Recent changes to the federal rules allowed state agencies to make the change under the premise training and testing provided by the military CDL holders is as good, or better, than federal requirements. This is a benefit designed to help veterans find civilian work while filling a much-needed labor demand, Wisconsin is waiving some testing for prospective truck drivers with recent military training.
If you have a military license issued by any military facility that allows you to operate a military commercial vehicle, there is the possibility that you can use it to obtain a Wisconsin CDL. This process allows you to obtain a CDL by waiving the skills test due to your experience and training with these vehicles in the military. To qualify for the skills test waiver program:
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You must still pass the commercial knowledge testing required to operate the requested commercial vehicles. Download the CDL practice test mobile app. - You must be a Wisconsin resident to be eligible for this waiver.
- This waiver does not cover the Hazardous Materials or School Bus endorsements.
- This waiver is ONLY available to current and former (within one year after separation/retirement) members of the military service, including Reserve and National Guard units.
The trucking industry has been challenged for years to find qualified drivers. The state Department of Workforce Development lists the career as the No. 1 “hot” job in the state based on the growth potential and pay in the industry.
The new rule is similar to the “seamless exchange” for a driver moving to Wisconsin from another state. Applicants must be a Wisconsin resident to be eligible for the waiver, which does not cover the hazardous materials or school bus endorsements
Additional information about the, Military CDL test waiver programs can be found at the State of Wisconsin DOT.