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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 am looking at getting a CDL to work in a school. I’m seeing a cardiologist for paroxysmal SVT and pre syncope. As well as ongoing palpitations. Currently taking a beta blocker and am being considered for a loop retention monitor. Would this block me from passing the physical portion?
@ Paris C
Class A cdl holder, you will not be able to have a medical certification examination done with these issues at present. Lesser class cdl’s fall under your states rules/regulations/requirements.
Best to confirm with your local drivers license department (DLD) for your best answer.
Just went for my 2 Year DOT Physical The doctor gave me 1 Year would not give me 2 Because I Had a Aortic Valve Replacement on 4/16/18, My first Physical after Surgery I only got a 1 Year Certificate after that I have been given 2 Years Certs until today 5/4/2025 Doctors Comments on Certificate Says Aortic replacement 04/2018 Cardiologist Vist 12/2024 PT Asymptomatic Why can’t I get 2 Years?
@ Billy B
It is all left to the medical examiners interpretation of the DOT/FMCSA guidelines and regulations.
I did get a 1 Year Cert Don’t I have a recourse I know this woman is Wrong? Thanks
@ Billy B
You’ve been lucky, DOT/FMCSA guidelines and regulations have you restricted to one year at a time.
I have a class A that was issued February 2024 by the state of California.
I’ve disclosed that I had a post-surgical cardiac event (ACL reconstruction) caused by a clot issue in May 2010. The event took place two day post-surgical. I passed my original dot exam and first renewal in January 2025 without any issues.
I have been on blood pressure meds since before my original dot exam and my blood pressure is under control with minimum meds, so my dot exams are annual.
I applied for a new job in March of 2025 and was directed by the potential employer to obtain a new dot exam via the company’s approved provider, even though I had a dot exam done in mid-January of 2025.
I disclosed that I had a post-surgical cardiac event in May 2010, as I’ve always done. This time the CME provided me with a one year certification but informed the potential employer that I was not approved without a stress test and electrocardiogram.
Is there a time limit for disclosure of old cardiac issues such as this? The event was directly related to the knee surgery and I’ve not had any issues since. Must I continue to disclose this 15 year old issue?
@ Doug M
It is all in the wording, ‘A history of’. So depending on the severity of the cardiac event, that would determine the need for additional testing. Were you given a time frame by the CME to get your information to him or did they issue a valid medical card, good for one year? If you have a medical card in hand and there is no specific time frame to present your stress test findings, then you are good for one year.
i am a cdl B driver, i had a heart attack in 2023, i was required to do have a stress test and a echo and dr clear, for my dot health card, i am up for renewal again, do i have to redue these test again?
@ Kyle H
You should fall under your states regulations and guidelines, not federal DOT/FMCSA. Your medical examiner should know the difference between the twos rules and regs. Best to check with your local drivers license department for their regulations and not be held to a class A cdl standard. For a class A, stress test every two years and a medical release. You are a class B and fall in your states guidelines.
I am seeing that “for a Class A CDL, LVEF must be above 40% to pass a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination.” Where can I find more specific information on this requirement, or is it referenced as a written law somewhere? I would like to see for myself that information besides in the comment section here, if possible. Thank you in advance for your help!
Also – if someone is diagnosed with HFrEF 30%, six months into a valid license, who is responsible for reporting to DOT or the licensure board? From a liability standpoint, does that fall on the licensee or the Physician now aware of the HF ?
@ Lucy
Your license and reporting is always your responsibility. If stopped or discovered that information is incorrect it automatically makes your paperwork invalid and you, personally, are held responsible.
Requested information can be found on the DOT/FMCSA National Registry for Certified Medical Examiners. It should be a .gov website.
I hold a cdl class a with hazmat . Just had a pacemaker implanted last month will see cardiologist April 1st . If I am released to drive what is the waiting period for the pacemaker? It’s a 2 chamber type.
@ Mark
Much depends on 1. what was the principle diagnosis and the reasoning behind the pacemaker installation. 2. Pacemaker only or ICD/pacemaker. Shortest wait will be 1 month and can go up to 3 months post pacemaker install.
Am I able to return back to operating a commercial vehicle such as a commercial vehicle having a defibrillator ? I was told that anyone that does have one can not operate a commercial vehicle for the remainder of their life, that they would have to quit that job that requires driving a commercial vehicle and find another job!!!!!
@ Willie
All depends on the class cdl you carry. Also, whether you are intra-state or interstate. We need additional information to help you.