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

Which of the following diagnoses is NOT always disqualifying for a driver?

1. Narcolepsy

2. Bipolar Disorder

3. Meniere's disease

4. Current Alcoholism

The correct answer is: Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is the diagnosis that is not always disqualifying for a driver. While it can certainly present challenges, individuals with bipolar disorder may still qualify for driving if their condition is well-managed, stable, and does not impair their ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely. The key factors determining disqualification in such cases include the absence of recent episodes of mania or depression, adherence to medication regimens, and overall stability of the individual’s mental health. On the other hand, narcolepsy generally poses significant risks due to the potential for sudden sleep attacks, which can severely impair driving ability. Meniere's disease, characterized by episodes of vertigo, can similarly affect a driver’s stability and alertness. Current alcoholism is also a disqualifying condition because it poses immediate dangers while operating a vehicle, given the impairment associated with alcohol consumption. Therefore, the nuances of bipolar disorder management allow for the possibility of qualified driving under certain circumstances, making it less categorically disqualifying than the other diagnoses listed.