Hearing Waiver

Step by Step Videos

1st time applying a hearing waiver procedure

FMCSA Hearing exemption renewal

Hearing exemption process time frame

Turn in your renewal request 90 DAYS before your exemption expires!

Hearing Audiogram requirements (Video in the works)

A person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person: First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than five feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500Hz, 1000HZ and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to the American National Standard Z24.5-1951.

New and Renewal Hearing Waivers

First Time Application

Apply an application for the hearing exemption (all of PDF downloads are located at bottom under "Downloads")

Specific documents to attach your application (this request is a necessary to process your application or it will be tossed out)
Read a sample hearing waiver application form, it is your guideline of filling out the application (a guideline shows you how to apply)

Attempt to contact your nearby Vocational Rehabilitation office to open a case to assist with your tuition, interpreters and they may help pay for your DOT exam. (Go to a DOT certified examiner near you to do the physical exam, the examiner will provide the medical long form if you are qualify to drive)
Search a CDL driving school that willing to teach a deaf student.
The exemption procedure will take up to 180 days to get the waiver. Make sure you keep in touch with FMCSA office over the waiver updates, don't sit and wait till you get it in the mail after 180 days!
If you are planning to send in your application via email, please add Wording in the subject box, "(Your name) Hearing Exemption Application". If you leave it blank, they will think it's a spam, won't open it and toss it in the trash bin.
Meanwhile waiting on the exemption in the mail, go to Department of Motor Vehicles to get a CDL study guide, study for General Knowledge and Air Brake exams, and pass it to get CDL permit before enrolling into a truck driving school. Renewals (6 things on the list)

Renewal

To renew: Send a 1) "written request" in the email, "I'm writing a request for the renewal hearing exemption" 2) a copy of your recent 3 years driving record, 3) a copy of your CDL front and back, 4) copy of current hearing waiver, 5) DOT medical card 6) Medical Release form; email to Hearing Exemption Division.
Turn your paperwork in within 90 DAYS IN ADVANCE before your waiver expiration date.
To check on your waiver status or to see if they have received your request, contact them or check on the website they provided to you.