CDL Vision Issues In Illinois

Some states do not offer a vision waiver. This new ruling will allow you to obtain a CDL. I am just not certain about a time line for when applications can be filed. We will try to stay on top of this and provide the information when we can.

It looks like it’s official now?

So now what do I do? Can the DOT medical examiner grant me the medical card now? Or do I now have to go through my actual eye doctor and he has to write it off as I’m good to go?

When you get the link for the new waiver will you please post it? If that’s what I’ll need for my actual eye doctor.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/federal-register-documents/2022-01021

In a nutshell, it will be released in 9 days.... "Their exemptions are applicable as of January 30, 2022 and will expire on January 30, 2024. Conditions and Requirements as stated in the register."

Hopefully, more info to follow!

~ Anne ~

Thanks for the reply. I'll keep an eye out. I called the local trucking school yesterday and he said classes are booked up now until the middle of August since the new laws passed with everyone having to go through a licensed school. He said since the new vision deal is going to fall into place, and I passed everything with my DOT physical other than the eye he's putting my name down to start class in the middle of august.

But I'll just have to keep waiting until the new form is released and for the form to take effect. From my understanding the nurse practitioner who did my DOT physical the other day can sign off on the new form they are coming out with?

"A driver who has monocular vision or does not meet the field of vision standard in one eye must have a vision evaluation by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

2. The ophthalmologist or optometrist completes the new vision evaluation report, form MCSA-5871

3. The examiner then completes the DOT exam.

4. In most cases (with specific exceptions) the driver then must satisfactorily complete a road test."

Jack,

Sadly, that FMCSA link you linked to makes it sound like you'll have to wait. It says effective date: 3/22/2022

yes, I understand the waiting part. All in time. It should fall into place and workout.

Update

I have had my CDL for about 6 months now.

No restrictions whatsoever with the new rules.

I went through my local trucking school. I took night classes for 6 weeks. I passed with flying colors. Even with good vision in one eye only i had the highest scores in my class.

it feels good to finally have my CDL!

Update

I have had my CDL for about 6 months now.

No restrictions whatsoever with the new rules.

I went through my local trucking school. I took night classes for 6 weeks. I passed with flying colors. Even with good vision in one eye only i had the highest scores in my class.

it feels good to finally have my CDL!

Congratulations!!

Did you get the job with the local excavator?

Laura

I love stories of people facing adversity and finding it within themselves to overcome. We are all capable of doing so much more than we usually realize.

Great job and congrats to you.

Update

I have had my CDL for about 6 months now.

No restrictions whatsoever with the new rules.

I went through my local trucking school. I took night classes for 6 weeks. I passed with flying colors. Even with good vision in one eye only i had the highest scores in my class.

it feels good to finally have my CDL!

Congratulations!!

Did you get the job with the local excavator?

Laura

Yes, I'm working for a local excavating company and I help a farmer from time to time.

This is all side work on top of my full time job.

Thanks again! With being basically blind in one eye I knew it was going to be tough. Honestly it wasn't bad at all. It was so much fun going through the training and learning to drive the proper way.

I love stories of people facing adversity and finding it within themselves to overcome. We are all capable of doing so much more than we usually realize.

Great job and congrats to you.

Thanks so much! For years I wanted my CDL. I knew I could do it. We sure are capable of doing so much more than we tell ourselves

I stayed positive and made it happen. The first two weeks were the hardest. After that it got better and better