Getting a CDL back after expiration, surgery?

Yes, you're starting over again. Lots of changes. You might get by with a refresher course from a driving school and aquire your new CDL/Medical that way. Now the CDL/Medical is combined in the national computer system. Google for CDL schools in your area and call them. Another option is a company such as Swift for fresh CDL training. The private CDL schools give you more options for various companies though.

Some companies require a full CDL course if you haven't driven commercially within the last 5 years.

 

Another thing to be aware of is most of the bigger companies now are requiring a Human Performance Evaluation in addition to the DOT physical. They pay for it as part of the hiring process. It's a Work Comp thing to see if you can do the job or might throw something out trying. It's basically a series of tests designed (in theory) to test your physical ability to perform the tasks of a CMV operator. Climb in and out of the truck or trailer, squat and walk underneath a trailer, carry a weighted box, push and pull a 125 pound sled (simulating a pallet jack), spin your arms holding weight like spinning sticky landing gear. Might want to Google that too and start a physical training program (in accordance with your Dr's guidance) to tone up the muscle groups that may need toning before you strike off to someone's Orientation and intake process. Something to ask about when talking to a recruiter anyway. It's called HPE for short.

 

Yep you basically have to start from scratch and then go through a company refresher program.

About your only other slim chance is to find a small outfit to give you a break. It's like riding a bike. The only thing is to update on the regulations which takes a whole hour or two.

I never really understood the logic behind it which is an insurance decision. I'd rather hire a 5 year driver that took a break than a newbie with no experience.


Try posting an ad in our Seek Employment forum. You never know. Someone might hire you conditionally and take you for your road test if you have a good work record.

 

You will also have to have the paperwork signed off on for the surgery I believe medically. Would need to check into what you need before you show up for a trucking school as far as to what the paperwork is.

 

If I were you and before you spend any money I'd make sure you can get a medical card. I'm sure companies will avoid you with 2 fusions. I hope your doctors have explained to you that you have to change your lifestyle since your back has been repaired. It's not like you're young again.

 

I personally haven't driven since 2006 so were talking over 9 years now ... I just was tired of it being a beginner and not really knowing the ins and outs of the business. So here i am 9 years later with a expired cdl which i downgraded to a regular drivers lisence some years before. Now i live in Florida and to my surprise i was actually told ( even though i had downgraded my liscence back to a regular) that if i went for a dot physical and came back with the medical card to the dmv i only needed to pay a fee and my class a would be reinstated. Now i didnt believe em at first but to my surprise just yesterday after nine years of not driving and having an expired cdl i was able to get it back ( no test at all only a dot physical) which the physical is more in depth than from what i remember. So with that bei g said anyone who has a expired cdl more than 2 yrs should just check with their state to see what the requirements are to get it back.

 

Older thread, but,,Thank you for posting this info.

I've tried to tell drivers this, but they don't believe it.

This is in florida,

your state may vary.

 

Different states have different laws regarding expired medical. Either go to DMV and ask or call. Then you know the real answer.

 

I agree that you should contact your state DMV first. If you can get your CDL reinstated without having to go through a refresher or doing the testing, it would be easier to find a carrier that will give you an opportunity to get back into the driver's seat. I am sure that you will need to have your doctor sign off on the medical. There has been a long lag since you last drove, so some carriers might require you to go with a trainer for a few weeks until they are comfortable with your driving abilities.