Has anyone here successfully got a CDL with epilepsy and on meds?

[Mike758]

I'm 20 and have had epilepsy for over four years, and was diagnosed over two years ago when I had two tonic clonics within a month. Since then, I've been on Keppra and haven't had a tonic clonic since, and haven't had any partial seizures in a year and a half.

I'm thinking about changing my industry, but right now my career focuses are in the construction/ landscaping industry, and many of the high paying jobs require a Class B CDL. I've heard several different versions of the law on obtaining a CDL, with the most consistent being 10 years with no meds or seizures period, but I've also heard that only applies for buses and semi's, and I also heard you can still get it if you have warning signs.

With my epilepsy, I do have warning signs. During the two years before the tonic clonics, I had at least 100 partial seizures, which were just dejavu followed by a rising sensation in my stomach, with no loss of consciousness. After I started taking medication and was setting my dosage, I would have the partial seizures, increase my meds, then stop. Then I would have a few, then increase the meds. Eventually I got to the dose I have now which has worked for a year and a half so far. I guess you can count that as a warning.

 

[valeriedl]

I'm not sure exactly how you get a CDL, if it's through the Department of Motor Vehicles or somewhere else. I'd look on the internet to see if they have a website or call, which might be the best, to the direct place that you do to see if it says. By doing this you would find out for sure what the regulations are.

 

[Ruth]

Hi Mike,

What is a CDL?

 

[AlohaBird]

It's a commercial drivers license.

The rules and regs vary by state about regular DLs and epilepsy so I would presume they probably do about CDLs as well. I suggest contacting your state's DMV.

The other question is do *you* feel ready and able for that responsibility? That nobody can say but you.