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doctor checking his patient's blood pressure

DOT EXAM – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Victoria Ajayi, CRNP is a certified medical examiner with the USDOT and can issue a certified medical certificate for those who pass the DOT exam.

The DOT physical is highly regulated by the FCMSA. Victoria Ajayi knows the seriousness of these regulations and complies completely.

Your DOT exam will include the following components:

  • Overview discussion of injuries in the recent past
  • Evaluation of current medications and prescriptions
  • Evaluation of any known medical situations such as heart disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
  • Physical exam.
  • Vitals assessment i.e. Blood pressure & pulse.
  • Vision perception test.
  • Hearing exam
  • Urine analysis.
  • Kasper report and possibly a urine drug screen, if taking controlled substances or require by employer.
  • Other possible tests as needed for cardiac or pulmonary & respiratory conditions.

The basic requirements for passing a DOT physical exam under the new standards are:

  • At least 20/40 correctable vision in each eye as well as both combined.  Glasses or contacts are allowed.
  • Must be able to distinguish colors used in on-road signs and signals.
  • Passing a forced whisper test to assess adequate hearing. (Minimum of 5 feet)
  • Controlled blood pressure under 140/90.  Prescription medication may be used to accomplish this.
  • If a Diabetic, must be non-insulin dependent.
  • Maximum blood sugar level of 200 or less.
  • No use of a schedule I drug (controlled substance), amphetamine, narcotic or habit-forming drug.

Before you arrive at our office for your DOT exam, please do the following:

  • Arrive 20 minutes ahead of scheduled appointment for completing paperwork.
  • You can download a copy of the DOT form you’ll need by clicking here.

Please bring the following with you as they apply to you:

  • Glasses, contacts etc.
  • A list of prescription medication you use as well as over the counter medications.
  • A list of doctors you’ve seen in the recent past and their contact information.
  • If you’re a Diabetic, bring sugar level results or a hemoglobin A1C report for the last 3 months.
  • If you have a heart condition, bring your most recent stress test results if possible.

Passing or Failing your DOT exam:

If you pass the exam a certificate will be issued which is valid for 2 years. 

Common reasons for failing a DOT exam include high blood pressure and/or an elevated blood sugar.  Both of these can usually be controlled with medication. In some cases we are still able to issue a short term certificate allowing you to drive. These are 3 month or 12 month instead of the usual 24 month certificates and require follow up visits with the doctor for monitoring of the medial condition.

Other reasons for failing an exam are any of the following situations: Vision problems that cannot be adequately corrected with lenses, impairment or loss of limbs, insulin dependence, use of certain controlled drugs, ( Methadone, Marijuana, Miraplex etc.) mental disorders, uncontrollable hypertension, epilepsy or any other medial condition which could hinder you from operating a vehicle safely.

A drug test is not necessary unless required by your particular employer.

Charges for your DOT exam:

  • Victoria Ajayi, CRNP charges an affordable price for the DOT exam.
  • The charge includes the physical exam and urine screen.  You may be referred out to a specialist if your condition requires additional testing, such as an audiometry for hearing, a pulmonary function test for asthma or a stress test for a heart condition. There may be additional charges.