I want to drive but can not hear without without my hearing aids. I'm tired of anyone driving me around. I'm 35 and been deaf all my life. Never really did get straight answers. I can have converstion on the phone if it's turned up. That is how deaf I am. Without it , doctor said a train could hit me before I feel it coming. So what you say? What's legal???
2007-10-31 01:53:26 · 9 answers · asked by jay c 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
yes its legal
2007-10-31 02:01:27 · answer #1 · answered by darcymc 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There should be no problem with you driving. You just need to be aware of your surroundings and look in your mirrors and keep watch for police cars firetrucks etc. Wear your hearing aids cause they will help. Drive carefully and drive the speed limit as you may not hear some things around you.
The only problem I have seen with deaf people driving is that they may try to talk (using sign language) with another passenger in the car. That is scary to see as their eyes are off the road and their hands off the wheel...
2007-10-31 11:14:34 · answer #2 · answered by Hearing Professional 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, according to the DMV handbook for CA (www.dmv.ca.gov), I believe you can:
From the handbook...
Hearing
Hearing is more important to driving than many people realize. The sound of horns, a siren, or screeching tires can warn you of danger. Sometimes you can hear a car but you cannot see it, especially if it is in your blind spots.
Even people with good hearing cannot hear well if the radio, CD, or tape deck is blaring. While driving, do not wear a headset or earplugs in both ears.
Hearing problems, like bad eyesight, can come on so slowly that you do not notice them. Drivers who know they are deaf or hearing-impaired can adjust. They can learn to rely more on their seeing habits.
So I'd say yes, you can. To be honest, they do a VISION test, but NOT a hearing test.
2007-10-31 09:04:00 · answer #3 · answered by Harleigh 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having worked with the deaf and hard of hearing I have known many of them who had their drivers license and drove to work on a daily basis. I also worked with a deaf woman who teaches ASL for the Adult Education program in my city and she has driven all over the country by herself. So, yes, it is legal for a deaf person to have a drivers license in California. But, it is best if you bring an interpreter with you when you go to DMV to apply for your license to assist with the tester who needs to communicate with you. Go for it!
2007-10-31 09:13:40 · answer #4 · answered by Isaac O 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know hearing with aides is OK but if your completly deaf I don't think you can drive i know you cant hold a C D L
2007-10-31 09:15:40 · answer #5 · answered by the only 1 hobo 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go to your local DMV or Secretary of State, or whoever issues driver's licenses in CA, and talk to the examiner. That's the person you have to convince. I would think that if you can hear a conversation, you can hear a train.
Besides, the trains are usually in fairly well marked places. They seldom come out of blind alleys. It's not like you'll come across them unexpectedly.
2007-10-31 09:01:18 · answer #6 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
go to the California department of motor vehicles and ask about additional requirements for the hearing impaired-usually it's extra mirrors and a handicapped license--my cousin is totally deaf and my other cousin is like you and they have been driving since the age of eighteen
2007-10-31 09:04:41 · answer #7 · answered by suan b 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its legal...I hear and i slow down and check even if there is crossing rails for trains before i go through. You dont have to hear to drive, now seeing that's you must be able to do.
2007-10-31 09:04:42 · answer #8 · answered by ABBYsMom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can't say for sure, but in MO, hearing is not required to drive.
I would be surprised if it were required in CA.
Go to the license bureau and ask, you will probably be happily surprised.
2007-10-31 08:59:14 · answer #9 · answered by Citicop 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋