Want to get back into driving

Well you might be in for one hellava surprise.

Depending on how long ago your DOT med card expired, you may actually now only have a car driver's license.

It was up to you (and all of us) to get our DOT physicals renewed BEFORE they expire on the due date. Failure to do so, results in ANY CDL holder, to have his/her license downgraded to a car driver's license.

Ok, so what does that mean for you, perhaps?

Schooling, all over again, DMV written tests, DMV road test, and job searching as a new driver.

When did your DOT card actually expire?

 

Most companies are at the very least going to require a refresher Or time with a trainer. Much has changed that needs to be learned a bit on. Plus it's they way of making a little something off your back for nothing. Heard of some co's even making refresher guys team drive with each other for thousands of miles. Crazy stuff happening these days. Wish I could help, when I needed a refresher I got lucky and found a co that didn't require that.

 

She may not even have a CDL anymore.

 

Well, all I can say is, you're S.O.L.

you no longer have a valid CDL. You will have to go to school all over again. Sorry, that's all there is to say


http://www.dor.mo.gov/faq/drivers/medcert.php

 

Yeah check with your state (I guess Kansas?)

To see if they downgraded your CDL
And if you can re upgrade it back to a Class A.


http://www.ksrevenue.org/faqs-dmvmedcert.html

 

while the basics of driving are the same... the business and nuisances have changed in that time frame, not for the better. You probably know that, but til you get back into it, may be a real let down. I think most will view you as a newb again. There are small companies that may take you on, maybe... will probably have to have a paper trail to get back into the biz. You have your reasons... but do a lot of soul searching before getting back behind the wheel.

 

Trucking didn't work out for you the first time...has something changed that will make it work better this time? The money in this business rarely is enough to keep people here for very long. The cost of being on the road is high in terms of living expenses and you will only get one day off for every week that you are on the road with most companies...is that going to be compatible with your family situation? Just a few things to consider in your decision making process.

 

OP, check with your state first. Some states will require re-testing, some will re-instate the CDL once you have provided the valid, current physical.