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

If a driver has peripheral vision of 70 degrees left and 80 degrees right, what should the examiner do?

1. Qualify the driver for 2 years.

2. Require a vision exemption.

3. Disqualify the driver.

4. Refer to an Ophthalmologist.

The correct answer is: Qualify the driver for 2 years.

The correct response in this scenario is to qualify the driver for 2 years. The decision is based on the requirement for visual acuity as outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines, which state that to drive commercially, a driver's vision must be within certain standards. Peripheral vision is particularly important for safe driving, as it allows a driver to be aware of their surroundings, including vehicles and pedestrians that may not be directly in front of them. Generally, a minimum of 70 degrees of peripheral vision in one eye and 120 degrees in total is acceptable for commercial driving. In this case, the driver with 70 degrees on the left and 80 degrees on the right meets the criteria that are typically required for qualification, reflecting adequate peripheral awareness required for safe driving. Thus, qualifying the driver for 2 years aligns with the vision standards established for commercial drivers, ensuring their ability to operate a vehicle safely under the regulations. Regular assessments can help monitor any changes in vision over time, which is important for ongoing safety.