Licensing and Commercial Driving Requirements

People with hearing loss generally follow a similar process for obtaining a driver’s license as individuals with normal hearing. However, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind, especially if you’re seeking a commercial driver’s license.

Standard License Process

The standard licensing process is straightforward for most drivers who are hard of hearing. Some states may require you to disclose your hearing status in your application. They may also request a medical review to verify that your condition doesn’t impair your driving ability. 

You have the right to ADA accommodations during your driver’s license testing. If you require written instructions or a sign language interpreter, the licensing agency must provide those resources. 

Your state may allow you to add a note about your hearing status on your license. For example, North Carolina allows deaf drivers to add the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss to their license.

Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets a hearing requirement for commercial driver’s licenses. To qualify, you must hear a “forced whisper” from at least five feet away in one ear, with or without a hearing aid. If you fail this test, you’ll undergo a test with an audiometric device—to pass, the average hearing loss in your better ear must not be greater than 40 decibels. 

If you don’t meet the hearing standard but believe you’re still capable of safely operating a commercial vehicle, you can apply for a hearing exemption. However, these exemptions are uncommon, and these testing rules bar most deaf people from driving commercial vehicles.