Dot sucks!!!

[BIGNASTY]

Had to have a DOT Physical for license renewal, went to the Dr. Turned my head and coughed. Then they wouldn't renew my Med Card because of wearing a prosthetic Leg. Was told that didn't have enough Leg left to properly operate a commercial vehicle. I really don't need the license any longer but it was a matter of pride after close to 39 years of driving I'm now suddenly not qualified? I have to agree with the assessment to an extent, 1 I don't have any business driving a Commercial Truck with the prosthetic limb that I have, 2 and surely not a Hazmat load. But the reason they said that I couldn't kind of surprised me that even the DOT was as STUPID and uninformed about the equipment that is now on the road.

When I got to a phone I called the DOT they said that the ruling was correct. I agreed with it as far as NOT driving a Hazmat load, the part that really bothered me is that when I asked what if I wanted to run freight loads? he asked you still need a left leg capable of depressing the clutch. I agreed but asked him if they have ever heard of AUTOMATICS!!!!

This has now gone beyond pride its a matter of discrimination the way I look at it. I stopped by the Scales one day to refill the coffee cup and had a talk to the 2 scale masters. They agreed that it sounds like a good case and maybe some extra income They pointed out that at times I drive a 3 axle bus which needs a Non Commercial class ? license to operate. Even thou its a personal vehicle they are looking at it as me NOT being capable of driving it because of the weight/Leg restrictions that are coming. The Bus/Motorhome is AUTOMATIC ALSO

Just a word of advice just make sure that your in shape and have all the T's crossed and I's dotted they are changing laws for things that they have no clue as to why??

BIG

 

[RVTRKN]

What, is this a big surprise? The government now controls your every move, and they keep piling on more regulations, laws and political correctness crap. And I live in the worse State for that. Gee, I guess the years you drove a tanker don't matter squat, what a load of crap.

 

[mfurrh55]

Wow, and i have to renew mine at in Dec. hope they don't have their head up their ____ when i go in for it, Thanks for the heads up, Monte

 

[mwilson]

They will have to add an endorsement / or restriction for automatic / standard operation. I'm surprised that.they have not done so already.

 

[BIGNASTY]

They will have to add an endorsement / or restriction for automatic / standard operation. I'm surprised that.they have not done so already.

I drove for all of those years with an amputation below the knee, when my knee was no longer repairable the limb was removed above the knee. That's the reason for all this BS, its not like I'm looking to pound the pavement again. I guess I'm not ready to sit on the porch in the rocker yet.

 

[KHellewell]

mwilson they have had a restriction on new license test for auto or manuel for about a year now
most people are grandfathered in until they have to retest there skills test

 

[MMeier]

They will have to add an endorsement / or restriction for automatic / standard operation. I'm surprised that.they have not done so already.

Been like that for a couple of years around here now, but usually comes into play when you first get your CDL....! Take the test in something with an automatic... they stamp your license automatics only .

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Don't let those guys get a leg up on ya Big .

 

[MoparBob]

Don't let those guys get a leg up on ya Big .

:--) Did he just go there?

 

[Deleted member 995608]

:--) Did he just go there?

I did. Big knows better and has thicker skin than the average Joe. We all appreciate him and his stories. TDR wouldn't be the same without him.

 

[fest3er]

I did. Big knows better and has thicker skin than the average Joe. We all appreciate him and his stories. TDR wouldn't be the same without him.

Besides, Big's got a sense of humor about his leg. I seem to recall a story of him dancing and spinning his foot 360°, or some such. But if he were to take offense, I would be inclined to agree that he has a leg to stand on. And I'm sure he's heard *all* these lame jokes over the years.

 

[The patriot]

I got the same letter.
Yada yada yada...if you dont have a DOT card you dont have a CDL....
I didnt think you needed the medical card, or needed to fill out logs if you were in state.
My brother in law got a letter like this a year or two ago, but he had brain surgery, so I figured that was it.
I just renewed this past spring, so theoretically I'm OK for a couple more years I guess. Got to read the letter again.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I keep hoping that Big n Penny and us will cross paths one day. A couple of times we were within arms reach, but missed each other by a mile.

 

[MoparBob]

Besides, Big's got a sense of humor about his leg. I seem to recall a story of him dancing and spinning his foot 360°, or some such. But if he were to take offense, I would be inclined to agree that he has a leg to stand on. And I'm sure he's heard *all* these lame jokes over the years.

LOL...I suspected after having read many of his posts over the years.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Besides, Big's got a sense of humor about his leg.I'm sure he's heard *all* these lame jokes over the years.

These and more!!! the More I wont tell ya's because it would be like shooting myself in the foot!!!

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I bet Big has done the 180 foot twist before. I've got a buddy that lost the lower leg years ago and still loves to freak out people when he turns the wooden foot backwards. The look on peoples faces is priceless.

 

[fest3er]

... it would be like shooting myself in the foot!!!

If you choose carefully, it might not turn out so bad....

 

[RVTRKN]

Wouldn't the Disability Act trump DOT, if you can demonstrate your ability to perform your job, despite your handicap?

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

Wouldn't the Disability Act trump DOT, if you can demonstrate your ability to perform your job, despite your handicap?

I'm sure it could come into play if Big were actually looking to keep an existing job, or even be looking to get one at all... It's more of a pride thing to keep something that has been earned instead of having it taken away by legislation that some weenie in the District of Criminals came up with.

IMHO it is complete BS to need a med card just to keep the license valid when there is no intention of using it for commerce. The thing that made me mad about the letter I received was the threat that it would be cancelled, instead of just downgraded! #@$%!

 

[Tractorat]

I have a pilots lic that I got over 35 years ago. I believe it is still valid, and is for the rest of my life. However, I dont have a current medical ticket and havent for years. But technically, I have to do is go down and take the medical and I can fly again.