DOT Certification Practice Exam

How frequently should drivers with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergo sleep testing?

1. Every six months

2. Yearly

3. Every two years

4. Every five years

The correct answer is: Yearly

Drivers diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) should undergo sleep testing on an annual basis to ensure their condition is effectively managed and does not impair their driving ability. Since OSA is characterized by intermittent airway obstruction leading to disrupted sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness, regular assessments help monitor the effectiveness of treatment, adherence to prescribed therapies, and any potential changes in the severity of the condition. Annual testing allows for timely adjustments in treatment plans to enhance the driver's safety on the road. Given the nature of OSA, which can have fluctuations in symptom severity, more frequent testing could be unnecessarily burdensome and may not provide significant benefits over the yearly schedule. However, extending the interval beyond one year would risk overlooking critical changes in the driver's health status that could affect their driving safety.