Profile For Steve D.

We have a family friend whose employer would like to start driving with a CDL.

Since we are on the state line and have to cross it daily, this would require DOT certification.

The problem is, this particular individual has an epilepsy. He doesn't have full-blown seizures, has never had a seizure the way you or I would define it. He has a diagnosis of epilepsy and it presents itself with an occasional facial twitch, a little like Tourette's. I mean, really, that's his seizures: facial twitches and always remaining in complete control. He is a great driver and I don't see how this could affect his driving at all, but I know the DOT says "no epilepsy." He is afraid that the promotion within the company could cost him his current non-CDL driving job if he fails the physical.

Out of curiosity, does the no epilepsy rule apply to ALL cases of epilepsy, even those which do not affect driving?

I've been reading up on this for some time and came across this:

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) allows people with a history of epilepsy who have been seizure free off medication for 10 years to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). People with epilepsy can not get a CDL if they have…

Ongoing seizures Seizure free but taking seizure medication

There may be other restrictions, depending on a person’s risk and laws may vary state to state. Check your state DMV for up-to-date laws and how to apply for a CDL.

It is from http://www.epilepsy.com/get-help/staying-safe/driving-and-transportation. I am now going to contact a DOT doctor to confirm this. I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 18. I haven't had a seizure since 1989 (first and only one) and have been medication free since 1995. They never found a reason for me to have had the seizure with any testing they ever did (and there was a LOT of it!). I'm hoping that the DOT doctor will clear me as that would be the only thing stopping me from trucking.

~Steve