Commercial Driver’s Licenses, Military Skills Waivers, and Civilian Trucking
Transitioning from the military to a civilian career doesn’t require a four-year commitment to higher education in the right fields. Are you interested in a civilian job that requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL)? With a CDL, there are more opportunities than some realize.
For example? Civilian freight networks rely on heavy commercial vehicles to move goods nationwide. Civilian delivery services, livery operations, and even some security jobs require a CDL.
Commercial Driver’s Licenses. Military Skills Waivers and Civilian Trucking
Driving a tractor-trailer, large passenger bus, or hazardous material tanker in civilian commerce also requires a Commercial Driver’s License. To do this work, you’ll learn about the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and its minimum national testing and licensing standards; state driver licensing agencies issue the actual credentials for workers in that state.
You can prepare for the licensing process by training through independent driving academies, public community colleges, and vocational-technical schools. Options for school include:
Under the Entry-Level Driver Training regulations administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, students must complete a standardized curriculum from an approved training provider listed on the federal Training Provider Registry.
The coursework includes classroom work covering hours of service, federal safety compliance, vehicle systems, and cargo securement. Practical instruction follows on closed driving ranges and public roads, where students practice vehicle inspections, straight-line backing, offset maneuvers, alley docking, and other job-related skills.
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Time Commitment to Earn a Commercial Driver’s License
Completing an entry-level driving course through a private school or public vocational college takes up to eight weeks. These civilian programs cost up to $10,000, depending on program length, equipment availability, and regional fees. Students must also pay for a commercial learner permit, a Department of Transportation physical examination by a registered medical examiner, and final state licensing.
Transitioning service members who operated heavy military motor vehicles may be able to skip the expense and duration of basic civilian truck schools. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes military relief initiatives, and the Military Skills Test Waiver Program allows state licensing authorities to waive the road test portion of the commercial exam for personnel with qualified military driving experience.
CDL Waivers for Veterans
Veteran applicants must prove they operated vehicles representative of commercial weight classes for at least two years immediately preceding application or military separation.
The Even Exchange option also permits states to waive both the written knowledge tests and the practical driving skills evaluations. This option applies strictly to military occupational specialties with training verified against federal commercial standards. Qualifying roles have included:
- Army Motor Transport Operators (MOS 88M)
- Marine Corps Motor Vehicle Operators (MOS 3531)
- Air Force Ground Transportation Specialists (AFSC 2T1X1).
- Navy Equipment Operators within construction units may also qualify.
Drivers using these waiver options may pay only standard state permit and credential fees, keeping out-of-pocket costs at or near $100.
Some States Require CDL Training Regardless of Experience
In some states, you must get training even if you have military experience with heavy vehicles. Veterans and qualified dependents can use the VA Post-9/11 GI Bill at approved truck-driving schools to pay tuition and receive a monthly housing allowance.
Service members in their final 180 days of active service can participate in Department of Defense SkillBridge Programs, which partner with commercial motor carriers, allowing service members to attend commercial driving schools and enter fleet orientation while continuing to draw standard active-duty pay and military allowances.
Military spouses may qualify for dedicated funding through the Department of Defense SpouseWorks/MyCAA program. This initiative offers tuition assistance to eligible spouses pursuing portable credentials.
When military programs aren’t available, candidates can turn to civilian public funding through the Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Local American Job Centers administer these federal grants, which pay full or partial tuition for in-demand transportation credentials without requiring repayment.
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