Profile For Wesley S.

I'm 57, worked construction/engineering/remodel for the last 40 years for myself and employers. 38 of those years has been on a prosthetic left leg as a result of an above knee amputation from a bike accident. I have been out of work since March, and have been considering applying for disability as I don't feel I can effectively perform the rigors of construction as I once could and I certainly can't keep up with the young bucks (although I could teach them a thing or two). I'm in good health and I still keep myself busy with side work that isn't quite as demanding.

Although I feel it's the end of the road for my construction career, I would much rather draw a paycheck than a disability check and have always had an interest in over the road truck driving but didn't think I would be eligible due to the prosthetic leg. Most of my vehicles including my present '86 F-250 have been manual shift.

I absolutely love driving and take it very seriously and have always enjoyed the open road. So, I am hoping someone could tell me what the chances are of the DOT and/or a perspective trucking company allowing me to drive. I don't want to get my hopes up or waste my or someone else's time training for a CDL if there is no possibility of driving.

Thanks for your time. I really enjoy your site and have found it very informative.

Since I'm looking at being laid off work (again), I've thought about going back to trucking school and getting my CDL. Ron P., did you get your CDL and did you find work as a trucker? I'm afriad that I'll spend all the time and money to get the CDL only to find no company will hire me. I have a friend who's a LAK that's still driving but he had his CDL long before his accident. I guess working the clutch and floating the gears won't be a major problem considering my friend doesn't have any problems. I've been told a lot of companies are going with automatics now, which would be even better.

I only have about 10 more years till I can retire. I'm tired of being laid off every two to four years. I want something I can do until I can retire.

Thanks everyone