When you arrive for your DOT exam, we’ll start by collecting your recent health history. For this, you’ll need to bring the following:
Signed and dated Medical Examination Report form (don’t forget to fill out the Driver Information and Health History sections)
A list of any current medications you take, plus the name and contact number of the doctor who prescribed them
Medical records for any serious conditions, such as diabetes or cardiac diseases
A letter from your treating doctor if you take medication for pain, psychiatric conditions, attention deficit disorders or smoking cessation
We will perform the physical examination, which will involve urine, vision, hearing and blood pressure tests. You must meet the DOT guidelines for each test in order to be deemed medically fit.
Vision Test
Commercial drivers need good vision in order to read traffic signs, monitor road conditions and more. The NYS Department of Transportation requires you to have at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction. You’ll be asked to sit or stand still and identify letters and numbers on an eye chart. The nurse practitioner will also test the peripheral vision, or side vision, in each eye. Finally, there will be a color test to make sure you can distinguish between the red, green and amber colors of traffic signals.
Driver’s Note: Be sure to bring your eyeglasses or contact lenses if you have them.
Hearing Test
According to the DOT Medical Exam, you must be able to perceive a forced whisper voice at 5 feet or more, with or without a hearing aid. If not, you need to pass a formal hearing test with an audiometer. This is to make sure you’ll be able to hear the sounds of traffic and any information coming in over the radio. Please bring any hearing aid devices with you to the appointment.
Blood Pressure Test
In order to qualify for the 24-month certification, your blood pressure must be less than or equal to 140/90. Individuals whose blood pressure is more than 140/90 but less than 180/110 may qualify for a shorter term certificate.
To help ensure your blood pressure test goes smoothly and delivers accurate results, follow a few simple tips:
Don’t drink coffee or smoke cigarettes 30 minutes before the test
Five minutes before the test, sit with your back supported and your feet flat on the ground. Rest your arm on a table at the level of your heart
Wear short sleeves
An empty bladder is best so use the bathroom beforehand
We can take two separate readings (two minutes apart) and average the results together. We’ll also be happy to tell you the blood pressure reading in numbers so you can understand it better, as well as answer any questions you might have.
