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Posted: 3 years, 2 months ago
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When you said that "he decided that you needed it" he was aware of the existence of the SPE?
Posted: 3 years, 2 months ago
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That is not a bad idea at all. I will contact FMCSA tomorrow (I have called twice but didn't leave a message as I was hoping to get someone on the phone when its convenient for me) and leave a message. Hopefully I can locate this person and gain some insight from them.
Posted: 3 years, 2 months ago
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I asked the examiner who didn't complete my first attempt (PA) at a DOT about the SPE process and he claimed he never hear of it. He maintained that Footdrop is an automatic fail and there is no way forward or around it. So is this something that some providers may not be familiar with? I have two Dr. Apts tomorrow. One with a different examiner (MD) that can do DOTs, but its questions about the DOT and not an actual one yet. Second is with a Neurologist which is what the first examiner suggested I go to for a letter saying with the brace I have no restrictions or concerns.
Is there different levels of the DOT or is it just pass or fail? Do I need to go and fail a DOT officially for the process of SPE? Does it help to go to a provider that actually knows what an SPE is?
I am trying to cover my bases and take the correct step forward. Thanks!
Posted: 3 years, 2 months ago
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Thank you Oldschool. I am reading through that thread now, and just came back to thank you, but right in the first thing on that page is more info than on the SPE Cert website!! I appreciate that link and your time!!
Posted: 3 years, 2 months ago
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Hello,
I am 31 and in great physical health except for footdrop of my right foot. It is corrected by a brace that allows me full range of motion down and side to side and then returns my foot to neutral. My DOT examiner where I currently work (in a health clinic) said that foot drop is an automatic fail, which I understand. He had me attempt to walk across the exam room crouched and barefoot. Without my brace, I cannot do that. With the brace I was able to do everything he asked effortlessly. He did not process the application, as he told me to speak to a neurologist for a letter saying I could drive with the brace. I have no limitations attached to my regular drivers license, nor is my life/physical ability affected by my foot drop due to the brace. I want to make a career change to drive commercial vehicles. I know I am fully capable of performing safely, or I wouldn't even consider this field of work. In searching for a way forward, I discovered the SPE certificate. When I look through the application for that, it seems you can apply without having a job offer. I was wondering if anyone has experience or knowledge with what the process (SPE) is like? I have never driven a commercial rig before, so I guess I am confused about the cart before the horse. To take a class to get your CDL or apply for a sponsored program you have to have a permit. How do I get a permit with my limb impairment? Am I able to apply for the Skill Performance Evaluation without a permit? Because I seems like you have to take a skills competency test. I have zero doubt about my ability to operate a commercial vehicle with some instruction, but seeing as I have never had an opportunity to drive one, my chances of passing a test that requires actually driving would be difficult without some instruction and practice. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. I hope I have communicated my situation clearly. To further clarify the nature of my impairment, my nerve that lifts my foot was severed in an accident as a teen. It will not heal more than it has at this point. The condition is stable though and I can't imagine the condition ever worsening. Using my brace, I am more active and able than most people I encounter in life. I prefer driving manual, my truck is a manual and I also ride motorcycles with no issues or limitations. Most people are completely unaware that I have any form of limb impairment unless I share it with them. I also want a license that will allow me to operate manual and automatic, not just automatic. I firmly believe there is a way forward, it just may have hoops. I am attempting to identify my next hoop and the proper order. Thank you!!
Garet garetrose@live.com
Posted: 3 years, 2 months ago
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California Skill Performance Evaluation Questions for aspiring driver with foot drop corrected with brace
I saw the MD today to ask some questions. He said he would put a referral in for the Ortho Surgeon and that once I have that visit completed and the forms filled out that I will pass the DOT no problem.
So it looks like that is my next step, see the ortho, get the forms, fax/mail them to FMCSA for a waiver.
Then bring the waiver to DOT, complete DOT.
Get CDL permit and begin training with the company (which requires there own DOT exam before I can begin training but that's ok cause I should have documentation in my hand at this point to aid the process).
Get comfortable to pass the test.
Schedule skills test with an SPE evaluator for my state.
Take and pass the SPE evaluators test.
Beyond that it gets a little murky without all the paperwork in front of me. I just wanted to update on the process. I also, regardless of the outcome, will be providing a summary of my experience on here in case it helps others. I appreciate Robert and O/S for their parts in steering me in the right direction.