Looking To Get My CDL-A, And Need Info Regarding Vision Exemption Program...

I’ll try to keep this as short as possible.....

Back in the late 90’s, I was going to acquire my A license in NJ. Passed all written tests (all endorsements, etc), but when it came to vision, I didn’t meet the requirements. My right eye is 20/15, which is better than 20/20, but my left eye has a major astigmatisms, and is crap. Combined vision is 20/15, but at the time, they judged each eye independently, So I didn’t quality for Interstate driving, but could have gotten my Intrastate license, but passed.

Fast forward to recently, and I found out that there’s a possible vision expedition, but hadn’t looked into it at the time. Now, I’ve been looking into it, My vision is better than the exemption requirements, but it seems to me that the exemption is for drivers that already have their CDL , but their vision has deteriorated. I’m trying to get a definitive answer.

I’ve chatted online with the main FMCSA office in DC, and they referred me to their phone number. I’ve called countless times over the past couple weeks, and cannot get a hold of a love person. I’ve left numerous voicemails, and have not yet gotten a call back.

Today, I reached out to the local FMCSA office here in Florida (I relocated to FL from NJ 17 years ago), and they said I would need to talk to the national office. So I’m kind of at a dead end. I can’t talk to anyone at the national office, and the local office says to talk to national. Wtf?

Does anyone have any personal experience with the vision exemption program, or might know of who I can contact?

If the exemption is only for existing CDL holders, is there any other way/program that I would be able to acquire my Interstate CDL? As I mentioned, my combined vision is better than the vision exemption requirements, so I’d imagine that the here should be a way for me to get it.

If I cannot quality for the exemption as of now, And there is no other method for me to get my Interstate license initially, then I’d assume the only other way I’d be able to get it is to get my Intrastate license, get the experience on the road, and then try to go through the exemption to get my Interstate license somewhere down the road?

Sorry for the long post, but it’s as short as I could get it, while also explaining my current understanding of things. Lol. Thanks for any and all help/info

Why not just go get an eye exam and glasses to fix it....

I thought I had great eyes, I can see way down the road etc, just need me some $1 store readers for reading lol Proof that computer screens for 25 years, and mig welding took its toll on my eyes

Well,at DOT I couldn't read line 5 on the chart......$115 at eye Dr's, I got the cheapest ugliest glasses in 2 hours , just to pass exam (now to carry em along and have it on my new license oh well) Found out my vision was 20/40 hmmmm Then read line 9 on the chart hahahaha

Why not just go get an eye exam and glasses to fix it....

I thought I had great eyes, I can see way down the road etc, just need me some $1 store readers for reading lol Proof that computer screens for 25 years, and mig welding took its toll on my eyes

Well,at DOT I couldn't read line 5 on the chart......$115 at eye Dr's, I got the cheapest ugliest glasses in 2 hours , just to pass exam (now to carry em along and have it on my new license oh well) Found out my vision was 20/40 hmmmm Then read line 9 on the chart hahahaha

It sounds to me like he has something a little worse than what pair of glasses would fix. I wear hard contact lenses to correct my vision for DOT. No pair of glasses would be strong enough. As he stated above. My left eye is 20/30...my right eye is 20/200. I couldn’t read line 1 on the DOT chart. Corrected both eyes read 20/30.

To the OP...you may need to spend a little at an ophthalmologist. They look in, around, behind your eye and give you a full list of options. I too thought I was done...until I found the specialist. Good luck.

Oh...btw...these are specialist. My doctor takes my medical insurance AND NOT any sort of vision plan.

Why not just go get an eye exam and glasses to fix it....

I thought I had great eyes, I can see way down the road etc, just need me some $1 store readers for reading lol Proof that computer screens for 25 years, and mig welding took its toll on my eyes

Well,at DOT I couldn't read line 5 on the chart......$115 at eye Dr's, I got the cheapest ugliest glasses in 2 hours , just to pass exam (now to carry em along and have it on my new license oh well) Found out my vision was 20/40 hmmmm Then read line 9 on the chart hahahaha

I wish it were that simple. Lenses won’t help, nor would LASIK. My left eye has been this way since birth, and the only reasoning for me to wear glasses would be to protect anything from every damaging my right eye because if something were to happen to that eye, I’m screwed. But I like living dangerously, so don’t wear them. Lol.

My right eye is 20/15. My combined vision is 20/15 (my right eye is predominant, so my left eye doesn’t affect my combined vision). But my left eye on its own is 20/2000 😂

Isn’t there anybody on here that has had real world experience with the vision exemption program? There’s gotta be....

Isn’t there anybody on here that has had real world experience with the vision exemption program? There’s gotta be....

I've never heard of anyone getting a vision exemption. I know in recent years they've given out quite a few hearing exemptions, but I think vision exemptions are going to be a really tough sell. With reasonably good vision in only one eye, I'm not sure how you could have good depth perception. I can only imagine how much it must also limit your overall field of vision or peripheral vision.

Isn’t there anybody on here that has had real world experience with the vision exemption program? There’s gotta be....

I've never heard of anyone getting a vision exemption. I know in recent years they've given out quite a few hearing exemptions, but I think vision exemptions are going to be a really tough sell. With reasonably good vision in only one eye, I'm not sure how you could have good depth perception. I can only imagine how much it must also limit your overall field of vision or peripheral vision.

They actually have an entire department at FMCSA for diabetes and vision exemptions. It’s just impossible to get anyone on the darn phone. I’m not sure when they started the program, but as far as I’m aware, it didn’t exist when I first attempted to get my CDL back around the late 90’s or so. While doing reading on it, there’s been exemptions for people that have completely lost vision in one eye.

That being said, my overall/combined vision isn’t affected at all by the “disability” in my left eye. As mentioned, my combined vision is 20/15, which is better than “perfect” (20/20). No problems with depth perception or anything g else is the sort.

My only “concern” with the program is that the paperwork makes it appear that the program is for existing CDL holders that become impaired (it doesn’t specifically say so, but the way it’s worded makes one assume so). If my vision is better than the requirements of the program, I can’t imagine why I wouldn’t qualify, regardless of holding a CDL or not. But it’s seeming like I have a better chance of hitting the lottery than being able to get someone on the phone to find out the specifics

Get in contact with Dr. John McElligutt at Dr. John’s Medical Solutions. He’ll have an honest answer and all the facts for you. Go to his website and post your question there, or call the office number. He’s been The Truckers Doctor for more than 30 years and truly wants to help those that drive.

Get in contact with Dr. John McElligutt at Dr. John’s Medical Solutions. He’ll have an honest answer and all the facts for you. Go to his website and post your question there, or call the office number. He’s been The Truckers Doctor for more than 30 years and truly wants to help those that drive.

Thanks for the info. I’ll get in touch with him 👍