Loveland DOT exam

If you have had  some issues in the past that could put you in the red flag range during your next DOT exam here are some helpful tips.

DOT CDL blood pressure tips

Start with  lay off energy drinks or over-the-counter cold medication for 24 hours before the exam. High blood pressure is the number one reason people fail and these products can raise the blood pressure by 20 points. You need a  blood pressure below 140/90 to qualify for a one or two year certification. 

Getting a good night’s sleep is very important. Hold off on that morning coffee until after your exam. Make sure  you are not rushed as that will cause stress and increase your blood pressure.

If you are on blood pressure medications take them as soon as you wake up. Bring all medications in their original bottles to the DOT exam to show to the doctor. This is especially important if it is not your regular doctor performing the DOT medical exam.

Diabetes DOT exam tips

Don’t eat a big meal before the physical. This can  trigger a spilling of glucose  in your urine, especially if you are diabetic.  That will lead to a blood sugar test and possibly getting an A1C test by your family doctor; disqualification pending treatment; or a restricted card. If you are a diabetic  make sure you bring your last A1C test that was done and it has to be from the past 3 months. 

CPAP and DOT exam qualifications

Do you use a  CPAP machine? Bring your compliance letter to the exam. No one wants a truck driver to fall asleep at the wheel. That is why DOT examiners check compliance.  Remember CPAP machines are a prescription just the same as a medication.

Remember, most restricted DOT medical disqualifications are the decision of the DOT examiner. This means the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration allows commercial driver examiner a lot of discretion in determining whether you get a card or not. So be nice  and have good hygiene because those two things will get you more benefit than not.

DOT exam urine test

You will need to give a urine sample. So please do not go to the bathroom right before your exam. We are not checking for drugs(your company may want a drug test though). We check for proteing, blood, and sugar in the urine which tells us if there could be some underlying physical problems.