CDL Expires After 1 Year if No Physical is On Record. Is This True?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jester4736w, Mar 25, 2008.

  1. jester4736w

    jester4736w Bobtail Member

    31
    6
    Mar 23, 2006
    0
    I havent driven for almost a year now and someone told me that a cdl will run out if there is no physical on record with a company after a year. I know this is a really dumb question, but can a cdl run out if your not actually driving or have a physical every year, etc. or does it last as long as it says on your driver's liscence. if it lasts the length of your liscence than how much would it be to keep it in tact when that time is up? I know this sounds dumb, but i never thought about it when i was actually driving because everything was ok then. but this person has me thinking about it now.
    I would like to keep my cdl even though im not driving for possible later use, without having to get my cdl again. I just had a newborn son so i found a job that keeps me home, but eventually i would like to go back and i was just wondering what i have to do to keep my cdl a in tact until i get ready to try again.
    thanks all.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. NorCalTrucker

    NorCalTrucker Bobtail Member

    8
    0
    Mar 24, 2008
    Elk Grove, CA
    0
    It may be tougher to get a job if you have not driven for a year but as long as you get a physical prior to the expiration of your current physical your license will remain valid.
     
  4. jester4736w

    jester4736w Bobtail Member

    31
    6
    Mar 23, 2006
    0
    if i dont??? the cdl is void?
    and have to start over?
    by the way, thank you for such a quick response.
     
  5. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

    6,257
    4,358
    Oct 23, 2005
    Vegas/Jersey
    0
    No. You just can not drive a commercial vehicle. I've retired and I hold on to my CDL because they're just too hard to get compare to keeping one. I've dropped my hazmat endoresment but that wouldn't be a problem if I needed it. If I want to go back to work all I have to do is get my medical card. But work is a four letter word and I choose to enjoy life now.
     
    Tonythetruckerdude Thanks this.
  6. jester4736w

    jester4736w Bobtail Member

    31
    6
    Mar 23, 2006
    0
    i dont blame you sir, thank you for the info it made me feel a lot better...
    it scared me when he said that, i got ta thinking, maybe he is right, i never thought of it because i always had the job. it would just be a pain in the ### to have to take the cdl driving test again ya know. so in other words when i get ready to drive again i just take my physical and go ahead?
    also, when the date on my driver's liscence comes, they will send some sort of letter letting me know that my cdl is about to expire? or no? and if so, would anyone know the amount for NYS? thank you all very much, been a huge help!
     
  7. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

    17,996
    35,640
    Sep 8, 2007
    Utah's DIXIE!
    0
    Some states do have the requirement that you keep your medical card current. If you don't, the CDL will be suspended.

    CASE IN POINT: Arizona - they don't even notify you of the suspension. You get to find out when you are pulled over by a cop. You thought you had a CDL, now you find out it has been suspended and you are not legal to drive ANYTHING until you can get the suspension lifted, or drop your CDL and get a regular driver's license.

    Then you can have the fun of getting your car towed, and getting a ticket.
     
  8. LostBoy

    LostBoy Light Load Member

    161
    16
    May 8, 2007
    davenport iowa
    0
    my younger brother has had his class A since the summer of 2000, hasnt driven a truck since he graduated from school. he dropped the hazmat a few years ago, but could get a job driving a class b just about anywhere. depends on what state youre in.
     
  9. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

    6,257
    4,358
    Oct 23, 2005
    Vegas/Jersey
    0
    Good point. The best is to call your DMV CDL division.
     
  10. jester4736w

    jester4736w Bobtail Member

    31
    6
    Mar 23, 2006
    0
    thanks all, and i thought this was a stupid question... Just seemed like something i should know.
     
  11. Propane_bobtail

    Propane_bobtail Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    Feb 2, 2012
    Rome,Ga
    0
    CDL Suspended. (medical card expired)
    Well i'm in HELL My cdl shows 4 suspentions due to my medical card exspiring.I lost my driving job do to a small accident (light tap rear ender.(arizona cdl)Well with kids to feed bills to pay i could not afford to get the physical on my own.So i moved to Georgia and Got mt Class B cdl dropped haz-mat so no med card needed to keep cdl ,but can't find word due to suspentions:biggrin_2553:Any help out there for mistake makers like me?
    or am i screwed?
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.