Military skills test waiver program: What you need to know

Post Date - Sep 16, 2022

It’s a fact that truck drivers are in high demand. Our current driver shortage paired with the increased need to move freight around the country means that our industry is one of the fastest growing around and there are lots of career opportunities available. New drivers to the industry have to attend CDL school, which can cost several thousand dollars, and work their way up from a starting salary as they gain experience. If you’re current or former military with experience operating heavy military vehicles already, starting over as a rookie driver can feel daunting and unnecessary. We agree! USA Truck proudly accepts the military skills test waiver, which can save you valuable time and money as well as get you started on your new driving career with higher pay. Here’s everything you need to know about the military skills test waiver program:

What is the military skills test waiver?

The military skills test waiver program allows drivers with two years of experience operating heavy military vehicles to get their CDL without having to take the driving skills test. This program is available in every state.

What does it mean for you?

This waiver allows you to apply your valuable real-world military experience to your new civilian career instead of starting from scratch. If you qualify for the waiver, you will not have to attend a CDL school or spend your GI Bill Post 9/11 benefits. What’s even better is that this makes it possible for you to use those education benefits in other areas or pass them on to your children.

What do I need to qualify?

You can use the military skills test waiver if you’re currently licensed or have been employed in a military position within the last 12 months that required operating a military vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle. You also need to be at least 21 years old, have a history of safe driving and no disqualifying CDL offenses.

How do I apply?

Fill out the waiver application on the FMCSA website and then submit it along with a standard CDL application to the driver’s license agency of the state where you are applying.

What if I’m just planning ahead, but I’m still active duty?

We will wait for you to ETS. At USA Truck, we have open lines of communication from the first time you reach out to us. We’re here every step of the way to help walk you through the process and the transition to your new career as a civilian trucker.

Why is USA Truck a great place for former military service members?

USA Truck was founded by a military veteran and the camaraderie you’ve experienced and enjoyed in the military is a core piece of our company culture. We’ve also established a strong record of assisting military members’ transition to civilian life. Military veterans account for about 20% of our team members.

Check out our video about the military skills waiver.

Interested in becoming a driver with USA Truck? Give our Veterans Program Manager a call for more information at 844-810-9048.