Veterans Can Qualify For Fast Track CDL Licenses

Veterans and current military employees who have a military license to operate military commercial vehicles, may be able to use it to obtain a Wisconsin commercial driver license (CDL) without having to take the CDL knowledge and skills exams.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb said the department’s Division of Motor Vehicles worked to standardize the CDL application process to make it easier to consider military experience and skills.

“This type of recognition is significant because it acknowledges that previous military experience and skills are transferrable in the civilian labor force and employers benefit from that,” Secretary Gottlieb said. “If you drove a commercial military vehicle, you can use that experience to get a Wisconsin CDL and find a good job.”

“Military experience is invaluable and it is so important to recognize the high level of experience and training that comes through military service,” said Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary John Scocos.

“There are plenty of good paying commercial vehicle jobs available in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Interim CEO and Secretary Reed Hall. “This process will make it easy for veterans to be hired to drive trucks in the private sector. It also will help offset a persistent shortage of CDL drivers in Wisconsin.”

Individuals must be Wisconsin residents in order to be eligible for the waiver and the waiver does not cover hazardous materials or school bus endorsements. A web site has been developed to provide all the details on how to receive credit for military commercial vehicle experience. Go to www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/types/cdl-military.htm for information.