self certification question- keep the CDL without the medical card?? Excepted status

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by Sido, Nov 23, 2014.

  1. Sido

    Sido Bobtail Member

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    I'm working in the Alaskan bush, non-driving, non CDL position. I have the Class A and want to keep it, but I'm getting tired of the medical card renewals.

    Of the four categories, I see "excepted interstate" and "excepted intrastate" do not require a medical card. Is there a downside to certifying any of those two categories? When I call the DMV office that specializes in commercial licenses I can't get a straight answer (meaning I get a different answer depending on who I talk to). I don't see anything on the state's website that speaks to any consequence whatsoever of choosing any category that isn't "non excepted interstate," but that's the category they always push you to chose.

    Is there a downside of choosing a category that doesn't require a medical card? Will the CDL stay current (i.e. it won't be revoked, just won't be allowed to drive commercial)?
    If you are in one of the lesser categories, and wish to upgrade, is it as simple as getting a medical card and taking a trip to the DMV??
     
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  3. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Hi Sido, in Wisconsin, I kept my CDL but let my health card expire. I was told, the only restriction was, I couldn't cross state lines, but could drive in the state.( Tier 4, I think) If I choose to go out of state, I have to get a card, and show the DMV and fill out a new form.
     
  4. streetglider

    streetglider Medium Load Member

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    Check your state some will cancel your CDL with out question, I know . az will
     
  5. tzulicdl14

    tzulicdl14 Bobtail Member

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    In Ca. you need to update your card! if not, they down grade you...but they send you a letter first!.
     
  6. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    Same in Colorado... you need to check this out since its possible you'd loose your CDL privileges, and have to go back to square one in order to drive again.
     
  7. skateboardman

    skateboardman Road Train Member

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    file either one , you keep the cdl , and if you go back to driving get the med card, file with state and youre back in action. yes, about any state will yank your cdl if you don't update the medical, BUT if you file for the excepted status , you keep it.

    I think some may not understand the self-certification process that states have.
     
    Sido Thanks this.
  8. Sido

    Sido Bobtail Member

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    Jan 7, 2011
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    Thanks for the clarification!
     
  9. TLeaHeart

    TLeaHeart Road Train Member

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    the excepted status is only good for one year without a medical certification. No medical certification, no CDL.
     
  10. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Hi T, in Wis. they didn't seem to have that 1 year thing on it's tier system. I chose #4, and retained my CDL with no health card, although, I don't use my CDL, so who knows what nightmare would arise if I decided to drive again.
    http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/types/cdl-medical-tiers.htm
     
  11. skateboardman

    skateboardman Road Train Member

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    they don't have it in ga either, but if they did , all it would mean is you self certify once a year.
     
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