Military Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Waiver

Effective 17 May 2005, military veterans have one less barrier to securing civilian employment in Minnesota. The bill relates to the acquisition of a Minnesota driver's license by recently released U.S. military personnel. The legislation authorizes the waiver of road tests.

To request the waiver:

• The veteran needs to obtain a "Military CDL Road Test Waiver" form.
• It is available from the MN Dept. of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services.

The form has the veteran certify:

1. I have not had more than one license;
2. My driving privileges have not been suspended, revoked, or cancelled;
3. I have not had a conviction for any of the following disqualifying offenses in any type of motor vehicle:
   • driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance;
   • refusing to take an alcohol test under implied consent laws;
   • leaving the scene of an accident;
   • using a vehicle to commit a felony;
   • causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a vehicle;
4. I have not had more than one serious traffic violation conviction as follows, committed in any type of motor vehicle:
   • driving 15 MPH or more over the posted speed limit;
   • reckless driving;
   • improper or erratic lane changing;
   • following too closely;
   • violating a traffic law arising in connection with a fatal accident;
   • driving a vehicle without the proper class of license and/or endorsements;
5. I have not had any conviction for a violation of a law or ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) arising in connection with any traffic accident, and have no record of an accident in which I was at fault;
6. *I have operated a vehicle representative of the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) I operate or expect to operate; and
7. I am regularly employed in a job requiring operation of a CMV.

* Evidence of CMV driving experience must be submitted with this form.

The veteran or active duty service member then goes to a Driver Examination Station and brings:

• Should bring the above Military CDL Road Test Waiver form
• Evidence of CMV driving experience (e.g., military license or VMET record)
• Proper identification

At the Driver Examination Station, the veteran will take the necessary knowledge tests. The study material for the tests and other information about the testing and application process is also available at www.mndriveinfo.org.

Press release:

New Legislation Waives the Road Test for Veterans

Related Information

Minnesota Driver's License for Active Military Duty (From the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website):

If you are on active duty with the U.S. armed forces and have a valid Minnesota driver's license, you are not required to renew your license until you are discharged, regardless of your length of service.

• To ensure that your driving records will be maintained after your license expires, please notify Driver and Vehicle Services of your military status by sending a written statement to DVS, 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101.
• You must renew your license within 90 days of your discharge date by presenting your Minnesota driver's license and your DD214 military discharge papers.
• This law also applies to the spouses of those on active duty, if the spouse does not reside in Minnesota during the active duty period