,NRCME DOT Test ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS fully
solved & updated 2025-2026 (latest version verified
for accuracy) (Questions & Answers with Detailed
Rationale) Solved 100% Correct!!
1. What minimum PaO2 level is recommended if the driver has an ABG due to a chronic respiratory disorder?
A) 70 mm Hg
B) 55 mm Hg
C) 60 mm Hg
D) 65 mm Hg
Correct Answer: D) 65 mm Hg
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of the minimum PaO2 level required for certification of a commercial
driver with a chronic respiratory disorder. To be qualified, the driver should meet a minimum arterial blood oxygen
level (PaO2) greater than 65 mm Hg at altitudes below 5,000 feet. The detailed rationale should explain that this
threshold ensures adequate oxygenation for safe driving, and that the threshold decreases to 60 mm Hg at
altitudes above 5,000 feet because of the lower partial pressure of oxygen at higher elevations. The nurse or
examiner should obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG) when a driver has a chronic respiratory disorder and pulmonary
function tests show an FEV1 less than 65% of predicted or an FVC less than 60% of predicted.
2. A driver first perceives a whispered voice at 5 feet in his right ear and 4 feet in his left ear. All other aspects
of his physical examination are unremarkable. The examiner should:
A) Disqualify the driver because he "failed" the whispered voice test.
B) Certify the driver for 2 years.
C) Certify the driver for 1 year.
D) Require an audiometric test to determine the extent of hearing loss in his left ear.
Correct Answer: B) Certify the driver for 2 years.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of the hearing requirements for commercial drivers. The driver is qualified
to drive without restriction as long as he is able to perceive a whispered voice at 5 feet in at least one ear. The
detailed rationale should explain that the driver passed the whisper test in the right ear at 5 feet, which meets the
hearing standard, and that the hearing requirement does not have to be met in both ears. The examiner should
document the findings and certify the driver for 2 years.
3. A driver reports for an examination 6 weeks after suffering a mild heart attack and presents a note from
his cardiologist stating that he is able to return to work immediately without restriction. Included within
the note, the cardiologist provides recent testing information showing that the driver had an ETT that
showed he was able to reach 12 METS during the test. His echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of
65%. The examination of the driver is unremarkable. The examiner should:
,A) Disqualify the driver.
B) Qualify the driver for 1 year.
C) Qualify the driver for 2 years.
D) Consult with the cardiologist to determine if the driver suffers from angina.
Correct Answer: A) Disqualify the driver.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of the waiting period after myocardial infarction. The driver has not
completed the recommended 2-month waiting period, but all other requirements for medical clearance and
required testing have been met. The detailed rationale should explain that the driver would be certified for 1 year
at the completion of the waiting period, and that the examiner should disqualify the driver at this time and advise
him to return after the waiting period is complete.
4. A driver provides an audiometric test documenting the following:
500 Hz: 35 Right ear; 40 Left ear
1000 Hz: 40 Right ear; 45 Left ear
2000 Hz: 40 Right ear; 45 Left ear
4000 Hz: 50 Right ear; 50 Left ear
The medical examiner should:
A) Disqualify the driver because he does not meet minimum hearing requirements to drive.
B) Certify the driver for 2 years.
C) Certify the driver for 1 year.
D) Require the driver to obtain a hearing exemption.
Correct Answer: B) Certify the driver for 2 years.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of the audiometric hearing standard. The examiner would average the
results from 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. This average is 38.33 in the Right and 43.33 in the Left ear. A driver
must have an average hearing loss of less than or equal to 40 in the better ear. This does not have to be met in both
ears. The detailed rationale should explain that the right ear averages 38.33 dB, which is less than or equal to 40
dB, so the driver meets the hearing standard and can be certified for 2 years.
5. During the examination of a commercial driver, the examiner notices that the driver's peripheral vision is
70 degrees to the left and 80 degrees to the right. The examiner should:
A) Qualify the driver for 2 years.
B) Require the driver to obtain a vision exemption because of the limitation in the driver's left peripheral field.
C) Disqualify the driver.
D) Have the driver consult with an Ophthalmologist to determine if the driver's peripheral vision meets minimum
standards.
Correct Answer: A) Qualify the driver for 2 years.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of the peripheral vision standard. A driver must exhibit a minimum
peripheral vision of 70 degrees bilaterally. The detailed rationale should explain that the driver meets the minimum
, standard in both eyes (70 degrees left and 80 degrees right), so the examiner should qualify the driver for 2 years.
No vision exemption is needed because the driver meets the standard.
6. During examination, the medical examiner notices that the driver is distant, lacks eye contact and shows
absolutely no emotional response during the exam. The examiner's best response should be:
A) Provide the driver with a "CAGE" questionnaire to determine if he suffers from alcoholism.
B) Disqualify the driver and refer him to a mental health professional prior to consideration for certification.
C) Certify the driver with a 1-time, 3-month certificate to determine if there is any effect on the driver's ability to
drive a CMV.
D) Require a skill performance evaluation to ascertain if the driver has any limitations with driving.
Correct Answer: B) Disqualify the driver and refer him to a mental health professional prior to consideration for
certification.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of mental health evaluation in commercial drivers. The driver exhibits
what may be considered a "flat affect," which is seen in schizophrenia and in severe depression. The detailed
rationale should explain that the driver should be evaluated by a mental health expert to make a diagnosis prior to
certification, and that the examiner should disqualify the driver and refer him for evaluation.
7. A driver admits to the use of marijuana for the treatment of his glaucoma, which is legal in the State in
which he lives. He provides medical documentation for the glaucoma indicating he is able to drive a truck.
He began using the marijuana about three months ago. His current medical card has no limitations listed
and is for 2 years. His certification examination is within normal limits. The medical examiner should:
A) Disqualify the driver.
B) Perform a urine drug collection and provide the release from the testing provider.
C) Certify the driver for 1 year.
D) Certify the driver for 2 years.
Correct Answer: A) Disqualify the driver.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of marijuana use and commercial driving. Use of marijuana is prohibited
by Federal law while driving a CMV and trumps State law in this matter. The detailed rationale should explain that
the examiner must disqualify the driver because marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance, and that the driver
cannot be certified until he has discontinued marijuana use and is not expected to use it in the future.
8. A driver has a blood pressure of 136/92 mm Hg. This is:
A) Within normal limits and would not affect the driver's certification.
B) Stage 1 Hypertension.
C) Stage 2 Hypertension.
D) Stage 3 Hypertension.
Correct Answer: B) Stage 1 Hypertension.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of blood pressure staging for commercial drivers. This is Stage 1
Hypertension, which is defined as 140-159/90-99. The detailed rationale should explain that the driver's blood
pressure of 136/92 is Stage 1 because the diastolic pressure is between 90 and 99 mm Hg, and that the examiner
should take a second reading later in the examination and certify the driver for 1 year if the blood pressure remains
Stage 1.
solved & updated 2025-2026 (latest version verified
for accuracy) (Questions & Answers with Detailed
Rationale) Solved 100% Correct!!
1. What minimum PaO2 level is recommended if the driver has an ABG due to a chronic respiratory disorder?
A) 70 mm Hg
B) 55 mm Hg
C) 60 mm Hg
D) 65 mm Hg
Correct Answer: D) 65 mm Hg
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of the minimum PaO2 level required for certification of a commercial
driver with a chronic respiratory disorder. To be qualified, the driver should meet a minimum arterial blood oxygen
level (PaO2) greater than 65 mm Hg at altitudes below 5,000 feet. The detailed rationale should explain that this
threshold ensures adequate oxygenation for safe driving, and that the threshold decreases to 60 mm Hg at
altitudes above 5,000 feet because of the lower partial pressure of oxygen at higher elevations. The nurse or
examiner should obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG) when a driver has a chronic respiratory disorder and pulmonary
function tests show an FEV1 less than 65% of predicted or an FVC less than 60% of predicted.
2. A driver first perceives a whispered voice at 5 feet in his right ear and 4 feet in his left ear. All other aspects
of his physical examination are unremarkable. The examiner should:
A) Disqualify the driver because he "failed" the whispered voice test.
B) Certify the driver for 2 years.
C) Certify the driver for 1 year.
D) Require an audiometric test to determine the extent of hearing loss in his left ear.
Correct Answer: B) Certify the driver for 2 years.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of the hearing requirements for commercial drivers. The driver is qualified
to drive without restriction as long as he is able to perceive a whispered voice at 5 feet in at least one ear. The
detailed rationale should explain that the driver passed the whisper test in the right ear at 5 feet, which meets the
hearing standard, and that the hearing requirement does not have to be met in both ears. The examiner should
document the findings and certify the driver for 2 years.
3. A driver reports for an examination 6 weeks after suffering a mild heart attack and presents a note from
his cardiologist stating that he is able to return to work immediately without restriction. Included within
the note, the cardiologist provides recent testing information showing that the driver had an ETT that
showed he was able to reach 12 METS during the test. His echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of
65%. The examination of the driver is unremarkable. The examiner should:
,A) Disqualify the driver.
B) Qualify the driver for 1 year.
C) Qualify the driver for 2 years.
D) Consult with the cardiologist to determine if the driver suffers from angina.
Correct Answer: A) Disqualify the driver.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of the waiting period after myocardial infarction. The driver has not
completed the recommended 2-month waiting period, but all other requirements for medical clearance and
required testing have been met. The detailed rationale should explain that the driver would be certified for 1 year
at the completion of the waiting period, and that the examiner should disqualify the driver at this time and advise
him to return after the waiting period is complete.
4. A driver provides an audiometric test documenting the following:
500 Hz: 35 Right ear; 40 Left ear
1000 Hz: 40 Right ear; 45 Left ear
2000 Hz: 40 Right ear; 45 Left ear
4000 Hz: 50 Right ear; 50 Left ear
The medical examiner should:
A) Disqualify the driver because he does not meet minimum hearing requirements to drive.
B) Certify the driver for 2 years.
C) Certify the driver for 1 year.
D) Require the driver to obtain a hearing exemption.
Correct Answer: B) Certify the driver for 2 years.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of the audiometric hearing standard. The examiner would average the
results from 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. This average is 38.33 in the Right and 43.33 in the Left ear. A driver
must have an average hearing loss of less than or equal to 40 in the better ear. This does not have to be met in both
ears. The detailed rationale should explain that the right ear averages 38.33 dB, which is less than or equal to 40
dB, so the driver meets the hearing standard and can be certified for 2 years.
5. During the examination of a commercial driver, the examiner notices that the driver's peripheral vision is
70 degrees to the left and 80 degrees to the right. The examiner should:
A) Qualify the driver for 2 years.
B) Require the driver to obtain a vision exemption because of the limitation in the driver's left peripheral field.
C) Disqualify the driver.
D) Have the driver consult with an Ophthalmologist to determine if the driver's peripheral vision meets minimum
standards.
Correct Answer: A) Qualify the driver for 2 years.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of the peripheral vision standard. A driver must exhibit a minimum
peripheral vision of 70 degrees bilaterally. The detailed rationale should explain that the driver meets the minimum
, standard in both eyes (70 degrees left and 80 degrees right), so the examiner should qualify the driver for 2 years.
No vision exemption is needed because the driver meets the standard.
6. During examination, the medical examiner notices that the driver is distant, lacks eye contact and shows
absolutely no emotional response during the exam. The examiner's best response should be:
A) Provide the driver with a "CAGE" questionnaire to determine if he suffers from alcoholism.
B) Disqualify the driver and refer him to a mental health professional prior to consideration for certification.
C) Certify the driver with a 1-time, 3-month certificate to determine if there is any effect on the driver's ability to
drive a CMV.
D) Require a skill performance evaluation to ascertain if the driver has any limitations with driving.
Correct Answer: B) Disqualify the driver and refer him to a mental health professional prior to consideration for
certification.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of mental health evaluation in commercial drivers. The driver exhibits
what may be considered a "flat affect," which is seen in schizophrenia and in severe depression. The detailed
rationale should explain that the driver should be evaluated by a mental health expert to make a diagnosis prior to
certification, and that the examiner should disqualify the driver and refer him for evaluation.
7. A driver admits to the use of marijuana for the treatment of his glaucoma, which is legal in the State in
which he lives. He provides medical documentation for the glaucoma indicating he is able to drive a truck.
He began using the marijuana about three months ago. His current medical card has no limitations listed
and is for 2 years. His certification examination is within normal limits. The medical examiner should:
A) Disqualify the driver.
B) Perform a urine drug collection and provide the release from the testing provider.
C) Certify the driver for 1 year.
D) Certify the driver for 2 years.
Correct Answer: A) Disqualify the driver.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of marijuana use and commercial driving. Use of marijuana is prohibited
by Federal law while driving a CMV and trumps State law in this matter. The detailed rationale should explain that
the examiner must disqualify the driver because marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance, and that the driver
cannot be certified until he has discontinued marijuana use and is not expected to use it in the future.
8. A driver has a blood pressure of 136/92 mm Hg. This is:
A) Within normal limits and would not affect the driver's certification.
B) Stage 1 Hypertension.
C) Stage 2 Hypertension.
D) Stage 3 Hypertension.
Correct Answer: B) Stage 1 Hypertension.
Rationale: This question tests knowledge of blood pressure staging for commercial drivers. This is Stage 1
Hypertension, which is defined as 140-159/90-99. The detailed rationale should explain that the driver's blood
pressure of 136/92 is Stage 1 because the diastolic pressure is between 90 and 99 mm Hg, and that the examiner
should take a second reading later in the examination and certify the driver for 1 year if the blood pressure remains
Stage 1.