Profile For Elizabeth B.

I am on day one of CDL training. We are testing for our permits on day three and I feel ready, thanks to Trucking Truth.

P.S. cool pics, Brett (no pun intended)

Update: went to eye doctor today. He was baffled as to why my restriction stated “vision loss right”. I tested at 20/25 vision and he prescribed readers. He said my vision was close to perfect.

I went to the DMV and gave them my documents from the doctor. He had me read the smallest line from the eye exam, no problem. My restriction is now “none”. I start CDL training this Monday.

My solution is to get an eye exam on Monday. I’ll probably need glasses or contacts because my right eye has a restriction on my license. My vision has never given me a problem but after playing around with covering my left eye, I can see that my right is not as sharp. Nothing that glasses can’t fix. I’ve found forms on my local DMV site that I’ll bring with me for the examiner to fill out. I’ll probably opt for contact lenses. I’ll go to the DMV and get a new license with a glasses or contact lenses restriction and hopefully that will do the trick. I hope everyone is having a great day. Stay safe.

Yay! I found an online form on my DMV’s website to bring to an optometrist. I’ll get a vision exam tomorrow, have them fill out paperwork and probably opt for contact lenses. Hopefully when I go to the DMV, they can change the restriction on license to something that will suit my potential employer and DOT. Thank you for your responses.

Big Scott,

My drivers license states that I have vision loss right under my restrictions. I just spoke with a supervisor at KLLM and he suggested that I submit the form to DOT and see what happens. He doesn’t have experience with potential drivers having the type of restriction that I have, but has had a driver successfully receive their exemption for hearing loss. I plan on getting an eye exam on Monday. From there, I’ll go to the DMV and see if I can retest and obtain a new license with something that will be approved for driving.

When both eyes are open, my vision seems fine. I just covered my left eye and my right is blurry so I guess it’s time to wear glasses. I’m ok with whatever is safest and healthiest.

Hello. I’m in the process of applying for KLLM CDL training. My recruiter ran my background and my drivers license shows that my vision is not 20/20. He requested that before I show up to training, I’ll need a DOT exemption for vision. I contacted the DOT and the rep that I spoke with told me that without commercial driving experience, it’s highly unlikely that I’ll be able to obtain that exemption. She suggested that I go to an optometrist, get eye exam, correct what might be wrong with my vision (glasses, etc). From there, I should test again at the DMV for my license so whatever my restrictions are will be taken off my record. She went so far as to say that was the easiest route rather than banking on the DOT to issue an exemption.

My recruiter (and other recruiters that I’ve spoken with) are not well versed on this subject. They haven’t had anyone with a “flag” on their license to apply, but require the exemption before I show up for training. I’m willing to take the extra steps of an eye exam and trip to the DMV but was wondering if any experienced or potential drivers have had this issue before they have driven commercially?

Currently, I’m waiting to hear back from a supervisor with the company. I may not have perfect vision but my sight has never been blurred or a cause for concern.

Congrats on your new truck and new phase in your career. I’ve impulsively quit my job, my application is in for Prime. They are currently going through the verifications on my application and hopefully in two weeks, I’ll start training. I’m so grateful for this website and all of the stories and questions from the group. I have really enjoyed your training diary. Thank you for sharing, Kim. Best of luck to you.

Kim T,

I’ve spent my morning reading your thread. There has been a wealth of information. I’ve been considering obtaining my CDL for some time but have a specific time table for when I’d make the jump (spring or summer ‘19). I’m also leaning towards Prime because I like their length of training, their training pay, and contract. Until next year, I’ll continue to read everyone’s personal experiences and study for the CDL. Take care and good luck.