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DOT physical

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by LakeErieHillbilly, Jul 23, 2014.

  1. Jul 23, 2014 #1
    LakeErieHillbilly

    LakeErieHillbilly Light Load Member

    74
    18
    Feb 5, 2012
    Northern Ohio
    0
    Quick question since I have been out of the driving game for a year now. My CDL renew isn't for 2 year yet but my DOT physical card is up in 2 weeks (was good for 2 years like most). If I don't get a new physical before then do I loose my CDL A classification and would have to retake it all again or do I keep it and just get my physical again down the road if Im able to start driving again?

    Had to stop due to family illness with 2 kids but looking to get back in the game in the near future.
     
    LakeErieHillbilly, Jul 23, 2014
    LakeErieHillbilly, Jul 23, 2014
    #1
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  3. Jul 23, 2014 #2
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,735
    12,454
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    Ca. and Az. both let you expire for 1 year before they cancel your CDL with re-test necessary. So, up to 1 year, you can just renew your physical and your CDL will be good again. Let it go past a year and you have start from scratch again. While your physical is expired, your CDL is downgraded to a car license. This is Ca./Az. not sure about other states. Check with your state's DMV.
     
    Allow Me., Jul 23, 2014
    Allow Me., Jul 23, 2014
    #2
  4. Jul 23, 2014 #3
    purpleprime

    purpleprime Medium Load Member

    681
    720
    May 30, 2013
    spickard, mo
    0
    States have been suspending cdl for not having a current medical card on file so I assume you have to get one and register it with your state to keep your cdl
     
    purpleprime, Jul 23, 2014
    purpleprime, Jul 23, 2014
    #3
  5. Jul 23, 2014 #4
    Kasters

    Kasters Bobtail Member

    18
    2
    Mar 23, 2014
    North Carolina
    0
    IMHO - I would go ahead and get your medical card - eliminates any explaining to DOT!
     
    Kasters, Jul 23, 2014
    Kasters, Jul 23, 2014
    #4
  7. Jul 23, 2014 #5
    tow614

    tow614 Road Train Member

    3,759
    4,631
    Mar 18, 2013
    0
    In tennessee if you do not have one on file they just make you pay a $75 reinstatement fee.
     
    tow614, Jul 23, 2014
    tow614, Jul 23, 2014
    #5
  8. Jul 23, 2014 #6
    TomOfTx

    TomOfTx Road Train Member

    1,190
    1,406
    Jul 13, 2013
    Friendswood, TX
    0
    Change your self certification to category 2 or 4. See below link for more details. Do it as soon as possible since your DOT medical card is expiring real soon. I assume based on your profile you are licensed in Ohio.

    http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/faq_cdl.stm#tog
     
    TomOfTx, Jul 23, 2014
    TomOfTx, Jul 23, 2014
    #6
  9. Jul 23, 2014 #7
    chris886

    chris886 Medium Load Member

    531
    286
    Aug 22, 2013
    Chicago, IL
    0
    It would be easiest to just get the physical, but if you do not want to, TomOfTx is right, just change your self certification to exempt and you don't need a medical card. But make sure you recertify to non exempt before you start driving or you will be in trouble.
     
    chris886, Jul 23, 2014
    chris886, Jul 23, 2014
    #7
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