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

What are the minimum spirometry values required for driver certification?

1. FEV1 70%, FVC 65%, FEV1/FVC ratio 65%

2. FEV1 65%, FVC 60%, FEV1/FVC ratio 65%

3. FEV1 65%, FVC 65%, FEV1/FVC ratio 65%

4. FEV1 60%, FVC 60%, FEV1/FVC ratio 60%

The correct answer is: FEV1 65%, FVC 60%, FEV1/FVC ratio 65%

The minimum spirometry values required for driver certification are based on established standards to ensure that drivers have sufficient pulmonary function for safety on the road. Specifically, the correct choice indicates that an FEV1 of 65%, an FVC of 60%, and an FEV1/FVC ratio of 65% are necessary. FEV1, or forced expiratory volume in one second, measures how much air a person can forcefully exhale in one second and is crucial for assessing obstructive lung diseases. The FVC, or forced vital capacity, quantifies the total amount of air exhaled when performing the test. The FEV1/FVC ratio is a vital indicator that helps to identify the presence of airflow obstruction. Setting these minimum thresholds—FEV1 at 65% and the FVC at 60%—is essential for determining the fitness of drivers. If an individual falls below these values, it could indicate significant respiratory impairment that might hinder their ability to drive safely. This choice aligns with the guidelines that ensure medically certified drivers possess adequate lung function and are thus less likely to have an acute respiratory event while driving. The other choices either set higher requirements for FVC or lower thresholds for FEV1, which