What should an examiner do for a driver with a hearing exemption?

In the context of a driver with a hearing exemption, the appropriate action for the examiner is to certify for two years. This decision is based on the understanding that drivers who have been granted a hearing exemption typically have undergone review and have met specific medical criteria set forth by the Department of Transportation for operating a commercial motor vehicle safely despite their hearing limitations.

The two-year certification reflects a balance between ensuring safety and providing reasonable accommodations for drivers with legitimate medical conditions. A longer certification period allows drivers to continue working without needing to undergo frequent examinations, as long as their hearing condition remains stable and does not compromise their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Considering the other options, certifying for one year might seem reasonable but does not align with the practices for issuing certifications after a hearing exemption has been approved. Temporarily certifying for 6 months would indicate a lack of confidence in their ability to meet safety standards, which is not typical for those who have been granted an exemption after thorough evaluation. Disqualifying immediately would be inappropriate unless there were new concerning factors that arose. Therefore, a two-year certification is both a reasonable and accepted practice for drivers with a hearing exemption.