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

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the NRCME DOT Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What should an examiner do if a driver shows a positive Babinski reflex during examination?

  1. Certify the driver for 1 year

  2. Certify the driver for 2 years

  3. Council the driver to obtain an SPE

  4. Do not certify until neurological consultation

The correct answer is: Do not certify until neurological consultation

A positive Babinski reflex indicates potential neurological issues, particularly affecting the motor pathways. In the context of medical examinations for drivers, this reflex can suggest the possibility of underlying neurological conditions that may impair a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle. When an examiner observes a positive Babinski reflex, it is crucial to approach the situation with caution. This reflex can be indicative of upper motor neuron lesions, which may be linked to serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injuries. Therefore, before making a determination about the driver's certification, it is necessary to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their neurological status. Recommending that the driver do not obtain certification until a neurological consultation is essential to confirm or rule out any significant health issues that could adversely affect driving safety. This step prioritizes the safety of the driver and the public by ensuring that any potential neurological concerns are thoroughly evaluated by a specialist. Only after such evaluation and appropriate management can a decision be made regarding the driver’s fitness to operate a commercial vehicle.