DOT ACTUAL STUDYS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
SET A+
✔✔A driver reports that he was hospitalized recently for palpitations. He states he was
diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, and was put on warfarin therapy. Which of the following
is the correct certification criteria for atrial fibrillation?
a. Waiting time: 1 month INR: monthly Certify: 1 year
b. Waiting time: 1 week INR: monthly Certify: 2 years
c. Waiting time: none INR: annually Certify: 6 months
d. Waiting time: 1 year INR: weekly Certify: 1 year - ✔✔Correct answer is "A". The
waiting period for atrial fibrillation is 1 month with at least monthly INR. If stable and
tolerating medications without side effects, certification is granted for 1 year
✔✔A driver presents for certification. She reports that she was hospitalized recently for
chest pain. She states she was diagnosed with a myocardial infarction, and
subsequently underwent left coronary artery balloon angioplasty. She was put on
Xarelto. Which of the following best represents certification decision for this driver?
a. Waiting time: 2 months INR: none Certify: 2 yrs
b. Waiting time: 1 week INR: none Certify: 1 year
c. Waiting time: 2 months INR: none Certify: 1 year
d. Waiting time: I year INR: monthly Certify: 2 years - ✔✔Correct answer is "C". Since
the angioplasty was the result of a myocardial infarction, the waiting time is 2 months.
Without an MI, the waiting time post angioplasty is 1 week. No INR monitoring is
required for the newer anticoagulants (Xarelto, Eliquis, Pradaxa, etc.). A patient on
warfarin requires at least monthly INRs. The maximum certification for a myocardial
infarction is 1 year.
✔✔The driver presents for re-certification. He admits a cerebellar stroke 2 years ago
that has resolved without any residual deficits. He presents clearance from his
neurologist, and he is on no anti-seizure or stroke medication. He is otherwise medically
fit. What is the certification decision? a. Disqualify, as he has not met the waiting period.
b. Certify for 1 year.
c. Certify for 2 years.
,d. Obtain head CT to rule residual deficits. - ✔✔Correct answer is "B". The waiting
period for cerebellar or brain stem strokes is 1 year. The driver has met the waiting
period, obtained clearance from his neurologist and is on no medications for stroke. He
can be certified for 1 year.
✔✔A driver presents for examination following a spontaneous pneumothorax one month
earlier. The records provided by the driver indicate that the pneumothorax reduced the
driver's forced vital capacity (FVC) to 58% of predicted forced vital capacity. As the
medical examiner, you should:
a. Certify the driver for one year.
b. Certify the driver for two years.
c. Do not certify the driver.
d. Disqualify the driver for 6 months and re-evaluate at 6-month recheck. - ✔✔Correct
answer "C". Do not certify. According to recommendations, this driver should not be
certified until the medical examiner has verified that the recovery is complete, with X-
rays, and the driver has an adequate FVC.
✔✔Who can perform the vision portion of the interstate CMV driver physical
examination other than the medical examiner?
a. Medical assistant.
b. Ophthalmologist.
c. Optometrist.
d. Any of the above. - ✔✔Correct answer "D". A Medical Examiner, Medical assistant, or
Ophthalmologist/Optometrist may perform the vision testing.
✔✔62. Which of the following mandates disqualification, per regulation?
a. Idiopathic hypersomnia.
b. Narcolepsy.
c. ICD placement.
d. ALL of the above. - ✔✔Correct answer "D". Each of the diagnoses listed prohibit
certification per federal regulations, not guidance.
✔✔According to regulations, which of the following can grant drivers an SPE certificate?
a. Medical examiners.
b. Orthopedic surgeons.
c. Physical Medicine & Rehab physicians.
d. The FMCSA. - ✔✔Correct answer "D". Only the FMCSA can grant an SPE certificate
at one of the FMCSA centers
✔✔As a medical examiner, you will need to provide a copy of the Medical Examination
Report Form to a driver who is applying for, or renewing, a
a. Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate.
b. Hearing exemption certificate.
c. Seizure exemption certificate.
,d. Any of the above. - ✔✔Correct answer "D". Since the medical examiner does not
complete any of the three certificates listed - they are approved by the FMCSA - the
driver must have a copy of the Medical Examination Report Form to apply for each
exemption certificate.
✔✔Which of the following is true of the vision requirements for commercial drivers?
a. The requirement for central distant visual acuity is at least 20/40 in each eye.
b. The requirement for distant binocular visual acuity is at least 20/50.
c. Contact lenses may not be worn to meet distant visual acuity requirements.
d. The driver must meet either the distant visual acuity requirement for each eye OR the
binocular visual acuity requirement. - ✔✔Correct answer "A". The Snellen chart or the
Titmus Vision Tester measures static central vision acuity. The requirement for central
distant visual acuity is at least 20/40 in each eye and distant binocular visual acuity of at
least 20/40. Test results must be recorded in Snellen-comparable values. Eyeglasses or
contact lenses may be worn to meet distant visual acuity requirements. When corrective
lenses are worn to meet vision qualification requirements, corrective lenses must be
worn while driving.
✔✔Which is accurate regarding the hearing test required of commercial motor vehicle
drivers?
a. The forced whisper test must be administered first.
b. Hearing aids cannot be used to pass the test.
c. If the driver perceives a forced whisper in one ear at 6 feet, he has met the hearing
requirement.
d. If the driver attempts to meet the requirement using a hearing aid, only the
audiometric test is administered. - ✔✔Correct answer "C". The required tests screen for
hearing loss in the range of normal conversational tones. Two tests are used to screen
hearing: a forced whisper test AND/OR an audiometric test. Either test may be
administered first. Administration of the second test may be omitted when the test
results of the initial test meet the hearing requirement for that test. Hearing
requirements are (1) First perceive a forced whispered voice, in one ear, at not less
than five feet OR (2) Have an average hearing loss, in one ear, less than or equal to 40
decibels (dB).
✔✔When a driver who wears a hearing aid is unable to pass a forced whisper test,
referral to which of the following is required?
a. An audiologist.
b. An otolaryngologist.
c. A hearing aid center.
d. Any of the above is acceptable. - ✔✔Correct answer "D". A hearing aid may be used
during forced whisper testing. When a driver who wears a hearing aid is unable to pass
a forced whisper test, referral to an audiologist, otolaryngologist, or hearing aid center is
required.
, ✔✔Which of the following frequencies is NOT included as part of the audiometric
hearing test for commercial motor vehicle drivers?
a. 500 hertz (Hz).
b. 1,000 Hz.
c. 2,000 Hz.
d. 4,000Hz. - ✔✔Correct answer "D". The hearing requirement for an audiometric test is
based on hearing loss only at the 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz frequencies that are
typical of normal conversation.
✔✔A commercial driver is taking Coumadin for a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. As the
medical examiner you explain to the driver that:
a. He cannot be certified to drive.
b. He can be certified to drive for 2 years as long as he provides documentation that his
INR is therapeutic.
c. He must undergo monthly INR monitoring.
d. He can be certified to drive only if he switches to a newer anticoagulant that does not
require INR monitoring. - ✔✔Correct answer "C". For a patient taking Coumadin, the
maximum certification period is 1 year. Recommend to certify the driver if the driver is
stabilized on medication for at least 1 month, provides a copy of the INR results at the
examination, and has at least monthly INR monitoring.
✔✔A herniated disk at L5-S1 is most likely to affect which of the following reflexes?
a. Patellar reflex.
b. Achilles reflex.
c. Plantar reflex.
d. NONE of the above. - ✔✔Correct answer "B".
✔✔A driver presents for initial certification to drive 3 months following a myocardial
infarction. An in-hospital post-MI echocardiogram showing at least what left ventricular
ejection fraction is sufficient for certification to drive?
a. 30%.
b. 35%.
c. 40%.
d. 45%. - ✔✔Correct answer is "C". For an initial certification following an MI, an in-
hospital post-MI echocardiogram showing an LVEF greater than or equal to 40% is
sufficient.
✔✔What is the minimum waiting period following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
surgery?
a. One month.
b. Two months.
c. Three months.
d. Dependent on the type of CABG performed and the number of vessels involved. -
✔✔Correct answer "C". A significant risk associated with CABG surgery is the high
SET A+
✔✔A driver reports that he was hospitalized recently for palpitations. He states he was
diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, and was put on warfarin therapy. Which of the following
is the correct certification criteria for atrial fibrillation?
a. Waiting time: 1 month INR: monthly Certify: 1 year
b. Waiting time: 1 week INR: monthly Certify: 2 years
c. Waiting time: none INR: annually Certify: 6 months
d. Waiting time: 1 year INR: weekly Certify: 1 year - ✔✔Correct answer is "A". The
waiting period for atrial fibrillation is 1 month with at least monthly INR. If stable and
tolerating medications without side effects, certification is granted for 1 year
✔✔A driver presents for certification. She reports that she was hospitalized recently for
chest pain. She states she was diagnosed with a myocardial infarction, and
subsequently underwent left coronary artery balloon angioplasty. She was put on
Xarelto. Which of the following best represents certification decision for this driver?
a. Waiting time: 2 months INR: none Certify: 2 yrs
b. Waiting time: 1 week INR: none Certify: 1 year
c. Waiting time: 2 months INR: none Certify: 1 year
d. Waiting time: I year INR: monthly Certify: 2 years - ✔✔Correct answer is "C". Since
the angioplasty was the result of a myocardial infarction, the waiting time is 2 months.
Without an MI, the waiting time post angioplasty is 1 week. No INR monitoring is
required for the newer anticoagulants (Xarelto, Eliquis, Pradaxa, etc.). A patient on
warfarin requires at least monthly INRs. The maximum certification for a myocardial
infarction is 1 year.
✔✔The driver presents for re-certification. He admits a cerebellar stroke 2 years ago
that has resolved without any residual deficits. He presents clearance from his
neurologist, and he is on no anti-seizure or stroke medication. He is otherwise medically
fit. What is the certification decision? a. Disqualify, as he has not met the waiting period.
b. Certify for 1 year.
c. Certify for 2 years.
,d. Obtain head CT to rule residual deficits. - ✔✔Correct answer is "B". The waiting
period for cerebellar or brain stem strokes is 1 year. The driver has met the waiting
period, obtained clearance from his neurologist and is on no medications for stroke. He
can be certified for 1 year.
✔✔A driver presents for examination following a spontaneous pneumothorax one month
earlier. The records provided by the driver indicate that the pneumothorax reduced the
driver's forced vital capacity (FVC) to 58% of predicted forced vital capacity. As the
medical examiner, you should:
a. Certify the driver for one year.
b. Certify the driver for two years.
c. Do not certify the driver.
d. Disqualify the driver for 6 months and re-evaluate at 6-month recheck. - ✔✔Correct
answer "C". Do not certify. According to recommendations, this driver should not be
certified until the medical examiner has verified that the recovery is complete, with X-
rays, and the driver has an adequate FVC.
✔✔Who can perform the vision portion of the interstate CMV driver physical
examination other than the medical examiner?
a. Medical assistant.
b. Ophthalmologist.
c. Optometrist.
d. Any of the above. - ✔✔Correct answer "D". A Medical Examiner, Medical assistant, or
Ophthalmologist/Optometrist may perform the vision testing.
✔✔62. Which of the following mandates disqualification, per regulation?
a. Idiopathic hypersomnia.
b. Narcolepsy.
c. ICD placement.
d. ALL of the above. - ✔✔Correct answer "D". Each of the diagnoses listed prohibit
certification per federal regulations, not guidance.
✔✔According to regulations, which of the following can grant drivers an SPE certificate?
a. Medical examiners.
b. Orthopedic surgeons.
c. Physical Medicine & Rehab physicians.
d. The FMCSA. - ✔✔Correct answer "D". Only the FMCSA can grant an SPE certificate
at one of the FMCSA centers
✔✔As a medical examiner, you will need to provide a copy of the Medical Examination
Report Form to a driver who is applying for, or renewing, a
a. Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate.
b. Hearing exemption certificate.
c. Seizure exemption certificate.
,d. Any of the above. - ✔✔Correct answer "D". Since the medical examiner does not
complete any of the three certificates listed - they are approved by the FMCSA - the
driver must have a copy of the Medical Examination Report Form to apply for each
exemption certificate.
✔✔Which of the following is true of the vision requirements for commercial drivers?
a. The requirement for central distant visual acuity is at least 20/40 in each eye.
b. The requirement for distant binocular visual acuity is at least 20/50.
c. Contact lenses may not be worn to meet distant visual acuity requirements.
d. The driver must meet either the distant visual acuity requirement for each eye OR the
binocular visual acuity requirement. - ✔✔Correct answer "A". The Snellen chart or the
Titmus Vision Tester measures static central vision acuity. The requirement for central
distant visual acuity is at least 20/40 in each eye and distant binocular visual acuity of at
least 20/40. Test results must be recorded in Snellen-comparable values. Eyeglasses or
contact lenses may be worn to meet distant visual acuity requirements. When corrective
lenses are worn to meet vision qualification requirements, corrective lenses must be
worn while driving.
✔✔Which is accurate regarding the hearing test required of commercial motor vehicle
drivers?
a. The forced whisper test must be administered first.
b. Hearing aids cannot be used to pass the test.
c. If the driver perceives a forced whisper in one ear at 6 feet, he has met the hearing
requirement.
d. If the driver attempts to meet the requirement using a hearing aid, only the
audiometric test is administered. - ✔✔Correct answer "C". The required tests screen for
hearing loss in the range of normal conversational tones. Two tests are used to screen
hearing: a forced whisper test AND/OR an audiometric test. Either test may be
administered first. Administration of the second test may be omitted when the test
results of the initial test meet the hearing requirement for that test. Hearing
requirements are (1) First perceive a forced whispered voice, in one ear, at not less
than five feet OR (2) Have an average hearing loss, in one ear, less than or equal to 40
decibels (dB).
✔✔When a driver who wears a hearing aid is unable to pass a forced whisper test,
referral to which of the following is required?
a. An audiologist.
b. An otolaryngologist.
c. A hearing aid center.
d. Any of the above is acceptable. - ✔✔Correct answer "D". A hearing aid may be used
during forced whisper testing. When a driver who wears a hearing aid is unable to pass
a forced whisper test, referral to an audiologist, otolaryngologist, or hearing aid center is
required.
, ✔✔Which of the following frequencies is NOT included as part of the audiometric
hearing test for commercial motor vehicle drivers?
a. 500 hertz (Hz).
b. 1,000 Hz.
c. 2,000 Hz.
d. 4,000Hz. - ✔✔Correct answer "D". The hearing requirement for an audiometric test is
based on hearing loss only at the 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz frequencies that are
typical of normal conversation.
✔✔A commercial driver is taking Coumadin for a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. As the
medical examiner you explain to the driver that:
a. He cannot be certified to drive.
b. He can be certified to drive for 2 years as long as he provides documentation that his
INR is therapeutic.
c. He must undergo monthly INR monitoring.
d. He can be certified to drive only if he switches to a newer anticoagulant that does not
require INR monitoring. - ✔✔Correct answer "C". For a patient taking Coumadin, the
maximum certification period is 1 year. Recommend to certify the driver if the driver is
stabilized on medication for at least 1 month, provides a copy of the INR results at the
examination, and has at least monthly INR monitoring.
✔✔A herniated disk at L5-S1 is most likely to affect which of the following reflexes?
a. Patellar reflex.
b. Achilles reflex.
c. Plantar reflex.
d. NONE of the above. - ✔✔Correct answer "B".
✔✔A driver presents for initial certification to drive 3 months following a myocardial
infarction. An in-hospital post-MI echocardiogram showing at least what left ventricular
ejection fraction is sufficient for certification to drive?
a. 30%.
b. 35%.
c. 40%.
d. 45%. - ✔✔Correct answer is "C". For an initial certification following an MI, an in-
hospital post-MI echocardiogram showing an LVEF greater than or equal to 40% is
sufficient.
✔✔What is the minimum waiting period following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
surgery?
a. One month.
b. Two months.
c. Three months.
d. Dependent on the type of CABG performed and the number of vessels involved. -
✔✔Correct answer "C". A significant risk associated with CABG surgery is the high
