Posted on Dec 5, 2013
SFC Motor Transport Operator
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FYI , for those 88M or whoever. http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/reg-licensing/cdl/Military-Skills-Test-Waiver-Map.pdf

 

In May, 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration finalized the Commercial Learner's Permit rule. Within that rule is a provision that gives State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLA) the authority to substitute two years of CMV safe driving experience in military equivalents of commercial motor vehicles, for the skills test portion of the commercial driver license skills test.

The regulation, 49 CFR 383.77, provides guidance for SDLAs which requires the applicant to certify: 1) his/ her safe driving experience; 2) that he or she has not held more than one license (except a military DL) in the past two years; 3) has not had his/her base State issued driver license suspended, revoked or cancelled; and, 3) has not had convictions in any type of motor vehicle for the disqualifying CDL offenses listed elsewhere in the regulations. There are also other requirements that States must recognize in order to take advantage of this Skills Test Waiver, but the process allows States to assist veterans and active duty personnel in their transition from their military occupation to a civilian career. As more and more of our military troops return home from active duty, the Department of Transportation and FMCSA have joined with the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs to ease this process.

FMCSA, in collaboration with the US Army, Department of Defense and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, has generated a standardized Application for Military Skills Test Waiver form. This document addresses all of the issues captured in the new regulation including which violations can deny the waiver; identifying the specific type(s) of vehicle which the service member was licensed to drive; and, an endorsement by the service member's commanding officer of the safe driving record. For a list of the States which currently offer the skills test waiver for military drivers see the map."

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SMSgt Alan Saunders
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This waiver has been in place for many years now in one form or another. &nbsp;I actually got my first CDL in 1989 in Illinois - before many of the new and current laws existed. &nbsp;I still hold a CDL although I never really used it after retiring as I am in management for my company.<div><br></div><div>As someone who transitioned from active duty 6 years ago into the commercial trucking industry, I will say the level of competence of the transitioning soldier/airman who has road experience in CMV-type vehicles is less than what is expected by the average CDL holder. &nbsp;However, what veterans may lack in direct experience, they certainly more than make up for in drive, teachability and integrity. &nbsp;I would still hire the veterans!</div>
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SPC Matthew Birkinbine
SPC Matthew Birkinbine
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Agreed on many levels. I do challenge you do consider there are some of us with experience though, just not FMCSA experience.
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SFC Arcc (Army Reserve Career Counselor)
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Great info for Soldiers transitioning
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SFC Michael Hasbun
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Useful for a lot of Ordnance cats too, we usually have just as many licenses as the 88M's, especially the mechanics..
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SPC Matthew Birkinbine
SPC Matthew Birkinbine
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Absolutely. I know for six months, as a mechanic, I was hauling Bradleys across Iraq on Heavy Equipment Transport. I now have my Class A CDL thanks to Texas' waiver program. I didn't have to do any time on a permit, nor did I have to sign a contract with some company or waste my benefits. I took three written exams. No driving test required based on my experience. It was just like transferring a license from out of state, only I had to have my last commander in service sign my waiver confirmation. Anybody who's been licensed on 2-1/2 ton or higher vehicles should at least try for a Class B CDL.
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