This proposed rule would allow State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) to waive the requirements for the commercial driver's license (CDL) knowledge tests for certain individuals who are, or were, regularly employed within the last year in a military position that requires/required, the operation.
- The Office of Veterans' Affairs will forward the completed application and the copy of the DD form 1300 to the Department of Motor Vehicles for processing. Pearl Harbor Survivor Vermont Certificate of Veteran Status (form #VG-168) must be certified by the Vermont Office of Veterans' Affairs.
- Automatic license and registration extension for military personnel. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 2 by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, all licenses and registrations for New York State military personnel returning from active military duty relating to the war on terrorism and military action in Iraq will automatically be extended.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) allows qualifying military veterans to bypass the road skills test required to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Military Drivers License Form Number
Here's what you need to know about the eligibility requirements and the steps you'll need to take to apply.
CDL Skills Test Waiver Requirements
To qualify for the veteran skills test waiver, you must meet certain requirements outlined by the federal government. These include:
- Military truck driving experience of at least 2 years.
- The military motor vehicle must have been similar to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
- Application within 1 year of discharge.
- Passing the written knowledge test.
- Possession of only 1 driver's license within the past 2 years (other than a military license); your license may have never been:
- Suspended.
- Revoked.
- Cancelled.
- No disqualifying CDL offenses on your driving record, such as:
- Alcohol or drugs.
- Leaving the scene of an accident.
- Operating a vehicle with a suspended license.
- Any fatalities caused by negligence.
- No serious traffic violations, including but not limited to:
- Reckless driving.
- Speeding a specified number of miles per hour above the speed limit.
- Differs according to state laws.
- Operation of a CMV without a CDL.
- Operation of a CMV without the correct endorsements.
Blank Army Of 346 Form
Applying for a Skills Test Waiver
For qualifying veterans, following these general steps to apply for a commercial driver's license (CDL). Keep in mind that the exact process and requirements may differ according to your state of residence.
- Complete the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver (Form CDL-ST WVR), including the section to be filled out by your Commanding Officer.
- Make an appointment at your local CDL licensing office.
- Complete your state's CDL application formAND provide all required proofs of identity and paperwork/forms.
- Pass the required written knowledge test for the CDL classification you are applying for.
- Provide a copy of your military driver license.
Please check with your CDL licensing office for exact forms and identification requirements for your state, or consult your state-specific CDL application guide.
Skills Test Waiver Considerations
Though the military skills test waiver can help you obtain a CDL quicker, there are some potential drawbacks and considerations to keep in mind.
Military Drivers License Training Form
- Most military vehicles use automatic transmissions.
- If you have not tested for a manual transmission with your military experience, you may have a restriction placed on your CDL license. This can limit your job opportunities through civilian employers.
- Other restrictions may include:
- No air brakes (restriction L).
- Air over hydraulic brakes (restriction Z), which prevents you from driving vehicles with full air brakes.
- You will only be allowed to drive CMVs that are the same as those you drove in the military.
- Endorsements may be needed to drive certain types of CMVs, and will require separate skills tests.
- EXAMPLE: Passenger and/or school bus endorsements.