The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) skills test waiver is a program that assists veterans and active-duty military personnel in transitioning from their military occupations to civilian careers.
This program allows individuals with experience in safely operating heavy military vehicles to obtain a CDL without taking the driving test, making the process more accessible and efficient for those with military experience. Every state offers this program, ensuring nationwide support for veterans and active duty members seeking CDLs.
The Military Skills Test Waiver Program significantly benefits both the veterans and the trucking industry, as it acknowledges the valuable skills and experience military personnel possess in operating heavy vehicles.
By removing the skills test barrier, the program helps to facilitate and ease the transition to civilian careers for current and former service members while also helping address the shortage of skilled commercial drivers in the United States.
Eligibility for CDL Skills Test Waiver
The Military Skills Test Waiver program allows veterans and service members with at least two years of experience safely operating heavy military vehicles to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) without taking the driving test (skills test). This program is available in every state and has benefited over 40,000 service members and veterans so far1.
To be eligible for the waiver, applicants must have a strong record of operating commercial motor vehicles or similar military vehicles during their service. The military position or job assignment of the applicant must require the operation of a commercial motor vehicle, ensuring that their experience is relevant and transferable to the civilian sector2.
In addition to relevant experience, service members and veterans must also provide documentation to support their application. The commanding officer must certify and verify the applicant’s driving experience, ensuring that the information provided is accurate3.
The Military Skills Test Waiver form, developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Army, and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, standardizes the application process4. This form addresses potential issues that can void the waiver, such as certain violations or disqualifying factors that may affect the applicant’s eligibility4.
By meeting the eligibility criteria and providing the required documentation, veterans and service members can take advantage of this CDL Skills Test Waiver program to transition their military experience and skills into a civilian career in the transportation industry.
Footnotes
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/military-skills-test-waiver ↩
- https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdl.html ↩
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/APPLICATION-FOR-MILITARY-SKILLS-TEST-WAIVER.pdf ↩
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/military-skills-test-waiver-program ↩ ↩2
Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Categories
Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) play a crucial role in the transportation industry and are used for transporting goods and passengers across the nation. CMVs can be classified into different categories based on their size, weight, and purpose. Understanding these categories is essential for veterans who are seeking a commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test waiver, as it will help them identify the specific type of vehicle they have experience operating in the military and the civilian commercial vehicle equivalent.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines three primary classes of CMVs, which are categorized by their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and their purpose:
- Class A: These heavy-duty vehicles have a combined GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed vehicle is more than 10,000 pounds. Examples include tractor-trailers, flatbed trucks, and tanker trucks.
- Class B: Medium-sized vehicles with a single unit GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or a single unit GVWR towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 pounds. Examples include straight trucks, large buses, and dump trucks.
- Class C: These vehicles have a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds and are designed to transport either 16 or more passengers, including the driver or hazardous materials. Examples include small buses, vans, and vehicles used for transporting hazardous waste.
Training and Experience Requirements
To qualify for a CDL skills test waiver, veterans must have adequate training and experience in operating military motor vehicles. This involves a minimum of two years of safe driving experience with heavy military vehicles, showing proficiency in handling various road conditions and traffic scenarios.
Military training can play a pivotal role in preparing veterans for commercial driving roles. Service members receive comprehensive instruction on vehicle maintenance, safety procedures, and driving techniques, ensuring a strong foundation in handling large vehicles. This extensive experience and training make them suitable candidates for the CDL waiver program.
In addition to their two years of safe driving experience, veterans must also meet specific criteria to be eligible for the Military Skills Test Waiver Program. This includes having a valid civilian driver’s license, no disqualifying offenses on their driving record, and providing proof of military service to their respective Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Disqualifying CDL Offenses and Violations
Veterans seeking a CDL skills test waiver must maintain a safe driving record with no disqualifying CDL offenses. Certain violations and offenses can impact a veteran’s eligibility for the waiver program. Understanding these disqualifying factors is essential for veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce as commercial drivers.
Disqualifying CDL offenses primarily include serious traffic violations and criminal activities. Some examples of these offenses are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, leaving the scene of an accident, and operating a vehicle with a suspended license. Additionally, any fatalities caused by negligence can lead to disqualification from the waiver program.
Apart from these, there are other serious traffic violations that can impact a veteran’s eligibility. Examples of such violations are reckless driving and speeding 15 or more miles per hour above the speed limit. These violations demonstrate a lack of safe driving practices and can disqualify a veteran from obtaining a CDL through the waiver program.
Conclusion
The Military Skills Test Waiver Program makes helps to streamline the process of getting a CDL for qualified service members and veterans that received the proper training to operate CMVs from their time in the military.
This waiver benefits service members and veterans by making it easier for them to find good-paying gainful employment easing their transition into civilian life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do veterans apply for a CDL waiver?
Veterans can apply for a CDL waiver by submitting the standardized Application for Military Skills Test Waiver form, which was created by the FMCSA, U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Army, and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. This form captures all necessary information for the waiver application process.
Which states offer CDL waivers for veterans?
Many states participate in the Military Skills Test Waiver Program, allowing veterans to obtain a CDL without taking the skills test. The Even Exchange Program goes a step further, waiving both CDL skills and knowledge tests for qualified military personnel in participating states, including CA, GA, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, MO, NC, ND, NM, SC, VA, VT, WI, and WV.
What are the eligibility requirements for the waiver?
To be eligible for the Military Skills Test Waiver, applicants must be currently licensed and have been employed within the past 12 months in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle, as mentioned on the FMCSA website.
Are there any fees associated with the application process?
Fees for the CDL waiver application process may vary by state. It is recommended that applicants check with their state’s licensing agency for specific fee information.
How long is the waiver valid after leaving the military?
The Military Skills Test Waiver is valid for applicants who are currently licensed and were employed within the past 12 months in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle. The waiver is not valid indefinitely after leaving the military; it must be applied for within the 12-month window.
Is driving experience in the military sufficient to qualify for the waiver?
Driving experience in the military is a key requirement for qualifying for the Military Skills Test Waiver. However, applicants should also meet other eligibility criteria mentioned in the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver form and comply with any additional state-specific requirements.