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

The correct choice is to certify the driver for one year following a myocardial infarction, particularly when a cardiologist has cleared her for driving. This decision aligns with the established guidelines for commercial drivers who have experienced a heart attack and provides an appropriate balance between safety and the recognition of the driver's recovery and ongoing health.

In cases involving a myocardial infarction, a driver must typically demonstrate not just medical clearance from a healthcare provider but also stability regarding their cardiovascular condition. An ejection fraction (EF) of 50% indicates that the heart's ability to pump blood is moderately diminished, yet it's still considered acceptable for driving with proper precautions.

Certifying for one year allows for continuous monitoring of the driver's condition while providing enough time for rehabilitation and assessment of their overall health and fitness to operate a commercial vehicle. This duration is in line with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines, which recommend consideration of certification length based on the severity of the cardiac event and the driver’s recovery.

In contrast, certifying for only three months could suggest that the driver's health is still uncertain, which may not align with their cardiologist's clearance. A two-year certification might be overly optimistic given the nature of heart disease and the need for continued health evaluation