Keeping a CDL after retiring

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

  1. Still undecided

    Still undecided Heavy Load Member

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    I've still got some time left on my last physical and need to decide what to do about keeping my CDL with the interstate qualification. I can renew my physical, get my license switched to intrastate or just get the CDL removed. I've been retired for a while and live it, don't need to work for the income yet I don't want to give up something I worked for and might need later. If I change to a intrastate restriction would I need to do anything besides get a physical to go back to interstate driving? I was planning on just giving up the CDL but after the election results I'm worried I'm going to need to go back to work.
     
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  3. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    in NC, I have a K-1 restriction. that is a self certified, (in leu of a physical), class a A intrastate license.

    been retired 5 yrs now, may drop the A next yr. haven't driven since retiring.
     
  4. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Are you on Drugs ? :biggrin_2556:
     
  5. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    :rolleyes:
     
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  6. Opus

    Opus Road Train Member

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    Puff, puff, pass.
    Careful, you'll get booted to the Politics form and there's some rough customers over there.
    The Mods patience has worn pretty thin in the last couple of weeks.
     
  7. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    If it were me, I'd just keep getting physicals after your med card expires and not worry about changing it to intrastate. That way it'll stay valid. You keep it for interstate, then you can still work local or OTR.
     
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  8. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Keep it valid for awhile. I kept mine for about 4 years valid, then decided I wasn't going to drive anymore. And let it lapse. But strange things happen, I moved to KY, my real estate lady connected me with Farmer Fred who grew corn and soy. He asked me to drive for him, hopper for the season. He said you don't need CDL for farm work, which was true and I drove for the season.
     
  9. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    I agree, but I wouldn't base my decision on the election as a reason to go back to work. We'll be fine. I too, kept my CDL in Wisconsin for several years, even though had no intention of driving again. I did get a p/t job shuttling trailers at a cranberry farm, that didn't need a CDL. When I moved to Colorado in 2017, I felt no need to keep my CDL, and have no regrets. I didn't think an intrastate job required a physical, and to be honest, at our age, we shouldn't have to pound the pavement. I adjusted my lifestyle to meet my income, not t'other way 'round, and I'm doing okay. I drive a 30 year old Jeep and buy my shoes at the thrift store, but I do okay, and you can too.
     
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  10. Still undecided

    Still undecided Heavy Load Member

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    Yeah, I've been fine financially and don't have any desire to go back to OTR. The idea of paying for a physical to increase my worried about getting a DUI (I don't drink much and don't drive much either but....) doesn't make much sense financially but the whole idea of factoring in how much longer I'm going to live is sobering in a different way.
     
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  11. Jamie01

    Jamie01 Light Load Member

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    I think it's well worth keeping it
    and getting a DOT physical every two years. You never know what the future holds. Maybe there's a local part time job that gets you behind the wheel a couple times a week and puts some fun money in your pocket. For me, driving a truck is a great retirement hobby
     
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