Federal program expands CDL waivers and training for military veterans
Training funding covers full tuition and housing stipends for apprentices. A March rule also blocks asylum seekers, refugees, and DACA recipients from getting or renewing commercial licenses.
The federal government launched a new initiative to help military veterans enter the trucking industry. Carriers can now use expanded test waivers and state license exchanges to hire eligible drivers.
The FMCSA extended the window for the Military Skills Test Waiver. Veterans now have two years after leaving service to use it, up from one year. Thirty-four states now take part in the Even Exchange program. Eligible veterans can trade their military driving credentials for a civilian CDL without taking the standard knowledge or skills exams.
Active-duty personnel can now apply for a commercial learner permit or CDL in the state where they are stationed. They do not need to return to their home state. This option remains available for two years after separation.
The Department of Veterans Affairs will cover up to 100 percent of tuition for approved CDL training programs. The Skill Bridge program allows transitioning service members to spend their last 180 days of duty in civilian trucking training. The Labor Department also offers a monthly housing stipend during apprenticeship training, on top of a full paycheck.
A separate rule that started in March blocks asylum seekers, refugees, and DACA recipients from obtaining or renewing commercial driver licenses. The FMCSA also changed English-language proficiency requirements into formal regulations instead of guidance memos. English proficiency violations are now among the top reasons drivers are placed out of service.
Federal regulators are auditing third-party CDL skills testers and investigating more than 160 training providers for fraud.
Source: Heavy Duty Trucking — https://www.truckinginfo.com/news/trump-administration-looks-to-put-more-veterans-behind-the-wheel
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