Epilepsy

Hi all.
Two years ago I started a part time small business operating a bobcat & tractor. I've been thinking of going to equipment operator school to learn to work on the heavy iron because I absolutely love working on my CTL.

The local union house suggested I get a CDL to better my chances at job placement. Then I read something late last night that worried me.

20 years ago I had two seizures. I lost my DL for two years, which I fully understood. They put me on meds and ever since I've been seizure free. Docs released me to drive 2 years after they put me on meds, and I've not had a hint of a problem since.

So I read that an epilepsy diagnosis is very bad news for over-the-road truckers. Found that there are federal regs that specifically prevent people with epilepsy from crossing state lines, unless they have been seizure free for 10 years, off of meds.

I've been pulling a heavy bobcat & trailer around which I'm legally allowed to do - no issues. There is a LOT of weight behind me, and I have to be on my toes whenever I'm pulling my load to a job. Especially in the city traffic.. I never realized how much of a pain four wheelers were to truckers until I started pulling weight myself.

What about local runs? Can I still obtain a CDL, but not drive a load across state lines?

 

The union house said yes, I'd need to pass a DOT physical. I don't use drugs and am in good shape for a thirtysomething woman. I don't know what else there is to a DOT physical.

 

I also found this on FMCSA:

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/neuro2.pdf

SEIZURES, EPILEPSY, AND INTERSTATE COMMERCIAL DRIVING
Current federal regulations prohibit commercial licensure of individuals with epilepsy. These regulations were written in 1971 and last revised in 1978. However, there have been major advances in neurology and epilepsy which warrant reconsideration of previously recommended restrictions. We also advise that all evaluations be individualized, considering nature of the seizures, risk of recurrence and specific job requirements, and appeal procedures provided. Future research into this matter is encouraged.
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Also from www.epilepsy.com:

Commercial driver's licenses

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibits anyone with a history of epilepsy from driving a truck between states. These regulations are currently under review, however. For advice about the current rules, a person with epilepsy should contact the DOT.



Regulations for driving a truck or bus within one state vary from state to state. Some states have restrictive policies that prohibit any person with a history of epilepsy from driving a commercial vehicle. Others review each case individually.
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The way these are worded, it sounds like I could get a class B to drive locally, but not on interstates or otherwise crossing state lines. I'll check with my state DOT for more info on Monday. My current equipment is below 10,000 - made sure of that before investing money into my rig.