reinstate cdl from class a

I remember you; thought you were pulling a reefer hauling frozen chickens then went to some outfit like ABF.
Each state writes their own rules in your situation. Best check with the DMV because now the DOT card is also your CDL and visa-versa. Only doctors registered with the federal government can give the physical.
Good to see you came to your senses...lol.

 

Some states just show the new DOT long form physical to the DMV and they reinstate your CDL.
Some states get silly and want you to do the driving test and pre-trip. Each state has their own rules now.

 

Old Dominion has been hiring like crazy in PA for linehaul jobs. They've even been sending recruiters to cdl schools trying to recruit linehaul drivers.

 

I'm pretty sure your license was downgraded to a Class C when your physical expired. I'm also fairly certain you will probably have to start from scratch again: written test, driving test.....everything! Your best bet would be to go to the nearest Driver License Center as they can give you definitive answers to any of your licensing questions. Don't go on Saturday mornings, though; I understand that its a real zoo around there with all the kids taking their driving tests!
I know this is a little late for you, but PennDOT has a provision that would allow you to keep your CDL after your physical expires, but you can't drive commercially until you get a new physical. However you have to take care of this paperwork BEFORE your physical expires. Hope this helps you at least a little bit.
If you're job hunting, you might try AGX there in Duncansville. I spent 19 years with them working out of the Pittsburgh terminal and overall had a good experience. However their type of operation isn't for everybody.
(edit) just saw the posts you wrote whilst I was composing mine, so sorry for telling you info you obviously already know.

 

Did you not self-certify when you stopped driving? You can retain your CDL and do not need a valid Medical Card. Once you get a current medical card you show that and self certify again and you are able to drive again.

Since you have waited a few months, I suspect you will have to start from the bottom again and retake all the tests. Any endorsements you had are probable gone also.

http://dotphysicaldoctor.com/pa/

https://www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/DVSPubsForms/BDL/BDL Fact Sheets/fs-scm.pdf

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/medical

 

DMV would have done that internally and unless you visited the DMV you would have known it was a class C now.

You should have gotten a letter from the DMV letting you know that you are about to be downgraded.

Did you self Certify??????

here is your driver history, it may show on that what class you have.

https://apps.pa.egov.com/idr

To self certify, but in your case it is probably too late.

http://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Commercial-Driver/Pages/default.aspx

All in all you probably have a Class C now, and what you had before is gone.

 

If you have a company picked out do the job app and let them pay for the medical card and if they see a cdl through the process of checking you out it'll show up as valid cdl a without a med card and they will set you up for the physical.Feds are getting involved big time on the issue and some states even requiring some to retake a pre trip and road trip/test to get your cdl a back valid after not having a med card for 6 months so don't wait any longer than you have to get that med card as quick as you can.