How the DOT exam measures your blood pressure…
During the DOT exam, your blood pressure will be measured similarly to any other time. It will start with a cuff on either arm, measuring diastolic pressure and systolic pressure. • Diastolic pressure is the bottom number, and it represents the lowest pressure your heart reaches as it’s relaxed, typically in between beats. • Systolic pressure is the top number, and it represents the highest pressure there is, usually when your heart beats. The DOT exam demands that the aspiring driver has a blood pressure of 140/90, or at least somewhere in the range of 140-159/ 90-99. If the DOT exam finds your pressure to be the optimum 140/90, you’ll be granted certification for two years. However, if it falls into the later ranges that we mentioned, your certification will only last for one year. If your blood pressure shows other numbers, you may be granted a 3-month license with medication or even be disqualified until such a time when your blood pressure is inside the normal range.