STATEHOUSE (Nov. 19, 2012) — State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) today applauded the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for adopting a policy allowing veterans with military truck driving experience to receive expedited approval for a commercial driver’s license. This policy was recommended to the BMV by the General Assembly’s Interim Study Committee on Driver Education, which Holdman chaired this year.

The committee’s final report recommended the BMV provide qualified veterans with a waiver from the driver skills test needed for an Indiana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The applicant must have completed an approved military driver training program and operated a truck as a regular duty in order to qualify for this waiver. Candidates still must pass required written tests.

“I am very pleased with the BMV’s decision,” Holdman said. “This is another step Indiana is taking to help our returning servicemen and women secure employment back home. I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this waiver program.”

Holdman added that committee members were concerned too many veterans could not easily secure CDLs, even though they had developed the necessary operating skills while serving in the armed forces. The committee made their recommendations in September, and the BMV adopted this policy last week.

Interested service members may view a full list of waiver requirements and download an application form by visiting http://www.in.gov/bmv/3123.htm.