WITH ACTUAL 170 QUESTION AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES.
NRCME (DOT) Practice Exam: 170
Questions with Answers and Rationales
FMCSA Regulations and Role of the Medical Examiner (30
Questions)
1. What is the primary mission of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(FMCSA)?
A. Regulate vehicle manufacturing
B. Reduce crashes involving commercial motor vehicles
C. License commercial drivers
D. Monitor fuel efficiency
Answer: B. Reduce crashes involving commercial motor vehicles
Rationale: The FMCSA’s mission is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving
large trucks and buses.
2. Who can perform a DOT physical examination?
A. Any licensed physician
B. A certified medical examiner listed on the NRCME
C. A registered nurse
D. A physical therapist
Answer: B. A certified medical examiner listed on the NRCME
Rationale: Only healthcare providers certified and listed on the NRCME can perform
DOT physicals.
3. How often must a certified medical examiner report completed DOT exams to the
FMCSA?
A. Weekly
B. Monthly
C. Quarterly
D. Annually
Answer: B. Monthly
, Rationale: Certified medical examiners must report all completed exams monthly, even
if no exams are performed.
4. What is the maximum certification period for a driver with no medical restrictions?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 4 years
Answer: B. 2 years
Rationale: An unrestricted Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Medical Certificate is
valid for up to 2 years.
5. What must a medical examiner evaluate during a driver’s eye examination?
A. Pupil reactivity
B. Iris symmetry
C. Conjunctival injection
D. Corneal thickness
Answer: A. Pupil reactivity
Rationale: Pupil reactivity is a required cranial nerve test on the Medical Examination
Report Form.
6. A driver presents with a valid vision exemption. What is the maximum certification
period?
A. 3 months
B. 6 months
C. 1 year
D. 2 years
Answer: C. 1 year
Rationale: Drivers with vision exemptions can be certified for up to 1 year.
7. What is the role of the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) in the DOT process?
A. Perform physical exams
B. Evaluate drivers for substance abuse issues
C. Issue medical certificates
D. Conduct vision tests
Answer: B. Evaluate drivers for substance abuse issues
Rationale: The SAP evaluates drivers who violate FMCSA drug and alcohol regulations.
8. Which of the following is regulated by the FMCSA?
A. Driver qualifications
B. Vehicle maintenance
C. Motor carrier operations
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: The FMCSA regulates drivers, vehicles, and motor carriers to ensure safety.
9. What is the minimum waiting period after a myocardial infarction (MI) before
certification?
A. 1 month
B. 2 months
C. 3 months
D. 6 months
, Answer: B. 2 months
Rationale: FMCSA requires a 2-month waiting period post-MI to ensure cardiac
stability.
10. A driver must renew their medical certificate if it expires. What is the consequence
of driving with an expired certificate?
A. Fine only
B. Disqualification from driving
C. Vehicle impoundment
D. No consequence
Answer: B. Disqualification from driving
Rationale: Driving with an expired medical certificate violates FMCSA regulations,
leading to disqualification.
11. What is the minimum PaO2 level required for a driver with a chronic respiratory
disorder?
A. 55 mm Hg
B. 60 mm Hg
C. 65 mm Hg
D. 70 mm Hg
Answer: C. 65 mm Hg
Rationale: A PaO2 of at least 65 mm Hg is required to ensure adequate oxygenation.
12. Which component is NOT required in the urinalysis portion of a DOT exam?
A. Specific gravity
B. Drug test
C. Protein
D. Glucose
Answer: B. Drug test
Rationale: Drug testing is not part of the standard DOT urinalysis; specific gravity,
protein, blood, and glucose are required.
13. A driver with a history of epilepsy is generally:
A. Certified for 1 year
B. Disqualified
C. Certified for 3 months
D. Certified with restrictions
Answer: B. Disqualified
Rationale: Epilepsy with a risk of seizures is a disqualifying condition under FMCSA
standards.
14. What is the minimum peripheral vision requirement for a driver?
A. 50 degrees
B. 60 degrees
C. 70 degrees
D. 80 degrees
Answer: C. 70 degrees
Rationale: Drivers must have at least 70 degrees of peripheral vision in each eye.
15. A driver presents with a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate. What
should the examiner do?
A. Notify the FMCSA