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renewal question and advice

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by renewal, May 30, 2013.

Page 1 of 2
  1. May 30, 2013 #1
    renewal

    renewal Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    May 30, 2013
    0
    I'll try to make this short and blunt.

    I currently hold a CDL, class A, with various endorsements. I am up for a renewal. However, I will most likely not be utilizing my CDL for at least two years, if ever at all again. I'd like to keep my CDL as a "backup opportunity" in case something should happen. I was hoping to revert back to a regular driving license for the time being as it is much cheaper. When I went to renew my license at my local DMV I was informed that due to a new law passed sometime last year that if I were to revert back to a regular license, I would have to retake both the driving and written portions of the CDL tests if I should ever want to hold a CDL after I revert. Retaking the tests are no problem, except finding a truck to rent for the driving portion and I really do not want to go through that bs again if at all possible. I'm not saying the lady at DMV was wrong (why would she?) but I tried a few internet searches and found nothing about it. Is this true and if so, is there anyway around this? If it helps any, I am in Virginia. Thank you for any help.
     
    renewal, May 30, 2013
    renewal, May 30, 2013
    #1
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  3. May 30, 2013 #2
    dptrucker

    dptrucker Road Train Member

    4,561
    2,995
    May 14, 2012
    adelanto,ca.
    0
    yep... pretty sure you would have to do the whole testing thing again. imo, if i thought i go back to driving, i would just renew it,probably be cheaper in the long run. but its your choice on what you want to do. hope everything works out for you
     
    dptrucker, May 30, 2013
    dptrucker, May 30, 2013
    #2
    renewal Thanks this.
  4. May 30, 2013 #3
    Shoestring

    Shoestring Light Load Member

    295
    202
    Jul 25, 2011
    Lehigh Fl
    0
    I know u used to be able to do that in Florida. I think the law has changed though, and you have to keep your med card valid now as well. I haven't driven a truck for 3 years now, but, I still keep my med card current. Good thing too, I just received a post card from the state, I had to "self certify", needed the card for that, did that last Friday, Tuesday morning received an email stating self certification was approved.

    Don't know about cost where you are, but, with CDL and tanker endorsement in Florida, its less then $90 every 6 years to renew. Regular license is still like $45 dollars. Not that bad for peace of mind of having something to fall back on though.
    Other then the $5300 to retake the school to get a dang job. (been out of a truck for far too long now.)
     
    Shoestring, May 30, 2013
    Shoestring, May 30, 2013
    #3
    renewal Thanks this.
  5. May 30, 2013 #4
    BrianE

    BrianE Light Load Member

    164
    79
    Mar 9, 2013
    Livingston Texas
    0
    I let my CDL expire and had to retake every test. It is what it is.
     
    BrianE, May 30, 2013
    BrianE, May 30, 2013
    #4
    renewal Thanks this.
  7. May 30, 2013 #5
    Crossroads

    Crossroads Light Load Member

    239
    236
    Feb 28, 2013
    Lumberton NC
    0
    I was out 13 years and kept my CDL current. Never thought I would need it again, but I was wrong. Only took a physical to get back in the seat. The additional cost is minimal. Even if I switch careers again I will keep my CDL currrent as long as I can. Think of it as cheap insurance. Also the additional cost is tax deductible while you are working, so if u go back to work u can deduct the affitonal cost.
     
    Crossroads, May 30, 2013
    Crossroads, May 30, 2013
    #5
    renewal Thanks this.
  8. May 30, 2013 #6
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

    17,763
    124,694
    Apr 10, 2009
    Copied in Hell
    0
    Me too. I was out 7 years. Didn't think I would ever drive again. Glad I kept it.
     
    TripleSix, May 30, 2013
    TripleSix, May 30, 2013
    #6
    renewal Thanks this.
  9. May 30, 2013 #7
    VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

    1,551
    978
    Dec 8, 2011
    Jellystone
    0
    Yeah keep it... totally worth it in the future should you decide to go truckin again.
     
    VisionLogistics, May 30, 2013
    VisionLogistics, May 30, 2013
    #7
    renewal Thanks this.
  10. May 31, 2013 #8
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,366
    11,200
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    Keep that CDL.......an extra $30-$45 every 5 yrs at renewal is peanuts.
     
    Allow Me., May 31, 2013
    Allow Me., May 31, 2013
    #8
    renewal Thanks this.
  11. May 31, 2013 #9
    RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

    12,812
    6,135
    Jul 22, 2008
    Owensboro , KY
    0
    If you don't keep your medical card current states will downgrade your CDL to a Class D but they should give you a written 60 day warning before your medical card expires
     
    RickG, May 31, 2013
    RickG, May 31, 2013
    #9
    renewal Thanks this.
  12. May 31, 2013 #10
    RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

    4,867
    22,119
    Jan 30, 2011
    0
    I'm currently paying for that right now. Insurance companies use your CDL issue date as a measure of experience. When you lapse and reinstate, you're a new driver all over again. Better to keep the medical up to date and pay a little more for your license renewal.
     
    RedForeman, May 31, 2013
    RedForeman, May 31, 2013
    #10
    renewal Thanks this.
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