will require medical documentation for the CME to make his decision.
I’ve had Quadruple bypass about 3 years ago and stent 2 years I’m seeking to start a new job with DOD that requires a CDL Examination even though I’m not going to be driving a large truck , my cardiologist has me yearly check ups ,and control medication very well and on a physical gym work out , I’m into my third year since a major surgery and stable !
Advise please Thank you
@ George
Lots will depend on the class cdl you must carry for the job. Class A, you will need to provide additional documentation for the examiner. Lesser class cdl’s are state regulated and in most cases less stringent than a class A, which is federally regulated.
Can you have a class A OTR CDL after a heart transplant in Nebraska?
@ Sandra S-C
DOT/FMCSA has a one year waiting period following transplant. With proper medical documentation from your cardiologist, you can have a class A and your medical card examination must be done every six months.
Can a truck driver get a CDL if they have a LVAD?
@ roni
Class A, OTR, no. Lesser class cdl and intra-state only, maybe. You will fall under the states guidelines and variances.
If a person has an aortic anywrism of 4.5 does that disqualify them from cdl.
@ Shawn
4.5 does not disqualify from cdl. It does need to be asymptomatic. Your medical card will renew for one year at a time and will require a recent ultrasound, each time, to confirm no changes in size.
I was recently diagnosed with (Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction). Can I still carry my cdl with this condition?
@ Candy
Much will depend on the class cdl you carry.