Should I Just Walk Away??

gentleroger · May 6, 2023

CV66GMG3 said: ↑

I am a new CDL holder going through the FMCSA Skills Performance Evaluation program. For the drivers out there that have no idea what I am talking about it is another series of hoops a driver has to jump through if he is missing a limb, or has limb deformities that could interfere with the safe operation of commercial motor vehicle.

I applied for this waiver in July of 2022 so I could get started with CDL training. FMCSA sent me a training waiver with the requirement of having a CDL trainer with me. That is standard in any training program.

I finished CDL training and tested out. The last step of this whole mess is to send a copy of my CDL to the program coordinator in Atlanta so I can have the privilege of taking TWO additional road tests just to prove I CAN DRIVE A ######### AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION with a prosthetic on my LEFT LEG. At what point does a left leg have anything to do with driving an automatic transmission?

Called the field office Tuesday to see when I can get this ######## process done and they have no idea when. Asked if they could give me an estimated date. Couldn't get that either.

So here I am now with about 13k out of pocket with schooling, lost wages to attend schooling, and medical exam costs and have yet to receive my first paycheck with trucking.

So here are my options.

1) Lie through my teeth on the med card renewal next month about the missing limb and take my chances with shady DOT card medical examiner.

2) Stay on the truck with the company I am starting with until the company training runs out and I get my own truck and run solo until the first Level 1 at which I will get placed OOS for failing driver fitness.

3) Don't keep a copy of my med card and just tell them it's on file with the state and pray the the SPE checkbox doesn't show up on CDLIS or whatever they use to check for a valid med card. Run until I make enough money to cover my losses or get put OOS whichever cones first.

4) Just walk away from trucking and be done with it.

Haven't even got my first paycheck yet and I am already sick of FMCSA ########.
Click to expand...

Your frustration and indignation is both righteous and virtuous. If a person can pas a CDL road test with no modifications then they should get a CDL. The BS you're having to go through is useless.

That said options 1 and 3 are REALLY BAD IDEAS.

Personally I would go with option 2 as it is likely going to be 18 months before you get your first Level 1 and you should be able to get things squared away before then.

I wish you the best and am sorry that I don't have more help to give you.

striker · May 6, 2023

No_worries said: ↑

It sounds like you're just waiting on interstate privileges. Could your company give you intrastate or local/yard work while you wait? Also, you might try a email/phone/letter to your local U.S. Rep or Sen's office explaining your plight and highlighting the financial angle. Some are happy to make that kind of call, especially on behalf of veterans.
Click to expand...

Exactly the suggestion I was going to make, I'd make a call to your Senator or Reps office and explain the situation.

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