I was lucky: I got my permit in 1994. One of those tests at the RMV that shuts off when you get too many wrong or right. I was actually working at the local greyhound track and the family that owned it had made their bones hauling telephone poles, beginning in the early 60's. I was friendly with one of the drivers - who also moonlighted as a maitre de in the track clubhouse back when it business was literally booming. Between him and my father - who drove a tractor trailer for 40 years, I was able to get in plenty of stick time. So when the time came for the road test, I passed on the first try. At the time, I was 22 and thought I wanted to drive a truck like Dad did but after a year of driving a couple days a week, I'd had enough of the 4-wheelers who think you can stop one of these things on a dime. Long story short, I still have it - even though the yearly DOT physical is a pain in the ass. I'll be retiring in about a dozen years and it's possible it could come in handy.
I for sure would keep it. It will be the same like throwing stuff away,which you think you do not need anymore. The day after it was picked up, you'll find yourself in a situation that you would be happy if you would have kept your stuff. And by the way the last thing I would consider in the decision is how much one is allowed to drink.
The only thing I dropped on My CDL with all endorsements was the HAZ-MAT . Too much money and a pain in the A$$ to renew. Everytime you renew they want to see your Birth Certificate and Multiple visits to different locations to take the test and for the Fingerprints . I kept it because There may be a time in the future I could use it and Why give something back that took so much to get in the first place .
