Preparing for the Dot Exam: What You Need to Know

Drivers who operate commercial vehicles are required by the Department of Transportation to pass a DOT exam every two years. However, your timeline may be more brief if your results exhibit worrisome trends that require routine monitoring, such as hypertension. As a provider of urgent care in Livonia, Michigan, we offer this exam to ascertain if drivers are fit to safely operate commercial vehicles.

The DOT exam is comprehensive, which means that your medical history, health, and current medication list will be reviewed and evaluated. However, there are a lot of misconceptions about the exam, so it helps to know more about it and how to prepare. Here, we share tips to help you prepare:

• Be mindful of your blood pressure.
  Reduce your intake of coffee, energy drinks, and tobacco in the 24 hours leading up to your exam as these products can raise your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, your premium health care provider may have already recommended medication and lifestyle changes to manage your condition.
• Remember your vision or hearing supports.
  Wear or bring prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses and hearing aids if you are required to wear them for driving. You will need to pass a hearing and vision test during the exam.
• Prepare to discuss your health.
  Before arriving for your exam, know your health history and be prepared to discuss any recent diagnoses of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea. Diagnostic tests will be conducted to assess your overall health.

Faith Medical Center is a trusted provider of high-quality, reliable medical care services in Michigan. Schedule your DOT exam — feel free to reach out to us to get started.