For Immediate Release
January 27, 2009
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Active Duty Personnel, Vets May Waive CDL Skills Test

New law recognizes equivalent military experience

Pennsylvanians on active military duty and recently discharged veterans may now be able to waive the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) skills test, according to Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks), who supported the measure when it was approved by the Senate last year.

Act 133 of 2008, which went into effect on January 26, allows PENNDOT to waive the skills test requirement for active duty personnel and honorably discharged veterans if they have at least two years experience operating a commercial motor vehicle as part of their military job requirements.

 "We should not require trained and experienced military personnel to take the CDL skills test," Senator Tomlinson said. "If they have multiple years of experience in driving commercial vehicles in the military, they certainly have demonstrated and proven that they have the skills to hold a CDL. It's only appropriate that we provide this waiver and make it easier for them to apply their skills and training as civilians."

In order to receive the Military CDL Skills Test Waiver, individuals must obtain a CDL Learner's Permit and successfully complete all of the knowledge tests related to the type of commercial vehicle they intend to operate.

More information, including fact sheets and forms related to the waiver is available online at www.dmv.state.pa.us by clicking the "military personnel/veterans" link under information centers.

Contact:  Fran Cleaver (717) 787-5072