Medical Self Certification Thing?
Topic 15386 | Page 2
It sounds like you already got an updated DOT medical card. If you haven't though, go talk to whatever company you are interested first before getting it. They may have a deal with a local medical examiner to get a discount and may extend that to you since you are looking to go to work for them.
Some companies have Clinics that they have a deal with (or are "approved" by the company for Dot Med Exams), and you may or may not get a discount.
It seems (depending on state) they run anywhere from $35 to $100 - though why there is such disparity in pricing - your guess is as good as mine.
Once you hold a CDL - even if you are NOT DRIVING for a living - you STILL NEED to keep your med card current.
If you're driving for a company - safety will probably send you a reminder that your Med Card is coming up for renewal.
State of Florida sends me on in the mail, reminding me that if I don't present a current/valid card before the one in my pocket expires, my CDL will downgrade THE DAY IT EXPIRES and be INVALID.
Under FEDERAL LAW - if your card is expired, then your CDL IS ALSO. Which means - if you get caught driving a CMV , with an invalid CDL, this is the same is DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE.
One of the most SERIOUS OFFENSES YOU CAN GET as a CDL driver.
Which is why, then the topic of med cards & renewals come up - I jump up and down on my soapbox. Because it is THAT IMPORTANT.
Rick
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
CMV:
Commercial Motor Vehicle
A CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business, is involved in interstate commerce, and may fit any of these descriptions:
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
- Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards
Hah fair enough Rick!
I haven't been driving a commercial vehicle so I'm good on that count. I just hope I can get my CDL turned back on with little trouble rather than have to start from scratch.
And thanks for the tip Matt, I'll look into that.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
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It sounds like you already got an updated DOT medical card. If you haven't though, go talk to whatever company you are interested first before getting it. They may have a deal with a local medical examiner to get a discount and may extend that to you since you are looking to go to work for them.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.