Ace the NRCME DOT Exam 2026 – Drive Your Success Forward!

When a driver presents with a blood pressure of 168/112 mm Hg, this measurement indicates stage 2 hypertension according to the American Heart Association guidelines. Such a high reading signifies a potential risk for cardiovascular events and may impair the driver's health and ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

Disqualification is the appropriate action because it aligns with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, which state that drivers with untreated hypertension or with stage 2 hypertension should not be certified to drive. The safety of the driver and others on the road is paramount, and managing high blood pressure is crucial before a driver can be considered for certification.

Counting on the responsibility of medical examiners, they must ensure that the drivers meet specific health standards to guarantee their competence in driving commercial vehicles without posing a risk due to uncontrolled or severe hypertension.