Military CDL Skills Waiver Program
The BMV may waive the required drive skills test for select veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with specific drive training and were truck drivers during their military service when they apply for an Indiana Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
The skills test requirement may be waived for a veteran who completed an approved military driver training program and operated a truck as a regular duty. A professional truck driver position in the military with a specific military occupational specialty (MOS) 88M, which includes completion of a comprehensive truck driver training program (evidenced by a valid form DA1059 with a MOS of “Motor Transport Operator Course”), is sufficient for the BMV to waive the skills test.
If the applicant has not completed the motor transport operator course with a MOS 88M, but does have two years of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safe driving experience in military equivalents of CMVs, the applicant must take the skills test. The testing fee and vehicle rental will be reimbursed if the applicant passes the skills test.
All military applicants, regardless of whether the applicant qualifies for the CDL skills test exemption or waiver of testing fees, must pass the required written test(s); prove that he/she is regularly employed (or was regularly employed) in a military position requiring operation of a CMV within the last 90 days; and certify that during the two years immediately preceding the application for an Indiana CDL, he/she meets all of the following requirements:
- Operated military CMVs comparable to those for which the individual is applying to operate;
- Not held more than one license (besides a “military license”);
- Not had any license suspended, revoked or cancelled;
- Not had any convictions which would be a disqualifying conviction for a CDL operator under the federal regulations;
- Not had more than one conviction which would be a serious traffic violation for a CDL operator under the federal regulations;
- Not had any conviction for a violation of military, state or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) in connection with any traffic accident, and has no record of an accident in which he/she was at fault;
- Received commander’s certification; and
- Have documents showing active military status, or discharge from the military within 90 days of application.
Please follow these steps to apply:
- Complete, save and print the "Certification for Military CDL Skills Test Waiver" form;Secure the signature of the applicant’s Commanding Officer, or responsible person in his/her military chain of command, attesting to the applicant’s military driving experience; and
- Visit a BMV branch, pass required written tests(s) and have CDL permit issued.
Use one of the following options to submit the completed "Certification for Military CDL Skills Test Waiver" form, a copy of the applicant’s Military CDL, and form DA1059.
- Fax 317-974-1615;
- Drop documents off at any BMV branch; or
- Mail to:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attn: CDL Programs
100 North Senate Avenue
IGCN, Room N 481
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Applications will be processed and the applicant will be contacted once the submitted documents are verified.
