FMCSA May 2026 Updates: Hearing, Epilepsy, Clearinghouse & Medication Forms

I've been examining commercial drivers here in Daytona Beach for over 40 years, and I can tell you that May 2026 has been a busy month for FMCSA rulemaking. Several notices dropped in the Federal Register that touch on hearing standards, epilepsy exemptions, drug and alcohol testing, and the medication form I use right here in my office. None of these are earth-shattering on their own, but together they paint a clear picture of where FMCSA is heading — and a few of them may affect you directly.

Let me break each one down in plain English.

Hearing Exemptions: New Grants and Renewals

What Changed

Between May 6 and May 12, FMCSA issued three separate hearing-related notices. First, 37 hard of hearing and deaf drivers were granted new exemptions from the standard hearing requirement to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. Second, 19 existing exemptions were renewed, allowing those drivers to keep running. Third, FMCSA announced it received 11 new applications for hearing exemptions — those are still pending review.

(Federal Register, May 6 – Grants) | (Federal Register, May 6 – Renewals) | (Federal Register, May 12 – New Applications)

Why It Matters

The standard DOT physical requires a driver to perceive a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet. If you don't meet that standard, you're disqualified — unless you hold an approved exemption. FMCSA has been quietly granting these exemptions for years, and the volume of activity this month signals they're actively processing a backlog.

What You Should Do

If you are hard of hearing or deaf and currently driving on an exemption, make sure it's current — renewals are not automatic. If you believe you qualify and have never applied, talk to your audiologist about the process. And when you come in for your DOT physical), be upfront with me about any hearing aids or assistive devices you use — honesty at the exam table is always the right call.

Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder Exemptions Renewed

What Changed

FMCSA renewed exemptions for 27 drivers total across two separate May 7 notices — one batch of 20 and one batch of 7 — who have a history of seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication. These drivers are permitted to continue operating CMVs in interstate commerce.

(Federal Register, May 7 – 20 renewals) | (Federal Register, May 7 – 7 renewals)

Why It Matters

The FMCSRs flatly disqualify any driver with an established medical history of epilepsy or any condition likely to cause loss of consciousness. There is no gray area in the standard regulation. The only path forward for a driver with a seizure history is an individual FMCSA exemption — and that exemption must be actively maintained.

What You Should Do

If you have a seizure disorder and you're currently driving commercially, your exemption paperwork needs to be in order before you sit down with me. I cannot issue a medical certificate based on a lapsed or missing exemption. If you're on anti-seizure medication and haven't disclosed it at your physicals, now is the time to get that conversation started with your neurologist.

Waste Management Clearinghouse Exemption: What It Means for Affiliated Drivers

What Changed

FMCSA granted Waste Management Holdings (WM) a two-year, limited exemption from certain drug and alcohol testing requirements. Specifically: drivers transferring between WM-affiliated companies may skip pre-employment controlled substance testing if they've been in a WM random testing pool for the past 12 months. WM can also conduct a limited Clearinghouse query (rather than a full query) for these transfers. Broad exemptions were denied.

(Federal Register, May 13)

Why It Matters

This is a narrow, company-specific exemption — it only applies to WM drivers moving between WM affiliates under specific conditions. It does not change the rules for drivers changing employers outside the WM family. For everyone else, pre-employment drug testing and full Clearinghouse queries remain required, full stop. If you're not a WM driver, this doesn't change your obligations one bit.

What You Should Do

If you work for a WM affiliate, confirm with your fleet safety manager whether this exemption applies to your specific transfer situation. For all other CDL holders, stay current on your Clearinghouse registration. Check out our Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse renewal guide for a plain-English walkthrough of your ongoing obligations.

The 391.41 Medication Form: A Quiet but Important Renewal

What Changed

FMCSA is renewing the 391.41 CMV Driver Medication Form — the voluntary form that medical examiners like me can use to communicate directly with a driver's prescribing physician about certain medications.

(Federal Register, May 7)

Why It Matters

I use this form when a driver comes in on a medication that could potentially affect safe driving — think certain blood pressure drugs, sleep aids, pain medications, or psychiatric prescriptions. The form lets me get the full picture from your treating doctor before I make a certification decision. It protects you as much as it protects the public.

What You Should Do

Bring a current medication list to every physical. I'm not trying to disqualify you — I'm trying to make sure I have the information I need to certify you safely and confidently. If you're on a new prescription since your last exam, don't assume it's fine. Let me evaluate it. That's what I'm here for.

Book Your Exam at OneCare CDL

Regulations change, but the goal stays the same: keep qualified drivers on the road safely. If any of these updates raised questions about your own medical certification, I'd rather you ask me directly than wonder about it.

Schedule your appointment online at /book or reach out through /contact. We're at 755 Westmoreland Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, and you can call us at (386) 226-0011. I look forward to seeing you.

— Dr. David Jacobsen, DC | FMCSA-Certified Medical Examiner | OneCare CDL