Keeping a CDL after retiring

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Still undecided, Nov 6, 2024.

  1. Ex-Trucker Alex

    Ex-Trucker Alex Road Train Member

    1,359
    2,290
    Jan 7, 2023
    0
    No complications at all. I went back to work after only 10 weeks. Started riding my bicycle a bit at 8 weeks, now I put in rides of 15-20 miles every weekend, mow the lawn, rake the leaves, and still work about 45 hours/week. Minor issue with a high hematocrit level, so I need to go monthly to the oncology clinic for an infusion, but that's about all. I put the snowtires on both cars this weekend myself, so I guess I'm completely recovered.

    Really? The last time I had to find a place to do the medical card (still need that for renewal...), I had to go to an industrial medical clinic.

    I know the likelihood of ever driving again is remote. Still, if somebody says, "hey, could you drive a rental TT for us just for 1 day?", I COULD say "YES!". Also, thanks to the hundreds of ComChecks I used to fill out back in the days when the federal CDL first came out, I know my DL#, and can recite it when needed. How many people can do that with their 4-wheeler license? Yeah, I'll probably die at age 95 with a valid CDL......
     
    mtoo, OLDSKOOLERnWV, Wargames and 3 others Thank this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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

  3. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

    3,199
    7,359
    Jul 22, 2010
    WI.
    0
    , now I put in rides of 15-20 miles every weekend, mow the lawn, rake the leaves, and still work about 45 hours/week. Minor issue with a high hematocrit level, so I need to go monthly to the oncology clinic for an infusion, but that's about all. I put the snowtires on both cars this weekend myself, so I guess I'm completely recovered.:: Holy cow you do all that still oh my gosh, you’re going to live to 100. Hope you don’t mind to ask are you over 70 , holy cow? That’s amazing. I can’t do that especially the bike ride. I have a hard time putting on my shoes ha ha ha
     
  4. Skinner Aldean

    Skinner Aldean Bobtail Member

    20
    59
    Feb 21, 2021
    0
    If you have any reservations about doing any work then hang onto it. You might find some local part time work dump truck wise or something you might want to do from time to time. You might decide to teach in a driver program at a school if you're brave enough. If you're just well off enough to not bother working again or if your body is just saying no then let it go.
     
    Wargames and 201 Thank this.
  5. Ex-Trucker Alex

    Ex-Trucker Alex Road Train Member

    1,359
    2,290
    Jan 7, 2023
    0
    I'm 63 now. I'm 6'3", weigh 175 lb (that's 1.9m, 80Kg for you Canadians...), and exercise regularly. Back when I was driving, I used to weigh 265lbs (120Kg).....
     
    NightWind and Wargames Thank this.
  6. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

    3,199
    7,359
    Jul 22, 2010
    WI.
    0
    I just got back from the DMV. They’re gonna hold my license for me until I get my recertified DOT card . so I got a couple more years. I’m hanging on my CDL. It was worth the $14 at the DMV.
     
  7. Still undecided

    Still undecided Heavy Load Member

    894
    1,031
    Aug 21, 2019
    0
    I got mine done for free. All I need to do is give them a current physical and I'd be to go back to driving interstate.
     
    Wargames Thanks this.
  8. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

    3,199
    7,359
    Jul 22, 2010
    WI.
    0
    Yeah, exactly me too, but it cost me $14 still worth it
     
    Still undecided Thanks this.
  9. Still undecided

    Still undecided Heavy Load Member

    894
    1,031
    Aug 21, 2019
    0
    Heck yeah! I was expecting to pay something but it didn't cost anything and I was able to do it on my second trip without the appointment I was told I'd need. They told me I'd need to schedule an appointment on my first trip and gave me a card with the website, but that only listed a driving or written test and I'd gone back to find out WTF am I supposed to do now on my second trip. I didn't even need to get my license replaced either, easy peasy.
     
    Wargames Thanks this.
  10. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

    3,199
    7,359
    Jul 22, 2010
    WI.
    0
    Yeah, they told me at the DMV. Just get your DOT card and they’ll reinstate my license, but my duplicate shows all my endorsements and everything.
     
  11. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

    3,199
    7,359
    Jul 22, 2010
    WI.
    0
    I think it was three years ago. I noticed that some of the trucks had disc brakes in the back that is a relief compared to the drums as a huge improvement. I like that a lot.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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