National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) DOT Practice Exam

If a driver has a moderate Traumatic Brain Injury but has fully recovered, what should the examiner decide?

1. Disqualify the driver

2. Require a mini mental state exam

3. Certify the driver for one year

4. Certify the driver for two years

The correct answer is: Certify the driver for one year

When assessing a driver who has sustained a moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) but has fully recovered, the best approach is to certify the driver for one year. This decision is grounded in the understanding that while the driver has experienced a significant medical event, their full recovery indicates that they are currently able to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The certification period of one year is often recommended because it allows for a reasonable amount of time for monitoring the driver's health status. Given that TBIs can have varying long-term effects that may not be immediately evident upon recovery, a one-year certificate enables the examiner to reassess the driver’s capabilities and cognitive function in the near future, ensuring ongoing safety on the road. A mini mental state exam might be useful in some cases to evaluate cognitive function, but if the individual has already demonstrated full recovery, this additional step may not be necessary for immediate certification purposes. Certifying for two years could be seen as overlooking the potential for delayed effects of the brain injury, which makes a more cautious one-year certification approach more appropriate in this scenario. Distinguishing between moderate and severe TBIs is crucial, as moderate TBIs often present fewer long-term risks, yet maintaining a vigilant approach to recertification balances safety with the