Skillfull Truck Drivers Missing Limbs
A persons abilities should be just that. Their abilities. When we dictate the rules of how a person demonstrates their skills, then we are no longer basing their qualiffications soley on their skills, but rather the avenue chosen for them to display their skill level.
Donna Smith: Truth About Trucking
Can an Amputee be a CDL Truck Driver?
How do You Feel?
I receive hundreds of emails from people all across the United States
asking questions concerning CDL requirements and assistance with
general help topics. It may take me a few days to answer, but I always write
back. I enjoy the correspondence with other drivers and especially, the
"newbies." I recently received an email from a gentleman who asked me a
question that I have never been asked before in 29 years of trucking. He
was an (arm) amputee, and was having trouble with his home state issuing
him a CDL. He asked for my help.
I knew what the Regulations had to say about it, but I searched on the
internet and was surprised at some of the things I found. One article was
written by an employer stating his amazement that an (arm) amputee would
even apply for his open truck driving job. I left a comment on his site . . . I
had to! I would like everyone to know that an amputee, arm or leg, CAN
DRIVE a semi tractor-trailer!
People just do not understand the Regulations when it comes to driving a
commercial motor vehicle. Can an amputee have a CDL? YES! Can an
amputee drive a semi rig? YES! Those whom I call "the foolish ones," will
point out Regulation 391.41(b), which basically states that a person cannot
drive a commercial motor vehicle if they have a "loss of a foot, a leg, a
hand, or an arm." BUT, they always seem to miss the next line: except if
they have "been granted a skill performance evaluation certificate pursuant
to 391.49."
Within this section is the key for those with this physical condition: §391.49
Alternative physical qualification standards for the loss or impairment
of limbs. All one needs is a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE)
Certificate. This certificate shows that the person seeking a CDL can
operate the commercial motor vehicle safely, and that the amputee
condition does not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.
Several months ago I sat down at a T/A Truck Stop for dinner, and the
driver next to me had ONE ARM! He had been driving that way for 16
years! So for all of you people like the above employer: understand about the subject before you write about it! And, for all you who are wondering if
an amputee can have a CDL: the answer is a clear and resounding, YES!
For the complete rules, regulations and explanation for this type of situation,
read Regulation 391.49 and if you are an amputee and want to drive the big
rigs . . . THEN GO FOR IT! I'll ride with you any day, before I ride with the
above-mentioned employer! You can read this Regulation by going here :
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.asp?section=391.49#
Good Luck, and KEEP ON 'TRUCKIN'
About the Author:
Aubrey Allen Smith is an expert in motor carrier transportation and an advocate for
truck driving safety. Author of the original "Truth About Trucking," he fights for the
rights of truckers by exposing the scams within the trucking industry. Please visit
http://www.truthabouttrucking.com today, if you are considering a truck driving career.
asking questions concerning CDL requirements and assistance with
general help topics. It may take me a few days to answer, but I always write
back. I enjoy the correspondence with other drivers and especially, the
"newbies." I recently received an email from a gentleman who asked me a
question that I have never been asked before in 29 years of trucking. He
was an (arm) amputee, and was having trouble with his home state issuing
him a CDL. He asked for my help.
I knew what the Regulations had to say about it, but I searched on the
internet and was surprised at some of the things I found. One article was
written by an employer stating his amazement that an (arm) amputee would
even apply for his open truck driving job. I left a comment on his site . . . I
had to! I would like everyone to know that an amputee, arm or leg, CAN
DRIVE a semi tractor-trailer!
People just do not understand the Regulations when it comes to driving a
commercial motor vehicle. Can an amputee have a CDL? YES! Can an
amputee drive a semi rig? YES! Those whom I call "the foolish ones," will
point out Regulation 391.41(b), which basically states that a person cannot
drive a commercial motor vehicle if they have a "loss of a foot, a leg, a
hand, or an arm." BUT, they always seem to miss the next line: except if
they have "been granted a skill performance evaluation certificate pursuant
to 391.49."
Within this section is the key for those with this physical condition: §391.49
Alternative physical qualification standards for the loss or impairment
of limbs. All one needs is a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE)
Certificate. This certificate shows that the person seeking a CDL can
operate the commercial motor vehicle safely, and that the amputee
condition does not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.
Several months ago I sat down at a T/A Truck Stop for dinner, and the
driver next to me had ONE ARM! He had been driving that way for 16
years! So for all of you people like the above employer: understand about the subject before you write about it! And, for all you who are wondering if
an amputee can have a CDL: the answer is a clear and resounding, YES!
For the complete rules, regulations and explanation for this type of situation,
read Regulation 391.49 and if you are an amputee and want to drive the big
rigs . . . THEN GO FOR IT! I'll ride with you any day, before I ride with the
above-mentioned employer! You can read this Regulation by going here :
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.asp?section=391.49#
Good Luck, and KEEP ON 'TRUCKIN'
About the Author:
Aubrey Allen Smith is an expert in motor carrier transportation and an advocate for
truck driving safety. Author of the original "Truth About Trucking," he fights for the
rights of truckers by exposing the scams within the trucking industry. Please visit
http://www.truthabouttrucking.com today, if you are considering a truck driving career.
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- Aubrey "Allen" Smith Aubrey "Allen" Smith Jun 22, 2009 @ 8:58 pm | in reply to nolimbitations
- Hello and thank you for writing. I first want to apologize for not approving this and getting back to you quicker. I just saw it today in my "comments" section. It must have slipped through without me seeing it.
As far as automatic semis go, yes there are some, but not many companies use them
If you can pass the DOT physical and the CDL test, there is no reason not to get your CDL.
Have you tried "Googling" different search terms.? There are many organizations that you may find helpful
If you want to discuss it more, here's our Skype # 352-505-8162
Thanks,
Allen
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Reply
- nolimbitations nolimbitations May 26, 2009 @ 11:43 pm
- I read your blurb about amputees geting a cdl, and was almost brought to teers by your great support for the amputee community! However you only mentioned the guy with one arm. I know you said read artical such in such to find out all the rules, laws ,regs, ect ,ect. but I would rather ask you personaly if you or anyone knows of any long haul truck drivers that are an above the knee amputee? I lost my leg to a motorcycle accident 10 years ago and ever since been employed as a maintenance foreman for a local resort company. My true passion is driving and I have put over 40K on my Dodge Charger in the last year. I love driving, and seeing all the beauty our country has to offer and would love to get out of my current job position and possibly enter into the longhaul driving career!. Please let me know if you know of any amputee above the knee long haulers. Is there a such thing as automatic Semis? Thanks for your dedication to the amputee community!
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Reply
- Truck Driver Training Truck Driver Training Mar 21, 2009 @ 8:25 am
- Wondering if i can get a cdl linsense with only one good eye. so i was wondering if i can apply for a cdl, and if yes what is the prosedure since i only have have one good eye. Truck Driver Training
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Reply
- Danny Danny Mar 20, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
- I recently moved from MA, to CA. I obtained my class A ,CDL 25 years ago wearing my prosthetic leg. The examiner never noticed so he didnt ask.I have been drining and operating cranes since getting my license and have never been involved in an accident. I just got back from the RMV here in CA and was told that my med card from MA. is no good here. I just got to the part of the application where they want me to disclose my prosthetic leg and obtian a skill performance evaluation. This has to be done at my expence like rent a truck and trailer and basically take another driving test.I am not doing it. I will fill out the regular med. form myself make up a name of a doc and pass it in. I passed my original test what makes them think I want to take another one? My MA. licence has a must wear pros. aid on it and I have not been hired because of it. It is an invasion of my privacy!!!!!! **ck um
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Reply
- robert robert Nov 5, 2008 @ 12:14 pm
- i was wondering if i can get a cdl linsense with only one good eye.
i have a 20/20 version in my left eye and 20/200 in my other eye.
so i was wondering if i can apply for a cdl, and if yes what is the prosedure since i only have have one good eye. i live in ny
thanks
Can an Amputee get their CDL License?
Skillfull Truck Drivers Missing Limbs
An article describing the rules and regulations in regards to Amputees driving semi tracter trailers.
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I'm Aubrey "Allen" Smith of TruthAboutTrucking.com. I want to tell anyone interested in trucking about the Scams out there. If you're in Trucking...
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