1
DOT Comprehensive Review for NRCME
Exam 2026 Solved Questions and Answers
100 Percent Correct
C0rrective lenses that are pr0hibited by the FMCSA, including: - Answer lenses that c0rrect
distance visi0n in 0ne eye and near visi0n in the 0ther.
telesc0pic lenses
Medical guidelines f0r the driver with diabetes mellitus include: - Answer Annual medical
examinati0n.
Annual 0phthalm0l0gist 0r 0pt0metrist eye evaluati0n. Disqualificati0n f0r a
diagn0sis 0f unstable pr0liferative retin0pathy.
M0n0cular Visi0n - Answer M0n0cular visi0n is disqualifying.
H0wever, the driver wh0 has m0n0cular visi0n that with the better eye meets all visi0n
qualificati0n requirements may be c0nsidered f0r a Federal Visi0n Exempti0n if the Medical
Examiner finds the driver 0therwise medically fit f0r duty.
M0n0cular visi0n is defined as visi0n that is at least 20/40 f0r distance in 0ne eye with 0r
with0ut c0rrecti0n and visi0n that is less than 20/40 f0r distance in 0ne eye with 0r with0ut
c0rrecti0n.
The driver must meet 0ther visi0n requirements in each eye, including visual fields (h0riz0ntal
field 0f visi0n).
Federal Visi0n Exempti0n: the driver with m0n0cular visi0n wh0 is applying f0r 0r has a federal
exempti0n 0r is qualified by 0perati0n 0f 49 CFR 391.64 must have an annual physical
examinati0n.
Drivers with visi0n l0ss wh0 meet standards may be certified f0r up t0 tw0 years.
A driver wh0 wears c0ntact lenses which c0rrect farsightedness in 0ne eye and nearsightedness
in the 0ther, but has n0 0ther visual impairments can be certified under what additi0nal
c0nditi0ns?
0nly if the driver wears prescripti0n glasses which pr0vide the same c0rrecti0n as the c0ntact
lenses.
FMCSA guidance indicates that a driver sh0uld n0t be certified under these circumstances.
0nly by federal exempti0n.
The driver is always certifiable under these c0nditi0ns. - Answer FMCSA guidance indicates that
a driver sh0uld n0t be certified under these circumstances.
Explanati0n: FMCSA guidance indicates that c0ntact lenses that c0rrect 0ne eye f0r distance and
0ne eye f0r near visi0n are n0t acceptable.
Guidance rec0mmends n0t t0 certify with ear pr0blem diagn0ses 0f: - Answer a) Unc0ntr0lled
vertig0.
,1
b) Ménière's disease.
c) N0nfuncti0ning labyrinth.
d) N0nfuncti0ning fistula.
The medical examiner's r0le in the exempti0n pr0cess includes _______________ _.
Issuing the exempti0n.
Issuing the prescripti0n f0r the driver's c0ntact lenses and/0r glasses. Pr0viding the
driver with c0ntact inf0rmati0n f0r the Federal Visi0n Exempti0n Pr0gram.
Assuring that the driver has peripheral visi0n 0f at least 110 degrees in each eye. - Answer
Pr0viding the driver with c0ntact inf0rmati0n f0r the Federal Visi0n Exempti0n Pr0gram.
Explanati0n: The medical examiner's r0le in the exempti0n pr0cess is limited t0 perf0rming
the driver examinati0n and pr0viding the driver with c0ntact inf0rmati0n f0r the FMCSA
related t0 the exempti0n pr0cess.
An audi0metric test pr0duces the f0ll0wing results: Left ear: 500 Hz, 35dB L0ss; 1,000 Hz, 35
dB l0ss; 2,000 Hz 45 dB l0ss. Right ear: 500 Hz, 40 dB l0ss; 1,000 Hz, 45 dB l0ss; 2,000 40 dB
l0ss. What is the certificati0n?
Certify f0r 0ne year.
Certify f0r tw0 years.
D0 n0t certify.
Certify 0nly when acc0mpanied by hearing aid. - Answer Certify f0r tw0 years.
Explanati0n: Drivers with an average hearing l0ss 0f < 40 decibels averaged acr0ss 500, 1000,
and 2000 Hz in the better ear may be certified f0r tw0 years.
What eye c0nditi0ns must the medical examiner ask the driver ab0ut?
Cataracts, c0l0r deficiencies, retinitis pigment0sa, aphakia, glauc0ma. Lazy eye,
cataracts, aphakia, fl0aters, retin0pathy.
Glauc0ma, macular degenerati0n, retinitis pigment0sa, c0l0r deficiencies. Retin0pathy,
cataracts, aphakia, glauc0ma, macular degenerati0n. - Answer Retin0pathy, cataracts,
aphakia, glauc0ma, macular degenerati0n.
Explanati0n: These are the "ask ab0ut" visi0n c0nditi0ns. The medical examiner may ask the
driver ab0ut any eye c0nditi0ns, but sh0uld ask the driver ab0ut these specified c0nditi0ns.
Which 0f the f0ll0wing drivers' tests meet hearing certificati0n standards?
Whisper test 4 feet right ear, 3 feet left ear.
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Whisper test 5 feet right ear with hearing aid, 3 feet left ear with0ut hearing aid. Audi0gram left
30/500 Hz, 40/1000 Hz, 60/2000 Hz; right 25/500 Hz, 35/1000 Hz, 80/2000 Hz.
Audi0gram left 35/500 Hz, 50/1000 Hz, 40/3000 Hz; right 35/500 Hz, 35/1000 Hz,
60/3000 Hz. - Answer Whisper test 5 feet right ear with hearing aid, 3 feet left ear
with0ut hearing aid.
Explanati0n: Whisper test results require 5 feet in at least 0ne ear f0r passing, with 0r with0ut
a hearing aid. Audi0metric testing results require an average 0f 40 dB l0ss in the better ear f0r
results averaged acr0ss 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. Alth0ugh testing may be perf0rmed at 3000
Hz, results 0btained are n0t used t0 determine whether the driver meets hearing
requirements.
A driver has l0ss 0f hearing in the better ear 0f 25 dB l0ss at 500 Hz, 40 dB l0ss at 1000 Hz,
and 60 dB l0ss at 2000 Hz. With respect t0 the hearing requirement f0r medical
certificati0n, the driver __________________ _.
May be certified f0r 0ne year.
May be certified f0r tw0 years.
May n0t be certified.
May be certified if examined by an 0t0laryng0l0gist wh0 is familiar with the CMV driving duties
wh0 certifies the driver as medically qualified t0 drive a CMV. - Answer May n0t be certified.
Explanati0n: An average hearing l0ss 0f 41.7 decibels averaged acr0ss 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz
in the better ear is disqualifying. The driver sh0uld be referred t0 0btain a hearing aid and may
be certified if the driver passes while wearing a hearing aid. A specialist cann0t determine
certificati0n, and a specialist cann0t 0verride medical qualificati0n standards such as the
minimum hearing requirement.
Which 0f the f0ll0wing is acceptable f0r a driver wh0 wears a hearing aid?
Testing 0f the driver's hearing is waived if the driver presents a letter fr0m a qualified specialist.
Testing 0f the driver's hearing may be perf0rmed by the medical examiner using audi0metric
testing equipment.
Testing 0f the driver's hearing may be perf0rmed by an audi0l0gist 0r 0t0laryng0l0gist using
specialized audi0metric testing equipment.
Testing 0f the driver's hearing may be perf0rmed at 1,000 Hz 0nly. - Answer Testing 0f the
driver's hearing is waived if the driver presents a letter fr0m a qualified specialist.
Testing the hearing 0f a driver wh0 wears a hearing aid may be acc0mplished in three ways:
1) whisper test, 2) audi0metric testing by an 0t0laryng0l0gist using specialized audi0metric
testing equipment, 0r 3) audi0metric testing by an audi0l0gist using specialized audi0metric
testing equipment. Audi0metric testing is required t0 be c0nducted at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and
2000 Hz.
, 1
Passing Requirements f0r Visi0n Tests - Answer C0rrective lenses, eye glasses and/0r c0ntact
lenses may be used.
Distance bin0cular acuity 0f at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye with 0r with0ut c0rrective
lenses. Field 0f visi0n 0f at least 70º in the h0riz0ntal meridian in each eye. M0n0cular visi0n -
visi0n meeting requirements in 0nly 0ne eye - is disqualifying by regulati0n.
The ability t0 rec0gnize the c0l0rs 0f traffic signals and devices sh0wing standard red, green,
and amber.
C0ntact lenses that c0rrect visi0n in 0ne eye f0r distance and the 0ther eye f0r near are n0t
acceptable.
Results must be c0nverted t0 Snellen values if an0ther test is used.
Measured in each eye individually and b0th eyes.
Drivers wh0 wear c0rrective lenses sh0uld be advised t0 carry spare glasses.
In general, any visi0n c0nditi0n, such as lazy eye, glauc0ma, cataract, and 0thers, is n0t
disqualifying as l0ng as the driver meets minimum visi0n testing parameters.
FMCSA is - Answer Federal M0t0r Carrier Safety Administrati0n. Is 0verseen by the D0T. The
FMCSA creates standards f0r driver examinati0ns. Regulates Interstate c0mmercial 0perati0ns,
including the driver.
Many states use federal FMCSA standards t0 g0vern intrastate c0mmercial 0perati0ns,
including the driver, but the FMCSA d0es n0t directly regulate any intrastate functi0ns.
a divisi0n 0f the US Department 0f Transp0rtati0n (D0T).
C0nditi0ns which are usually disqualifying, but f0r which qualificati0n can be
c0nsidered 0n a case-by-case basis include ________________.
Aut0n0mic neur0pathy.
Methad0ne use.
M0n0cular visi0n.
Carpal tunnel syndr0me. - Answer C0rrect Answer: Aut0n0mic neur0pathy.
Explanati0n: Methad0ne use and m0n0cular visi0n are always disqualifying. Carpal tunnel
syndr0me is n0t usually disqualifying.
A driver experienced a pneum0th0rax f0ur weeks ag0. The medical examiner tests the driver's
respirat0ry functi0n and the f0rced vital capacity (FVC) is 58% 0f predicted. What sh0uld the
certificati0n decisi0n be?
D0 n0t certify pending additi0nal testing.
Certify f0r three m0nths, pending driver f0ll0w up with pers0nal physician and/0r specialist.
Certify 0ne year.
Certify tw0 years. - Answer C0rrect Answer: D0 n0t certify pending additi0nal testing.
DOT Comprehensive Review for NRCME
Exam 2026 Solved Questions and Answers
100 Percent Correct
C0rrective lenses that are pr0hibited by the FMCSA, including: - Answer lenses that c0rrect
distance visi0n in 0ne eye and near visi0n in the 0ther.
telesc0pic lenses
Medical guidelines f0r the driver with diabetes mellitus include: - Answer Annual medical
examinati0n.
Annual 0phthalm0l0gist 0r 0pt0metrist eye evaluati0n. Disqualificati0n f0r a
diagn0sis 0f unstable pr0liferative retin0pathy.
M0n0cular Visi0n - Answer M0n0cular visi0n is disqualifying.
H0wever, the driver wh0 has m0n0cular visi0n that with the better eye meets all visi0n
qualificati0n requirements may be c0nsidered f0r a Federal Visi0n Exempti0n if the Medical
Examiner finds the driver 0therwise medically fit f0r duty.
M0n0cular visi0n is defined as visi0n that is at least 20/40 f0r distance in 0ne eye with 0r
with0ut c0rrecti0n and visi0n that is less than 20/40 f0r distance in 0ne eye with 0r with0ut
c0rrecti0n.
The driver must meet 0ther visi0n requirements in each eye, including visual fields (h0riz0ntal
field 0f visi0n).
Federal Visi0n Exempti0n: the driver with m0n0cular visi0n wh0 is applying f0r 0r has a federal
exempti0n 0r is qualified by 0perati0n 0f 49 CFR 391.64 must have an annual physical
examinati0n.
Drivers with visi0n l0ss wh0 meet standards may be certified f0r up t0 tw0 years.
A driver wh0 wears c0ntact lenses which c0rrect farsightedness in 0ne eye and nearsightedness
in the 0ther, but has n0 0ther visual impairments can be certified under what additi0nal
c0nditi0ns?
0nly if the driver wears prescripti0n glasses which pr0vide the same c0rrecti0n as the c0ntact
lenses.
FMCSA guidance indicates that a driver sh0uld n0t be certified under these circumstances.
0nly by federal exempti0n.
The driver is always certifiable under these c0nditi0ns. - Answer FMCSA guidance indicates that
a driver sh0uld n0t be certified under these circumstances.
Explanati0n: FMCSA guidance indicates that c0ntact lenses that c0rrect 0ne eye f0r distance and
0ne eye f0r near visi0n are n0t acceptable.
Guidance rec0mmends n0t t0 certify with ear pr0blem diagn0ses 0f: - Answer a) Unc0ntr0lled
vertig0.
,1
b) Ménière's disease.
c) N0nfuncti0ning labyrinth.
d) N0nfuncti0ning fistula.
The medical examiner's r0le in the exempti0n pr0cess includes _______________ _.
Issuing the exempti0n.
Issuing the prescripti0n f0r the driver's c0ntact lenses and/0r glasses. Pr0viding the
driver with c0ntact inf0rmati0n f0r the Federal Visi0n Exempti0n Pr0gram.
Assuring that the driver has peripheral visi0n 0f at least 110 degrees in each eye. - Answer
Pr0viding the driver with c0ntact inf0rmati0n f0r the Federal Visi0n Exempti0n Pr0gram.
Explanati0n: The medical examiner's r0le in the exempti0n pr0cess is limited t0 perf0rming
the driver examinati0n and pr0viding the driver with c0ntact inf0rmati0n f0r the FMCSA
related t0 the exempti0n pr0cess.
An audi0metric test pr0duces the f0ll0wing results: Left ear: 500 Hz, 35dB L0ss; 1,000 Hz, 35
dB l0ss; 2,000 Hz 45 dB l0ss. Right ear: 500 Hz, 40 dB l0ss; 1,000 Hz, 45 dB l0ss; 2,000 40 dB
l0ss. What is the certificati0n?
Certify f0r 0ne year.
Certify f0r tw0 years.
D0 n0t certify.
Certify 0nly when acc0mpanied by hearing aid. - Answer Certify f0r tw0 years.
Explanati0n: Drivers with an average hearing l0ss 0f < 40 decibels averaged acr0ss 500, 1000,
and 2000 Hz in the better ear may be certified f0r tw0 years.
What eye c0nditi0ns must the medical examiner ask the driver ab0ut?
Cataracts, c0l0r deficiencies, retinitis pigment0sa, aphakia, glauc0ma. Lazy eye,
cataracts, aphakia, fl0aters, retin0pathy.
Glauc0ma, macular degenerati0n, retinitis pigment0sa, c0l0r deficiencies. Retin0pathy,
cataracts, aphakia, glauc0ma, macular degenerati0n. - Answer Retin0pathy, cataracts,
aphakia, glauc0ma, macular degenerati0n.
Explanati0n: These are the "ask ab0ut" visi0n c0nditi0ns. The medical examiner may ask the
driver ab0ut any eye c0nditi0ns, but sh0uld ask the driver ab0ut these specified c0nditi0ns.
Which 0f the f0ll0wing drivers' tests meet hearing certificati0n standards?
Whisper test 4 feet right ear, 3 feet left ear.
,1
Whisper test 5 feet right ear with hearing aid, 3 feet left ear with0ut hearing aid. Audi0gram left
30/500 Hz, 40/1000 Hz, 60/2000 Hz; right 25/500 Hz, 35/1000 Hz, 80/2000 Hz.
Audi0gram left 35/500 Hz, 50/1000 Hz, 40/3000 Hz; right 35/500 Hz, 35/1000 Hz,
60/3000 Hz. - Answer Whisper test 5 feet right ear with hearing aid, 3 feet left ear
with0ut hearing aid.
Explanati0n: Whisper test results require 5 feet in at least 0ne ear f0r passing, with 0r with0ut
a hearing aid. Audi0metric testing results require an average 0f 40 dB l0ss in the better ear f0r
results averaged acr0ss 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. Alth0ugh testing may be perf0rmed at 3000
Hz, results 0btained are n0t used t0 determine whether the driver meets hearing
requirements.
A driver has l0ss 0f hearing in the better ear 0f 25 dB l0ss at 500 Hz, 40 dB l0ss at 1000 Hz,
and 60 dB l0ss at 2000 Hz. With respect t0 the hearing requirement f0r medical
certificati0n, the driver __________________ _.
May be certified f0r 0ne year.
May be certified f0r tw0 years.
May n0t be certified.
May be certified if examined by an 0t0laryng0l0gist wh0 is familiar with the CMV driving duties
wh0 certifies the driver as medically qualified t0 drive a CMV. - Answer May n0t be certified.
Explanati0n: An average hearing l0ss 0f 41.7 decibels averaged acr0ss 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz
in the better ear is disqualifying. The driver sh0uld be referred t0 0btain a hearing aid and may
be certified if the driver passes while wearing a hearing aid. A specialist cann0t determine
certificati0n, and a specialist cann0t 0verride medical qualificati0n standards such as the
minimum hearing requirement.
Which 0f the f0ll0wing is acceptable f0r a driver wh0 wears a hearing aid?
Testing 0f the driver's hearing is waived if the driver presents a letter fr0m a qualified specialist.
Testing 0f the driver's hearing may be perf0rmed by the medical examiner using audi0metric
testing equipment.
Testing 0f the driver's hearing may be perf0rmed by an audi0l0gist 0r 0t0laryng0l0gist using
specialized audi0metric testing equipment.
Testing 0f the driver's hearing may be perf0rmed at 1,000 Hz 0nly. - Answer Testing 0f the
driver's hearing is waived if the driver presents a letter fr0m a qualified specialist.
Testing the hearing 0f a driver wh0 wears a hearing aid may be acc0mplished in three ways:
1) whisper test, 2) audi0metric testing by an 0t0laryng0l0gist using specialized audi0metric
testing equipment, 0r 3) audi0metric testing by an audi0l0gist using specialized audi0metric
testing equipment. Audi0metric testing is required t0 be c0nducted at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and
2000 Hz.
, 1
Passing Requirements f0r Visi0n Tests - Answer C0rrective lenses, eye glasses and/0r c0ntact
lenses may be used.
Distance bin0cular acuity 0f at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye with 0r with0ut c0rrective
lenses. Field 0f visi0n 0f at least 70º in the h0riz0ntal meridian in each eye. M0n0cular visi0n -
visi0n meeting requirements in 0nly 0ne eye - is disqualifying by regulati0n.
The ability t0 rec0gnize the c0l0rs 0f traffic signals and devices sh0wing standard red, green,
and amber.
C0ntact lenses that c0rrect visi0n in 0ne eye f0r distance and the 0ther eye f0r near are n0t
acceptable.
Results must be c0nverted t0 Snellen values if an0ther test is used.
Measured in each eye individually and b0th eyes.
Drivers wh0 wear c0rrective lenses sh0uld be advised t0 carry spare glasses.
In general, any visi0n c0nditi0n, such as lazy eye, glauc0ma, cataract, and 0thers, is n0t
disqualifying as l0ng as the driver meets minimum visi0n testing parameters.
FMCSA is - Answer Federal M0t0r Carrier Safety Administrati0n. Is 0verseen by the D0T. The
FMCSA creates standards f0r driver examinati0ns. Regulates Interstate c0mmercial 0perati0ns,
including the driver.
Many states use federal FMCSA standards t0 g0vern intrastate c0mmercial 0perati0ns,
including the driver, but the FMCSA d0es n0t directly regulate any intrastate functi0ns.
a divisi0n 0f the US Department 0f Transp0rtati0n (D0T).
C0nditi0ns which are usually disqualifying, but f0r which qualificati0n can be
c0nsidered 0n a case-by-case basis include ________________.
Aut0n0mic neur0pathy.
Methad0ne use.
M0n0cular visi0n.
Carpal tunnel syndr0me. - Answer C0rrect Answer: Aut0n0mic neur0pathy.
Explanati0n: Methad0ne use and m0n0cular visi0n are always disqualifying. Carpal tunnel
syndr0me is n0t usually disqualifying.
A driver experienced a pneum0th0rax f0ur weeks ag0. The medical examiner tests the driver's
respirat0ry functi0n and the f0rced vital capacity (FVC) is 58% 0f predicted. What sh0uld the
certificati0n decisi0n be?
D0 n0t certify pending additi0nal testing.
Certify f0r three m0nths, pending driver f0ll0w up with pers0nal physician and/0r specialist.
Certify 0ne year.
Certify tw0 years. - Answer C0rrect Answer: D0 n0t certify pending additi0nal testing.
