Idaho Expands Military CDL Waiver for Veterans

Veterans in Idaho now have more time to use their military driving experience when pursuing a commercial driver’s license. The Idaho DMV has expanded the eligibility period for its Military CDL Waiver, giving qualified former service members up to two years after leaving the military to apply for the state’s Military Skills Test Waiver.

Previously, former service members had one year after separation to apply.

The change brings Idaho’s program in line with new federal guidelines and gives veterans a longer period to transition their military heavy-vehicle experience into a civilian trucking career.

Military CDL Waiver Window Expands to Two Years

Under the updated policy, qualified veterans can apply for Idaho’s Military Skills Test Waiver for up to two years after separating from military service. The program recognizes driving experience gained while operating heavy-duty vehicles in the military.

For qualified applicants, the waiver eliminates the requirement to complete the civilian CDL skills test. That can reduce one step in the process of moving from military vehicle operations into commercial trucking. The Idaho DMV said the previous eligibility period was one year after separation. The new two-year period gives former service members additional time to make the transition.

Active military personnel may also qualify for Idaho’s military CDL waiver programs if they meet the requirements.

Military Driving Experience Must Be Verified

The waiver is intended for military personnel with verifiable experience operating heavy-duty vehicles during their service. Applying for a waiver does not automatically result in a CDL. Applicants must provide documentation showing their military driving experience and the types of vehicles they were authorized to operate.

Idaho’s waiver materials call for documentation that may include a military driver’s license or other military records showing the vehicles operated. Additional documentation may be necessary when the driver’s military license does not clearly identify those vehicles.

The state also requires applicants to have a valid Idaho driver’s license when applying. Once the application and supporting records are submitted, Idaho reviews the applicant’s military training and driving experience to determine whether it qualifies for a waiver.

Skills Test Waiver Does Not Remove Every CDL Test

An important distinction for veterans is that Idaho offers more than one military CDL pathway. The Military Skills Test Waiver applies to the CDL skills test. Drivers using this waiver may still have to complete the required CDL knowledge testing before a commercial license can be issued.

Idaho also participates in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Even Exchange Program, sometimes called Military CDL II. That program can provide a broader testing exemption for certain qualified military drivers.

Under Idaho’s Even Exchange process, eligible applicants may receive exemptions from both CDL knowledge and skills testing based on their military experience and qualifications. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s military driving background and whether that experience meets the program’s requirements.

Idaho Offers Two Military CDL Paths

The distinction between the two programs can be important for veterans considering a civilian trucking career.

Idaho currently lists two types of military CDL testing waivers:

• Military CDL Skills Test Waiver: Allows qualified applicants to bypass the civilian CDL skills test based on verified military heavy-vehicle driving experience.

• Even Exchange CDL Military Knowledge and Skills Test Waiver: Allows certain qualified military applicants to receive exemptions from both knowledge and skills testing.

Both programs are designed to recognize relevant commercial driving skills that service members gained while operating military vehicles. However, eligibility and documentation requirements differ between the programs. Veterans must still satisfy other applicable licensing requirements before Idaho can issue a commercial driver’s license.

Some Tests May Still Be Required

Military experience does not necessarily waive every test associated with a CDL or endorsement. Idaho’s military waiver guidance indicates that eligibility depends on the applicant’s experience and the specific CDL privileges being requested.

For example, Idaho’s Even Exchange program can cover certain knowledge tests and the skills test for eligible military drivers. However, not every endorsement is covered by military testing exemptions.

Drivers pursuing additional CDL privileges may therefore have testing requirements beyond those covered by their military waiver. This makes the type of waiver and the applicant’s documented military experience important when determining which parts of the civilian CDL process can be skipped.

Idaho Says Change Could Help Veterans Enter Trucking

Idaho DMV Administrator CJ Kendrick said the expanded eligibility period is intended to make it easier for veterans to apply the skills and training they gained during military service.

The state also views those drivers as a potential source of experienced commercial vehicle operators.

Military vehicle experience can include operating large trucks and other heavy equipment, but applicants still have to demonstrate that their experience meets the requirements of Idaho’s waiver program.

The new policy does not change that qualification process. Instead, it gives former service members an additional year after separation to apply.

Military CDL Waiver Change Is Now in Effect

The Idaho DMV announced the expanded Military CDL Waiver eligibility window on Aug. 20.

For veterans who recently left military service, the change means qualifying military driving experience can now be used toward the skills-test waiver for up to two years after separation instead of one.

Idaho will also continue participating in the Even Exchange Program for military drivers who qualify for its broader testing exemptions.

Service members and veterans can find the waiver applications, documentation requirements and additional information through the Idaho Transportation Department’s commercial driver’s license resources.