Will I Be Disqualified For My Birth Defect? (deformed Elbows Limiting Motion)

Hello, my name is Mac. I have recently been studying the requirements for a CDL , and one thing that stands out pertains to my arms. I was born with radioulnar synostosis, which prevents me from rotating my arms at the elbow. When my elbows are at my hips, my palms are pointed at a fixed angle, unable to rotate. My left palm is pointing at the ground, while my right is pointed more towards my left. I can rotate my hands some using my shoulder. The problem lies with technicalities surrounding grasping the steering wheel. I cannot grasp fully at 9-3 or 8-4, only 11ish-3 or holding the inside of the wheel. I can palm the wheel in my car just fine, but that is frowned upon in training correct?

In the DOT physical form, there is a section for-

10. Extremities- Limb impaired. Driver may be subject to SPE certificate if otherwise qualified.

Loss or impairment of leg, foot, toe, arm, hand, finger, Perceptible limp, deformities, atrophy, weakness, paralysis, clubbing, edema, hypotonia. Insufficicent grasp and prehension in upper limb to maintain steering wheel grip. Insufficient mobility and strength in lower limb to operate pedals properly.

In the SPE certificate, (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/New%20Driver%20Application%20Package.pdf) There is a section completed by the driver, the company, and an orthopedic surgeon or physiatrist. It appears I would have to complete a road test demonstrating my ability to drive despite my impairments.

I suppose what I am ultimately asking is this- How should I handle this?

It would help for you to know that I am 22, unemployed, in low income housing with my mother, and I have no health insurance. The company sponsored cdl schools appeal to me greatly. I absolutely cannot afford to pay $4k for a school out of pocket, hell I need to beg borrow and steal for the cost of a DOT physical. Who pays for the orthopedic surgeon/performance evaluation specialist?

I feel like I am obligated to mention this to a recruiter, but I dont want to shoot myself in the foot (or arm). I just dont want to arrive at orientation and get sent home day 1. Its just discouraging, if not for my arms I would have no problems.

Does anyone here have experience with the SPE certification process? It appears to me that is falls on doctor discretion. Some may consider me only qualified to drive an automatic, some may say I cannot drive at all, some may say I have no problems.

Thanks in advance, and I want to say this website has been a wonderful resource for learning, whether I end up in a truck or not.

Hello Mac and welcome to TT!

Have you looked into whether you qualify for medicaid? Many states have expanded their medicaid programs, and you may qualify because of your disability. Medicaid might cover a specialist, especially since the evaluation is needed for you to obtain employment. Also look into whether you qualify for funding from the Workforce Investment Act and if they could/would cover the cost, in addition to paying for your schooling.

Short of that, I'd contact a few companies directly and see if they'd be willing to pay for it. They'd probably take it out of later paychecks in installments. I know that many carriers will cover the cost of sleep studies, blood pressure meds, etc. so it's entirely possible they'd be willing to work with you.

Mac - there is more to being a driver than just using a steering wheel and shifting gears. You'll need to be able attach air and electrical lines, raise and lower landing gear, put-on/remove chains, etc. Your best bet is to locate an approved physician and discuss with him/her. Even if you are given an SPE certificate or waiver/exemption an employer's physical testing qualifications may inhibit your employment with particular companies.

If you are willing to do what it takes to get in the industry, trudge thru if you keep getting "no" as an answer. Goodluck.

Hello Mac and welcome to TT!

Have you looked into whether you qualify for medicaid? Many states have expanded their medicaid programs, and you may qualify because of your disability. Medicaid might cover a specialist, especially since the evaluation is needed for you to obtain employment. Also look into whether you qualify for funding from the Workforce Investment Act and if they could/would cover the cost, in addition to paying for your schooling.

Short of that, I'd contact a few companies directly and see if they'd be willing to pay for it. They'd probably take it out of later paychecks in installments. I know that many carriers will cover the cost of sleep studies, blood pressure meds, etc. so it's entirely possible they'd be willing to work with you.

Unfortunately I do not qualify for medicaid. I need to do research on the Workforce Investment Act, never heard of it. Is there a list of companies willing to cover sleep studies/CPAP machines, or do I need to google around?

Mac - there is more to being a driver than just using a steering wheel and shifting gears. You'll need to be able attach air and electrical lines, raise and lower landing gear, put-on/remove chains, etc. Your best bet is to locate an approved physician and discuss with him/her. Even if you are given an SPE certificate or waiver/exemption an employer's physical testing qualifications may inhibit your employment with particular companies.

If you are willing to do what it takes to get in the industry, trudge thru if you keep getting "no" as an answer. Goodluck.

I believe I am capable of performing those tasks, as well as an employer's physical screening. There is a video on youtube titled "Roehl Pre-Work Screen Process", and I believe I would pass albeit with an awkward waist to shoulder/floor to head lift. It isnt a limitation of strength as much as range of motion, Im sure I could tarp a flatbed but I would probably avoid that.

You'll be fine Mac. I also have to have an SPE certificate due to a work related hand injury. I can't make a full fist but perform the skills needed to operate the vehicle safely. You need to contact the field office in the region you live in. Download the file and print off the paperwork and fill it out, it's like 23 pages long. Then schedule am appointment to see an orthopaedic surgeon for an evaluation. Send that paperwork in and stay on top of those people. They're a federal agency and miserably slow. After they review it, they send out a training certificate. You'll then have to test with an SPE certified examiner in your state at which time you'll be taking the entire cdl exam, along with a few other skills to make sure you're capable. Once that examiner signs off, you'll receive the actual certificate which has to be re applied for every two years and you can take your real cdl test for your license. It takes about 4 weeks to get it all done if you stay on top of them but worth it.

Brett, I'm not sure if this might be something to add to the site for further knowledge but I can give a detailed schedule of how the whole program works if need be.

You'll be fine Mac. I also have to have an SPE certificate due to a work related hand injury. I can't make a full fist but perform the skills needed to operate the vehicle safely. You need to contact the field office in the region you live in. Download the file and print off the paperwork and fill it out, it's like 23 pages long. Then schedule am appointment to see an orthopaedic surgeon for an evaluation. Send that paperwork in and stay on top of those people. They're a federal agency and miserably slow. After they review it, they send out a training certificate. You'll then have to test with an SPE certified examiner in your state at which time you'll be taking the entire cdl exam, along with a few other skills to make sure you're capable. Once that examiner signs off, you'll receive the actual certificate which has to be re applied for every two years and you can take your real cdl test for your license. It takes about 4 weeks to get it all done if you stay on top of them but worth it.

Brett, I'm not sure if this might be something to add to the site for further knowledge but I can give a detailed schedule of how the whole program works if need be.

This is what I needed to read. I had no idea of the process required, and I couldn't find it online for the life of me. Thanks for posting.

You'll be fine Mac. I also have to have an SPE certificate due to a work related hand injury. I can't make a full fist but perform the skills needed to operate the vehicle safely. You need to contact the field office in the region you live in. Download the file and print off the paperwork and fill it out, it's like 23 pages long. Then schedule am appointment to see an orthopaedic surgeon for an evaluation. Send that paperwork in and stay on top of those people. They're a federal agency and miserably slow. After they review it, they send out a training certificate. You'll then have to test with an SPE certified examiner in your state at which time you'll be taking the entire cdl exam, along with a few other skills to make sure you're capable. Once that examiner signs off, you'll receive the actual certificate which has to be re applied for every two years and you can take your real cdl test for your license. It takes about 4 weeks to get it all done if you stay on top of them but worth it.

Brett, I'm not sure if this might be something to add to the site for further knowledge but I can give a detailed schedule of how the whole program works if need be.

This is what I needed to read. I had no idea of the process required, and I couldn't find it online for the life of me. Thanks for posting.

The FMCSA website doesn't tell anything about how the process works and the folks who work there aren't much help either. I only found out by trial and error and hours on the phone getting answers.

You'll be fine Mac. I also have to have an SPE certificate due to a work related hand injury. I can't make a full fist but perform the skills needed to operate the vehicle safely. You need to contact the field office in the region you live in. Download the file and print off the paperwork and fill it out, it's like 23 pages long. Then schedule am appointment to see an orthopaedic surgeon for an evaluation. Send that paperwork in and stay on top of those people. They're a federal agency and miserably slow. After they review it, they send out a training certificate. You'll then have to test with an SPE certified examiner in your state at which time you'll be taking the entire cdl exam, along with a few other skills to make sure you're capable. Once that examiner signs off, you'll receive the actual certificate which has to be re applied for every two years and you can take your real cdl test for your license. It takes about 4 weeks to get it all done if you stay on top of them but worth it.

Brett, I'm not sure if this might be something to add to the site for further knowledge but I can give a detailed schedule of how the whole program works if need be.

This is what I needed to read. I had no idea of the process required, and I couldn't find it online for the life of me. Thanks for posting.

The FMCSA website doesn't tell anything about how the process works and the folks who work there aren't much help either. I only found out by trial and error and hours on the phone getting answers.

Well I second Brett adding it to the encyclopedia of info on the site, it may be the only thing missing.

The 23 page document you referred to, I believe is here- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/spe-certificate-package.pdf

It is the same as the link in my first post, but has a copy of the DOT physical forms at the end. Now all I need to do is get to the library to print it out. It should be open soon, all the snow is melting in Virginia. Wish me luck, I will be back to update.

You'll then have to test with an SPE certified examiner in your state at which time you'll be taking the entire cdl exam, along with a few other skills to make sure you're capable.

For clarification, what constitutes a SPE certified examiner? Would that be at the FMCSA field office in Virginia or the service center in Illinois?

On the FMCSA website- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/391.49

"(5) Road test:

(ii) A unilateral applicant shall be responsible for having a road test administered by a motor carrier or a person who is competent to administer the test and evaluate its results."

I assume that a motor carrier training program would be considered competent, so long as I have the certification saying my situation does not prevent me from driving and will not get worse? Does this mean I do not need a SPE specific examiner? If I mail them my completed form, doctors signature and all, they will mail me the road test information correct? So can I show up at say, Swift orientation with the first half of the SPE cert and produce that for their company examiner? Or do I have to find someone experience with handicapped driver evaluation?

So many questions, and this legalese is giving me a headache. I think I will get some sleep and look at this tomorrow, from a fresh perspective.

Brett, I'm not sure if this might be something to add to the site for further knowledge but I can give a detailed schedule of how the whole program works if need be.

Yeah, we'll have the TT Research Arm look into this topic and see what we can dig up. I'll give you a shout after we get some stuff together and you can fill us in on anything we've missed.