What do I do to get my CDL with my military drivers license?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 20:43:34 -0400

I was told that since I graduated AIT as an 88M, I can get a waiver to take my CDL test at DMV. Is anybody familiar with the procedures to making this happen? How long do I need to wait? Is the test difficult and what do I need to study? Thank you in advance for the help!

Response by SSG Jesus Vazquez made Aug 3 at 2018 10:09 PM

SSG Jesus Vazquez — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 22:09:01 -0400

This are the documents.

Response by SSG Jesus Vazquez made Aug 3 at 2018 10:10 PM

SSG Jesus Vazquez — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 22:10:12 -0400

This are the documents.

Response by SFC Nelson L. Friday-González made Aug 4 at 2018 1:11 AM

SFC Nelson L. Friday-González — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 01:11:21 -0400

The DMV will give you all that Info and application or Motor pool Sergent for Military skill test waiver or you can download it. also study the DMV CDL Book since you are not just a Military driver but also a Civilian as well. good luck. P.S. also have a copy of your 348 proof of Military Drivers training and ask for A-CDL testing.

Response by Jerry Rivas made Aug 4 at 2018 6:08 AM

Jerry Rivas — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 06:08:32 -0400

Your military license has no bearing at all.....To get a CDL you must pass written tests. (ie. general, air brakes, ). as well as specific tests for endorsements like Tanker, Hazmat, double trailers. You must also pass an extensive road test, as well as point out about 100 different items on the truck. You need to study the hell out of the CDL handbook.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 4 at 2018 6:40 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 06:40:42 -0400

I agree with what SFC Nelson L. Friday- Gonzalez said, Michigan has the same standards.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2018 8:23 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 08:23:03 -0400

that is true you can get a waiver from your captain but you have to at least have your military license 1ST that's how my unit does it

Response by MSG David Johnson made Aug 4 at 2018 3:57 PM

MSG David Johnson — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 15:57:42 -0400

I went to work at a trucking company straight out of the Army using my military experience as a heavy equipment operator.
I had several years experience driving M-916 and M-920's hauling equipment up to a D7 Dozer. At the time I left active duty I had over 9 years experience driving military equipment, this was all documented.
The company I went to work for had me go through a 2 week orientation instead of the normal 1 week, during that time I road tested with several of the company's driver/trainers. I was able to get a learners CDL during that time and at the end of the 2 weeks I took the tests required to get my full Class A CDL. I drove team with a trainer for 3 weeks then was let loose on my own.
This was 1992, I drove commercial truck while I was in the reserves until I retired in 2008.

This is just one example of the experience garnered from the military to drive commercial truck.
To get the correct answer to your question you need to contact the Department of Licensing in the state that you reside. Those on this forum can give good advice but unless they are actively working for the DOL where you live they won't be able to give you the exact answer you need.

Good luck, the OTR life is not for everyone.

Response by SPC Jonathan King made Aug 4 at 2018 11:03 PM

SPC Jonathan King — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 23:03:32 -0400

I'm a former 88m, and have a CDL class A. CDLs are issues by the state but fall under DOT. The state DMV will have a study guide online. The requirements for testing and wavers will vary by state. Some school will take TA and the G.I.bill. just so you know 88m and civilian truck driving is very different.

Response by SSG James Bloodworth made Aug 5 at 2018 12:50 AM

SSG James Bloodworth — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 00:50:15 -0400

You will still have to take the written and driving test to get a civilian CDL

Response by Tavia Baldwin made Aug 5 at 2018 2:09 AM

Tavia Baldwin — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 02:09:49 -0400

There is a considerable difference between driving for the military and driving as a civilian. Fmcsa has imposed so many new rules about when we can drive, how long we can drive and each state has some specific requirements about where we can drive. A lot of states are trucker friendly but there are many that are not.
I strongly encourage you to go to a school, not a trucking company, to get your license. This will give you time to ask questions from a source that isn't going to steer you wrong, learn the difference between military equipment and civilian equipment, and generally get ready to drive along with the rest of us.
Most companies will fall all over themselves to hire you once you have your class A, just remember to do your research.
Truckers are an inclusive bunch, they will go out of their way to help if you only ask.
As a driver, myself, I can say this industry is exactly what you make of it.

Good luck

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2018 9:46 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 09:46:40 -0400

In my state you also have to wait 2 years after getting your military license to get the waiver. License not permit. Check online for your state's requirements.

Response by SPC Ruby Guadian made Aug 10 at 2018 8:29 AM

SPC Ruby Guadian — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 08:29:41 -0400

Not sure about this but if you go to a dmv and take the exam I don’t see why you wouldn’t pass your CDL.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2018 4:22 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Aug 2018 04:22:46 -0400

Don't think it transfers but call swift or another trucking company and they will straighten you out.

Response by SPC Nick Mahaffey made Aug 26 at 2018 5:58 PM

SPC Nick Mahaffey — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 17:58:11 -0400

I live in Ohio and WAY back in 1993 I received my class A CDL as being grandfathered in. Check you state laws where you will be living after the military. Good luck!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2020 1:20 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 01:20:12 -0400

Join the Air Force and you won't have to worry about it. Fully transferable and equivalent. Skip the DMV

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Response by SGT Michael Paul made Jun 7 at 2021 7:35 PM

SGT Michael Paul — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 19:35:29 -0400

I just had to take written tests and road test no road time and pass the physical