Joey Woodle, a deaf Alabama man, is now qualified for a Commercial Driver’s License.
Despite his hearing impairment, Woodle passed the test on May 9, 2018 at Central Alabama Community College.
It was not until 2012 that the Department of Transportation opened the door to driving careers to any deaf driver with a safe driving record. Even so, according to The Outlook, Woodle had to get a special permit and health waiver. It took about six months to achieve clearance.
This is a big moment for not only this driver, but the entire deaf community.
“I’m deaf and I want to show others who are deaf that they can learn to do this and be a truck driver, even the big trucks,” Woodle said. “I was really motivated to do that. I worked really hard for six weeks to get ready to take the test. I studied and studied because I wanted to learn and now I can get a job and get out on the road. Now I have my CDL and I can do that. It’s a great day and I’m ready to get a job.”
Howard A. Rosenblum, CEO of the National Association of the Deaf, commented:
“The NAD is thrilled that these safe and skilled deaf and hard of hearing drivers can now pursue the career of their choice.”