Military Commercial Driver's License Testing Waiver

If you're in the military or a veteran, the CDL Test Waiver lets you drive vehicles like the ones used in the military without taking the CDL test.

Overview

Act 133 of 2008 and Act 131 of 2020 allow the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to waive the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Knowledge and/or Skills Test for Pennsylvania residents who are active or reserve duty military or recent honorably discharged veterans. Provided those service members have at least two years' experience operating a commercial motor vehicle as part of their military job requirements. The waiver applies to CDL applicants who wish to operate vehicles similar to those they operated in the military.

For more information about the CDL Test Waiver and to find out if you are eligible, please refer to the Military Commercial Driver's License Testing Waiver Fact Sheet (PDF). Please visit the Locations Information Center to find a Driver License Center near you.

Please refer to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations ( 49 CFR 383.77).

  

Steps for getting a CDL test waiver

  1. Fill out the Application to Add/Extend/Remove Commercial Driver's License form (DL-31CD) and the  Self-Certification form (DL-11CD). Send these forms and the applicable fee to PennDOT.
  2. After PennDOT sends  you the Knowledge Test Authorization Letter, visit a Driver License Center and apply for a knowledge and/or skills test waiver by filling out the Military Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Test Waiver Application (form DL-398).