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

If a driver uses hearing aids and can hear at 5 feet on the right and 4 feet on the left during the whisper test, what should the examiner recommend?

1. Send the driver for an audiometric test

2. Disqualify the driver

3. Certify the driver for 1 year

4. Certify the driver for 2 years

The correct answer is: Certify the driver for 2 years

The correct recommendation for a driver who uses hearing aids and passes the whisper test at close distances, specifically 5 feet on the right and 4 feet on the left, is to certify the driver for 2 years. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines, drivers are required to demonstrate adequate hearing ability to ensure safety on the road. The whisper test is a common method used to evaluate a driver's hearing capability. In this case, the fact that the driver can hear at relatively close distances while using hearing aids indicates that they have sufficient auditory function to operate a commercial vehicle safely. If a driver meets the standards, they may be eligible for certification without needing additional testing, especially if they demonstrate the capacity to function competently on the road. By certifying the driver for 2 years, the examiner acknowledges that the driver is fit for duty while also providing a reasonable period for future assessment and monitoring of their hearing health.