If you are a commercial driver, your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is your ticket to work. It allows you to drive tractor trailers, buses, and other heavy vehicles. But keeping your CDL is not automatic. Most CDLs are valid from 4 to 8 years, depending on the state. Read our blog to know exactly what steps you need to take to renew your cdl and stay on the road.

1. Update Your Medical Certificate

While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, your health is important when driving big vehicles and keeping you and other passengers on the road safe. You need a valid medical health certificate to prove you are healthy enough to drive safely. You need one to earn your CDL, and it’s required to maintain it.

If you need to update your medical certificate due to health changes, follow these steps:

  1. Visit a doctor who is certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The doctor will do a health exam to check your vision, hearing, and overall fitness.
  2. If you pass, the doctor will give you a medical card. This card is usually valid for two years, but it might be shorter if you have certain health conditions.
  3. Submit your medical certificate to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

At ASC Technical Institute, we recommend making a note on your calendar to renew your medical certificate before it expires. Driving without a valid certificate can lead to fines or losing your CDL.

2. Stay on Top of CDL Renewals

Just like your regular driver’s license, your CDL has an expiration date. You need to renew it before that date to keep driving legally. Some states require you to retake certain tests, like the vision or knowledge test, during renewal. Find this information out ahead of time so you can be prepared.

Here is how to renew your CDL:

  1. Check your state’s DMV website for renewal instructions. Rules can vary by state.
  2. Gather the required documents, like your current CDL, proof of identity, and your medical certificate.
  3. Visit your local DMV office or renew online if your state allows it.
  4. Pay the renewal fee.

3. Complete Any Required Training or Tests

The trucking industry changes over time, and so do the rules for drivers. Some states or companies may require you to take additional training or tests to keep your CDL valid. One example is hazmat endorsement training, which requires a background check and additional learning. If CDL rules change, you might need to take a course to learn about the updates. Check with your employer and your state’s DMV to know what training you need.

4. Avoid Traffic Violations

Driving safely is necessary for keeping your CDL. Serious traffic violations can result in your CDL being suspended or revoked. Employers and the DMV look at your record to make sure you are a safe driver. Common violations to avoid include driving under the influence (DUI), speeding 15 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, and using a handheld phone while driving.

If you do get a ticket, follow these steps to ensure it will not affect your CDL renewal:

  1. Report the ticket to your employer within 30 days, as required by law.
  2. Attend any required court hearings or pay fines.

5. Update Your Personal Information

If your name, address, or other personal details change, let the DMV of the state your license is issued know right away. Failing to update this information can cause problems when it’s time for your CDL renewal.

6. Stay Informed About CDL Regulations

Rules for CDL holders can change. It is important to stay updated, so you don’t accidentally break any rules. With the internet, it’s easy to stay informed. You can sign up for updates from your state’s DMV, follow industry news from organizations like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or talk to your employer about any new rules you need to know.

7. Pay Attention to Deadlines

Lastly, missing deadlines for any of the previously mentioned items like your medical certificate, CDL renewal, or training can lead to serious consequences—or at least cause a delay in your CDL renewal. Keep track of all your important dates. It can be easy if you use a calendar or a reminder app on your phone and set alerts for 30 days before your deadlines.

Get CDL Training at ASCTI

Once you have earned your CDL, it is worth the effort to take proactive steps to maintain it. Your license is your livelihood, and following these steps will help you keep it in good standing. Stay organized, drive safely, and keep learning so you can enjoy a long and successful career in the trucking industry.

If you are interested in earning your CDL or you have let it expire and need updated training, ASC Technical Institute is here to help. Learn more about our Truck Driving CDL Program today to get started.

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