The National Association of the Deaf has petitioned the FMCSA to amend the hearing requirements related to hearing, speaking, and the prohibition on use of interpreters during CDL skills testing. The FMCSA is requesting public comment related to this petition.
If hearing rules are rescinded, the need for a hearing exemption for drivers not meeting hearing requirements would be eliminated. Current requirements for drivers applying for hearing exemptions (or any other exemption) are that the driver would maintain a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level achieved without the exemption.
There are currently 34 individuals who have been granted hearing exemptions by the FMCSA, and all 34 of those exemptions were recently renewed.
For more information please visit the FMCSA Federal Register.
For questions regarding our accredited NRCME training program or the NRCME certification process, call us at (941) 600-8411 9am-9pm EST 7/365.