Ace the NRCME DOT Exam 2026 – Drive Your Success Forward!

In the scenario presented, a driver who is just 6 weeks post-heart attack generally should be approached with caution due to the potential risks associated with returning to driving soon after such a significant medical event. While the ETT (exercise tolerance test) results showing 12 METS indicates that the driver has a reasonable exercise capacity, it is crucial to consider the timeframe since the heart attack.

Medical guidelines typically suggest that individuals who have experienced a heart attack need to demonstrate stability and a longer period of recovery before resuming high-responsibility tasks such as driving commercial vehicles. A shorter recovery period could mean there may still be risks of complications or further heart-related issues.

Given these considerations, disqualifying the driver is a prudent action, as it emphasizes safety for both the driver and the public. This decision reflects a common standard in transportation safety practices, prioritizing the driver’s health and the safety of those on the road until further assessments can confirm their fitness to drive under commercial circumstances.