Military experience waiver

What you need to know before visiting an office

You must have an appointment to come into a driver licensing office. You can schedule an appointment online.

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If you drove trucks in the military, you may be able to get a CDL without having to meet training requirements. You also might not need to take a knowledge and skills test.
A CDL is not allowed an indefinite military expiration. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 383.73(b) (9)) doesn't allow expirations beyond 8 years.

Military drivers who:

have 2 or more years' experience driving commercial vehicles as part of their military job
and
meet all requirements on the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver

and are:

Take the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver to your Commanding Officer to complete and sign.
Submit the following to cdlcompliance@dol.wa.gov for approval:
- The completed waiver signed by your commanding officer.
- Copy of your DD214, NGB22, or equivalent document with your:
  - Discharge date or current active status
  - 2 years military driving experience from your Motor Vehicle Operator’s Identification Card that lists the type of equipment you drove:
    - Air Force - 2293
    - Army - 348
    - Army/National Guard - 5984-E
    - Marines - 7540-00-634-3999
  You can use your current military ID to provide active status, but not for driving experience.
You'll receive a follow-up email letting you know if we approved or denied your waiver.
Make an appointment to visit a driver licensing office location. Bring the following:
- Medical Examiner's Certificate
  - Must be signed by a Medical Examiner on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
- Approved documents to show Proof of U.S. Citizenship and Lawful Permanent Residency.
Pay fees to have CDL issued.

Application question contact information
For questions about	Contact
Status of Application for Military Skills Test Waiver approval	CDLCompliance@dol.wa.gov
Medical Examiner's Certificate Commercial Driver Fitness Determination	Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Call: 360.753.9875
DD214 or NGB22 forms	Veterans Affairs Call: 360.753.9875