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Explore If You Can You Get A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) With A Disability
Can you get a CDL with a disability? Are you looking to start working as a commercial truck driver? You will need to have a commercial driver’s license for that to happen.
CDLs are required when you operate large or hazardous materials in a commercial capacity. There are various regulations about this license, but is it possible to get a CDL with a disability?
The answer varies based on different factors, and this is what we will delve into further details as we continue looking at more information about these licenses. In the following few sections, you will learn about the restrictions that are in place for someone that wants to get a CDL with a disability.
What is a CDL?
There are usually three different classes of CDL in the US:-
- Class A: Vehicles with a gross weight rating of 26,001 pounds or higher. The licensees that have this license can operate any commercial vehicles in classes A, and B provided they have the necessary endorsements.
Class B: Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds and a weight of more than 10,000 pounds is towed. License holders can also operate other commercial motor vehicles in Class C when they have the proper endorsements.
- Class C: Any single or vehicle combination which does not adhere to the definition of class A and B but can transport 16 or more passengers. Vehicles that will need a placard for hazardous materials are also included in this class.
To get a CDL for any purpose, you will have to take part in training though the requirements are varied based on the state you are in.
For instance, Ohio requires 160 hours of training in a classroom and on the road. The training includes education on operating these vehicles safely and adequately. There is also training provided for other skills such as:-
- Map reading
- Trip planning
- Complying with DOT laws
- Dealing with and handling emergency scenarios
In addition to the stipulated training, CDL applicants must have passed a written test on highway safety.
They also need to define truck parts and have answered at least 80% of the questions correctly. There will also be a skills test on the road where they will be able to complete specific driving maneuvers. Other states can have additional tests before being qualified to get a CDL.
What is a DOT Physical?
This is a medical examination that has been enforced by the DOT and is required before you can be eligible for a CDL.
The test is usually required to assess your general health and your emotional and mental fitness since these are some of the factors necessary for a driver to keep up with the demands of professional commercial driving. A medical professional must conduct the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners test.
You will be tested for blood pressure, hearing, vision, and urine analysis for drug screening and determining glucose levels. Your entire medical history will also be studied during the test, and some things might disqualify you, as we get to see in the following section.
What Disqualifies a DOT Physical?
If your medical examiner has determined that your medical condition will affect your ability to drive safely, you might fail a DOT physical. The reasons might be anything likely to cause loss of consciousness and issues with vision or hearing.
Physical limitations and a compromised immune system might also be a reason to be disqualified during the physical test. Other factors that are likely to lead to disqualification include:-
- Heart conditions such as heart attacks and the risk of blood clots.
- Epilepsy and other seizures
- Inner ear disease and disorders
- Use of marijuana
For applicants with diabetes, the examiner will allow them to pass the test if they are on a stable regimen of insulin and their symptoms are adequately controlled.
Individuals will also be expected to provide logs of their glucose levels, demonstrating that their symptoms are being adequately managed. Drivers with high blood pressure can also be exempted if they have a blood pressure below stage 3. anything beyond this is usually considered a hypertensive diagnosis. As such, it will disqualify them from a CDL.
Do you still have questions about what will disqualify you from getting a CDL? Any of the conditions outlined above will disqualify you and others not listed but have the potential to impact your ability to drive safely.
Is it Possible for a Disabled Person to get a CDL?
As long as you can pass the DOT physical examination, you can get your CDL. However, if you do not pass the physical, there are other opportunities that you can use to get certified in the future.
When your health has improved and you can manage yourself better, you will apply for re-certification. Even when you have a disability, passing the physical, written, and road driving tests will qualify you for the CDL.
If you are still unsure how you can get a CDL with a disability, you can begin by researching the requirements specific to your state. Additionally, talk with your doctor to determine if you are eligible for the CDL or not. Once you have done this, you will be better informed about your qualification status and whether you can get certified.
Your state might have different requirements, and when you learn about these requirements, you will be better informed about what is expected of you. When you have learned about the particular requirements for your specific state, you will be more knowledgeable about what will be required of you.
Additionally, you will know what steps and procedures are needed to make the applications and whether you have any chances of succeeding with them. You must be aware of all the requirements since it will make the application process easier and more streamlined. With the information provided in this article, you will be more confident when making your application for a CDL license. Are you now aware if you can get a CDL with a disability?
References
1. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-GAO-08-1030T/html/GAOREPORTS-GAO-08-1030T.htm
2. https://careertrend.com/facts-7726319-disabled-truck-driver-training.html
3. https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/people-disabilities-and-their-rights-drivers
