What does my blood pressure need to be to get certified?

If your blood pressure is less than 140/90, you may be medically certified for 2 years.

If your blood pressure is 140-159/90-99, this is considered Stage 1 hypertension and you may be certified for 1 year. You will need to have annual re-certifications after that.

If your blood pressure is 160-179/100-109, this is considered Stage 2 Hypertension and you are a candidate for blood pressure medication. You must see your primary care physician. You may be temporarily certified for 3 months during which time you will need to bring your blood pressure down to 140/90 or less, at which time you can get a 1 year certification from the date of your initial exam.

 

What if I already take blood pressure medication?

Being on blood pressure medication means that you can only be certified for 1 year.

 

I get nervous when I go to a doctor’s office and this makes my blood pressure go up. What should I do?

This is very common. Tell the doctor before your blood pressure is taken. Usually in a situation like this the examiner will take 2 or 3 blood pressure readings at different times during the examination to get a good reading.

 

What are the vision requirements for my certification?

You must have at least 20/40 vision in both eyes together.

You must have at least 20/40 vision in both eyes individually.

 

 Can I get certified if I am blind in 1 eye?

If you pass the rest of your DOT physical examination, you may be able to get a Federal Vision Exemption. You will not be certified until you obtain the Exemption.

 

Can I wear my contacts or glasses during the vision test?

Yes! If you drive with glasses on, you should wear them for the vision portion of the test. Please note that wearing one contact for near vision and one contact for far vision, is not acceptable.

 

I have Type 2 Diabetes and I take oral medication to control it. Can I get certified?

Yes, however you will be limited to a 1 year certificate.

 

Can I get certified if I take insulin to control my Type 1 diabetes?

No, if you require insulin you cannot get your DOT certification for interstate driving. Some states have different rules for driving intra-sate. Please check your state regulations.

 

What drugs or medications would disqualify me?

Methadone, anti-seizure medication and insulin would disqualify you from getting your medical card. Habit forming drugs are also disqualifiers. Marijuana, including medically prescribed marijuana is disqualifying.

 

Can I be certified if I have had a pacemaker or a defribrillator implanted?

You can be certified if you have a pacemaker, however a defibrillator will disqualify you from interstate driving. Some states may allow it for intra-state driving. Please check on your state regulations for more information.

 

Do I have to take a drug test?

No. Drug testing is not a normal part of the DOT examination. You will have to give a urine sample, but it will be tested for sugar and blood in the urine, not drugs. Please note, that your employer may also additionally require a DOT Drug Test at the time of your DOT Physical.