Driving school with a pacemaker

[Valhalla62]

I was going to look into a trucking company that offers training, but I had a couple of circumstances that I needed some opinions on. I actually had my cdl about 30 yrs ago and did nothing with it and just let it expire when my first medical came up for renewal. I’m now 56 yrs old and wanting a change from my present job which brings me to my first issue. Do companies like to take the time to train someone who will probably retire in about a decade anyway. My other issue is I had a pacemaker implanted over 3 yrs ago. It is not an ICD (defibrillator type), which I know is an automatic disqualifier. In fact I would be able to prove that it works only 1 to 2% of the time. Other times it only monitors, not pacing at all. I’ve never had any medical issues from it and I am in good health otherwise. In fact, the only problem I have with it, is it gets in the way of my golf swing. If anyone has heard stories or seen someone in my situation I would appreciate your advice or thoughts. Thanks

 

[Rigjockey]

I am sure companies would make the investment to train a driver ten years out from retirement. Most trainees only hang around 6 months to a year anyway, Before moving on to greener pastures.
As for the pacemaker, I have no idea about that.
Good luck.

 

[ironpony]

The pacemaker will be an issue, but not necessarily a deal killer. If you get a carrier to bite, you'll need complete medical documentation available, and probably the doctor providing the DOT physical will want to speak with your primary care physician and cardiologist. Expect to jump through some extra hurdles at orientation.

 

[CarCo]

I asked the dot dr about a guy that we may hire. he has stints and 3 heart attacks over 5 years ago. The dr said he would have to pass a stress test and he would get a one year medical instead of two year.

 

[mndriver]

I had a heart attack in July 2015. I had two stents put in.

You will have to meet several criteria which include showing an ejection fraction. (EV), complete a stress test and pass an annual dot physical.

Honestly though, go in and speak with a dot doctor about your chances of getting a physical card or a waiver. Because a Pace maker isn't a good fit.

Regulations

Regulations

 

[Valhalla62]

Thanks for the replies. I kind of knew it’s going to be, just start going through it and I’ll find out what’s going to happen. Just seeing if anyone knew of specific cases. At least I know I’ll be doing a stress test and getting physicals every year instead of 2. I could pass it now at 56, but who knows in 10 years.

 

[mndriver]

If you'd actually read the links I posted you'd see where the fmcsa DENIED waivers for Pace makers.

Implanted cardiac devices as they are called. So it's most likely you'll never even get a physical card.

 

[Valhalla62]

If you'd actually read the links I posted you'd see where the fmcsa DENIED waivers for Pace makers.

Implanted cardiac devices as they are called. So it's most likely you'll never even get a physical card.

I did see the links and those drivers were denied because of ICD’s (Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator), which is not a pacemaker, although some newer ones can also work as pacemakers. An ICD doesn’t pace the heart it shocks it with up to 900 volts for people with serious arrhythmias or are going into cardiac arrest. That’s an automatic disqualifier. A pacemaker is entirely different and even airline pilots can fly with them. Although they would have to get waivers and jump through other hoops. I also just have a pacemaker and it rarely paces me, only 1 to 2 percent of the time according to my cardiologist which I see every 6 months.