Profile For Matthew D.

frequently asked questions about the National Registry Of Certified Medical Examiners

This explains the new database for certified medical examiners, I guess now you have to be a part of this database to perform commercial driver physicals

Just saw on the news, That there are new stricter medical regulations going into effect as of May 21st don't know what they are just yet, looking for links with info, but they were passed a while back but are just now being implemented. This goes for ANY CDL holder, regardless of type of CDL. Maybe someone can find some more info on it.

I still remember my first day. It was the first week of December, got into my first truck and had a load of paper rolls that was heading to Chicago from our yard in Grand Rapids. About 20 minutes into the trip, the heat in the cab went, only had heat in the berth. Had to put on extra socks and stop for a few minutes now and then to warm up in the berth before heading back out. Got to Chicago, getting off the highway, I bumped into a metal street light, and bent the pole. Got to my delivery, where they had me move the trailer axle all the way back for an easier unload. Pulled the pin to move the axle, the spring broke off, so now I had a trailer axle that was slipping and sliding as I was backing in. reported it to the company, they tell me to go across town-slipping axle and all- t get it fixed. Took a wrong turn and 3 blocks later, found a low bridge. Had to back up 3 blocks and turn around. Ended up in a residential neighborhood due to bad directions. Finally, 4 hours after the insanity started, I get to the place, park in the alley behind, and the mechanic just goes under the trailer and pops the spring on like it was nothing.... It got easier after that, then a few hard days, then it got easier again. There were many days I questioned whether I wanted to continue my driving career. But I kept my nose to the grindstone, and it ended up being the best times of my life. Try not to let it get to you!

Nah, I wasn't driving with a suspended license all these years. Once I found out I was suspended I stopped driving. Just ended up taking a city bus to work before I became a stay at home dad lol. I was planning on putting my application wherever I could and see what each company said once I gave the info needed. I've also been looking at the companies you have listed in your article on company sponsored schools, to see what's offered, and weigh each option. I know there's going to be a lot of newer stuff to learn, and a basic refresher course just won't be enough to be honest. Again, thanks for the info, this site has been a HUGE help in helping me along in trying to et back into the industry after so long being away.

Yeah, I was surprised when they told me it was going to be reinstated as a CDL (this is PA). Thanks again for the advice.Can't wait to get backon the road, and want to have my I's dotted and T's crossed before i actually start the search again.

I had my license(CDL) suspended for 2 unpaid citations 14 years ago, and thought I had lost my license. When I renewed my state I.D. I was told that my license was still valid, just under indefinite suspension until they were paid. The citations weren't anything too serious, one for parking on an on ramp and another for speeding. My question is, since they were so long ago, how would I explain these to any potential employers? They were so long ago I know they wouldn't prevent me from driving, and I'm not even sure that they would even show up on my record. But honesty being the only policy, I need to explain why I hadn't drove OTR in 14 years. I just paid off the citations, and am working on getting the license reinstated and renewed. I plan on looking into a company sponsored school, or at the least a company willing to offer a refresher, so I have that end of things covered, but again, not sure how to explain the license and citations. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

I once drove to a place in Wampum Pa that was an old limestone quarry or something like that inside a mountain. The truck barley fit height wise lol. It was cool in there and smelled like a farmhouse basement, pretty cool place. It was converted to a warehouse.

Thanks for the info1, I kind of figured that going to a company driving school was going to be the route I had to take, but wasn't sure. I did find out where to get the DOT medical taken care of, so that is out of the way. So it looks like I'll have to go through a company sponsored school. Thanks for the info again, it points me in the right direction!

After more time than I care to admit, I've decided to get back into trucking and I have some questions. I did go to a driving school, and remember quite a bit, however a lot has changed since i drove last, and there are things that I have forgotten. The first step I've taken is to take the online CDL course to refresh myself and get acquainted with the newer regulations and the like. The first question I have is, where do you obtain a DOT medical card? Do I go through my family doctor or the company I end up driving for? Second, where do I go to put applications in? Like I said, I went to driving school, and we applied in the classroom, and the internet was a non factor. The driving school is no longer in business, so going back to get apps isn't an option. I'm in an odd situation for sure, I have OTR experience, but it's been so long that basically I'll be considered a new driver. I know the rules regarding on duty/off duty time and all that have changed. It's been 14 years since I last drove, so any advice will be greatly appreciated. Really looking forward to getting back out there again!