DOTSTG • DRIVER MEDICAL EDUCATION
Blood Pressure and DOT Physicals
Blood pressure is one component of the DOT medical examination. An elevated reading may require medical evaluation or affect certification duration.
Why blood pressure matters
Blood pressure is recorded because cardiovascular risk can affect safe commercial driving. A single office reading is interpreted in context rather than treated as the only finding in an evaluation. The examiner may repeat a reading or request follow-up.
What drivers should bring
Bring a current list of blood-pressure medications, relevant treatment history and records if your clinician is monitoring your condition. Do not take extra medicine or stop prescribed treatment to manipulate a test result.
Examiner decisions
The medical examiner uses applicable standards and professional guidance to determine whether certification is appropriate and for what period. The decision may differ depending on the driver’s full clinical picture, not just one number.
Preparing safely
Continue your usual prescribed treatment unless directed by your own clinician. If you have a history of significant blood pressure issues, ask the clinic in advance whether a treatment summary is useful.
Official references and next steps
This educational material is not medical advice, not an examiner’s individual qualification decision, and not a guarantee of a medical certificate. Ask a licensed clinician about your medical condition. Federal and Utah guidance may change.