Non-seizure Epilepsy And Trucking

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?

Hi Callie!

Wow, that's a good question. I hate to answer your first question here with I don't know, but I don't know. He would have to call a physician that gives DOT physicals to find out for sure.

If in fact they do not allow him to drive a truck, he can apply for a Federal Exemption. Once in a while they will make an exception for people based on unique circumstances and it may be worth a shot in his case.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help with this.

I hope someone else can also chime in on this question. But I will answer what I know.

My wife also has epilepsy. When I first started looking into going into trucking, I also looked about her joining me in a few years. I talked to a couple of drivers and also a physician that does DOT physicals.

All of them say, especially the physician, that any kind of epilepsy is a no go on a CDL. The way it was explained to me, and being an ex-Paramedic, I knew what the doctor was saying. At any point in time, even if a person has been seizure free up to this point in their lives, it can change at any moment and they could start having seizures. Or they might never have them. It is too unpredictable.

And for those that don't know, seizures come in all shapes and sizes. Even the "facial twitch" is a kind of seizure.

Years ago, before my wife got her's under control with meds, she would just set in a chair and stare out into space. Might last for a few seconds and might last for minutes.

Your best bet would be to contact a DOT physician.

Keep it safe out there. Joe S

Oh, no! I hope he doesn't lose his current driving job if he fails. Don't want him living on our couch again... Although, it did make for an easy babysitter.

Thanks for your help!

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