Sometimes we are forced into making life changes without knowing all the circumstances.
Changes that will forever effect your life and set your future on a distinct path.
This month is my birthday month.
(I don't really celebrate my birthday so save the well wishes for others.)
The change I am facing is my driver's license.
My career is specialized as a truck mechanic and the positions related to being a truck mechanic.
I am required to hold an active CDL (Commercial Driver License) to perform the duties of my trade. (test drive, truck retrieval and delivery, etc...)
I am disabled, I will be 57 years old, I am not employed.
My current Missouri CDL expires this month on my birthday.
I know I can't pass the DOT physical for CDL.
I also know that there are ways around that.
While I may not be healthy enough to drive a truck right now (according to law) I still hold hope that my health might improve (if I can find a Dr that cares enough).
I also have decided that I don't wish to remain a resident of Missouri.
Six years ago, I drove back to Missouri to renew my CDL (with no DOT physical needed). I could drive back up there and renew again.
I'm faced with a decision that will change my life forever.
My residence is in Mississippi.
My license expires this month.
I am not employable right now.
I am not healthy enough to pass a DOT physical right now.
If I change my license to a normal license I may never have the chance to regain CDL.
This will lock me out of my trade.
My certifications have expired.
I no longer have a working toolbox.
My CDL is my last thread of hope to return to my career.
Its more than just the CDL that is affecting me.
Its the final loss of hope to a meaningful recovery.
Right now the CDL represents a possibility that I might return to my career, If I lose it, I would need to start over at the bottom.
It changes my perspective on the rest of my life.
While you may never face my specific circumstances I may get some insight on how others handle similar life changes.
Basically, do I bite the bullet and embrace my current reality (forever changing it) or do I hang onto the hope and try to preserve the option?
I have perfect career references but at 57 years old my employ-ability is diminishing fast, even if I was in perfect health.
Another consideration is how my options play out.
Driving to Missouri is about a 10 hour drive. I have problems driving for an hour right now.
There is no guarantee that driving to Missouri will yield an automatic renewal.
I have downloaded the application for Mississippi license and one of the blocks on the form concerns the DOT physical and medical card.
We have red light cameras here. If I inadvertently run a red light the ticket will go to my home of record and I could face a warrant for arrest for failure to appear.
Being alone requires my being able to drive legally. I don't need a CDL to go to the store or make a Dr appt.
I'm kinda just looking for feedback.
I pretty much know what I will HAVE to DO.
I guess I am just hoping someone might offer some positive light I can consider in this drastic life change I am about to make.
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