How long can my CDL be inactive?

As long as you have a current physical card, many companies will hire you even if you've been off the road for years.
So, to keep your CDL, you must keep your DOT Medical Card up to date.
Take 6 mos. off then these companies will hire you:
Freymiller
Magnum Ltd.
Abilene Motor Express
Navajo Express
Contract Freighters (www.cfidrive.com)
Ignore what the websites have about a long gap in driving, because all these companies will probably hire you and be happy to have someone with 3 yrs. experience in their background.

 

Info on Freymiller:
At least 23 years of age

• Class "A" CDL
• 6 months verifiable OTR tractor/trailer experience in last 2 years
• No more than 3 employers in previous 12 months
• Meet our requirements for accidents & violations in past 5 years
• Outstanding Late-model equipment

• APU's in all trucks

• 

• Check out their radio station on the website.

 

You'll be

You'll be ok , 3 months is nothing.
A lot of companies if you go back in that short amount of time won't even make you go through orientation again.

 

A CDL doesn't become inactive no matter what work you do, it's still your Drivers License as long as you renew and pass the tests. Your medical card doesn't need to be kept current, you just have to get a new one when you start driving again.
I'd verify this with with your state's rules. I quit driving for 10 yrs and was back in business as soon as I passed a physical.

 

If she keeps her medical card current she won't have to take tests again.
Some states are real strict and some aren't.

 

If you don't keep med card current. You lose cdl status till it's renewed. If you don't have current fingerprints. Your entire license is suspended.

I haven't had to worry about med card status but fingerprints was a PITA.

As for work. Locals won't have a problem hiring. They're not picky like the long haulers. And you'll be home every night.

 

CA you have to retain a current Med Card, some states do not. I am in NC and I have a Valid CDL A without a Med Card since 2009. I self Certified this way. Now if I get a Med Card the K restriction comes off my license.

I WOULD strongly suggest that the OP check with their DMV as to the rules for their CDL A license and if they can self certify or have to retain a valid Med Card.

 

The real question should be why aren't you somewhere better? Not trying to put the op down but you can be making better money elsewhere

 

Mine's been inactive for years
I'm in a different category though, as I've been grandfathered in for 20 years. When I do renew my license ( every 8 years, expires next year, and for the 1st time in 40 years, I'm NOT going to renew it) I don't have a med card, and do the "Tier" system, I chose #4, if I do operate a class 8 vehicle ( not bloody likely) I can't cross a state line, which is fine by me.