Too stale to train

Some companies want a refresher course after 90 days and then it varies after that. Some, the only requirement is a couple trips with an experienced driver.

 

In 2013 I left trucking for 18 months and then went back with a company that drug tested me and then gave me the keys to a truck, didn't even make me do a test drive.

 

Not sure of any time cutoff, to keep a CDL.I Would Keep a good driving record and pay for my Own Medical Card every 2 years and keep getting it attached to your CDL, No matter if you Don't drive for years,but keep it renewed etc. I kept my CDL going for 8 years of not driving.JMO

 

One guy posted this week he's kept his cdl active for 20 yrs. and hasn't driven yet.
So, that's good advice; keep your medical card up to date.

 

If your state allows it. I would NOT keep a medical card. I would do that interstate thing and drop the medical card. You can keep the CDL at that time unlimited. In Virginia, this is having a (K) restriction! I have been told that some states like New York are forcing a CDL holder to do some additional steps. I mean getting a physical should not be difficult. But why do it if all you need is the (K) restriction!

 

One reason to keep it is because as we age, there may be some underlying medical condition that occurs that would disqualify the driver. The condition may not be noticed until a physical is preformed.

 

Think about what you just said. There is a world of difference between a DOT physical which is nothing but a check AND a full workup with labs etc that EVERYBODY should be getting. I did not say don't get a physical, I said I would not worry about having a DOT physical.

In my case up till I retired my family doc also did my DOT physicals. If you can do this, then, by all means, that's the best. I just don't see the purpose of wasting the money to see a medical examiner every year or so.

 

Out here in Cali you don't have to keep your Dot medical up to date if you dont plan on driving class A. Then if you do go back to driving all you gotta do is go get your Dot physical and then take it to dmv to get it certified and then your good to go. One exception is if yor cdl is coming up for renewal then you will then have to get the physical if ya wanna keep the cdl.

 

Pensacola, FL - storm puts huge barge between two homes.