Commercial Driver's Licenses

Deaf Truckers Wanted!
Do you want to be a truck driver?
Are you over the age of 21?
Are you a safe driver?

The NAD wants to help. The NAD is asking the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to let people who are deaf and hard of hearing drive trucks.  If you are interested in being a trucker, please contact us [1] today.

What can I do with a Commercial Driver’s License?

If you want to drive a commercial motor vehicle interstate – between states – you must get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).   A commercial motor vehicle is a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles that weighs more than 26,001 pounds, or is used to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or carries hazardous materials. 

Do I have to pass a hearing test to get a CDL?

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) sets the safety standards for obtaining a Commercial Drivers License (CDL).  These safety standards are called Physical Qualification Standards.  The Physical Qualification Standards include a hearing requirement.  If a driver cannot pass the DOT’s Physical Qualification Standards, he or she may be able to obtain an exemption from the hearing requirement to get a CDL. 

What do the Physical Qualification Standards say about hearing?

The DOT’s Physical Qualification Standards require drivers to be able to hear.  The Standards state that drivers have to be able to hear a forced whisper at not less than 5 feet in the better ear with or without a hearing aid, or cannot have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid.  However, the DOT may grant an exemption to drive Class B vehicles without airbrakes to safe drivers who cannot pass the hearing test.

Can I get an exemption if I cannot pass the DOT hearing test?

The DOT has indicated that it may grant exemptions to operate Class B vehicles without airbrakes to safe drivers who cannot pass the DOT’s hearing test.  If you want a CDL to operate Class B commercial motor vehicles without airbrakes, but cannot pass the DOT’s hearing test, please contact the NAD [1].  If you are qualified, we may be able to help you apply for an exemption.  When you contact us, we will ask for a copy of your driving records from the past three years.  You can get a copy of your driving records from your state department of motor vehicles. 

Who do I contact if I have more questions about getting an exemption from the DOT's hearing standards?

Contact us [1] if you have any questions.