Commercial Driver's License Skills Waiver

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)​ adopted regulations that expedite the licensing process for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to assist veterans and active service members who are transitioning to a civilian career. The MVA will waive the CDL skills test​ requirements for a class A or B commercial license for veterans who have been discharged within the previous 12 months, or  active duty personnel, reservists and national guard personnel who meet specific criteria. 

Learn how to convert a U.S. Military License into a Maryland CDL.

CDL test waiver eligibility

If you have been discharged within the previous 12 months or are currently on active-duty and wish to obtain a CDL for classes A or B, you may qualify for the waiver.   

Note: The transfer of the Passenger (P) and or School Bus (S) endorsement(s) is prohibited under this skills test waiver program. 

Applicants must:    

• ​have a clean driving record (no suspensions, revocations, etc.)
• have a valid Maryland class C (non-provisional) noncommercial driver’s license or higher
• provide proof of separation (DD-214) or active-duty status
• have 2 years of driving experience operating a military motor vehicle as part of your job function. The vehicle must represent the commercial motor vehicle that the individual expects to operate.
• have their Commanding Officer certify the service member’s years of operating the military vehicle, as well as the type of vehicle operated
• pass the required CDL knowledge tests (the skills test waiver only applies to CDL driver's licenses classes A and B)
• have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card) and an exemption/waiver if required
• declare a self-certification category​​ relating to their type of commerce

How to get a CDL Skills Test Waiver

When you go to the MVA, bring:

• Maryland non-commercial class C license or higher or your valid Maryland CDL
• Make sure you have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card). If required, you must also present a valid state or federal waiver/exemption. See the CDL Medical Certification Requirements in Maryland page for more information.
• Glasses or contact lenses, if needed, or a completed and signed vision screening form - PDF - 94.06 KB unless your vision provider has completed a vision examination within the past 24 months and has electronically transmitted those results electronically to the MVA. See the vision screening requirements for more information.
• U.S. Photo Military Identification Card (if applicable)
• U.S. Military Operators Permit (if applicable)
• CDL-SK TST WVR - PDF Application For Military Skills Test Waiver (completed by applicant & commanding officer). Waiver form must be presented to the MVA within 12 months of their discharge if the applicant has been discharged.

The customer agent will:

• Take your photograph
• Review your documents and verify your eligibility
• Give you a vision screening or scan your vi​sion screening form (DL-043A) - PDF - 94.06 KB (Inform the Customer Agent if your vision provider has electronically submitted your vision results to the MVA.)
• Have you sign the application
• Ask you to take the required knowledge tests.

When you are finished, the Customer Agent will pick up your current license, collect the fee owed and print out the interim document. This document can be used, in addition to the old license, which will be returned to the customer, as a substitute for driving and identification pur​poses until the new card arrives in the mail.