Trucking Careers · Nationwide · November 6, 2026

FMCSA Extends Military CDL Testing Waiver Through January 29, 2027, Keeping a Two-Year Lookback

By Big Rig Daily Staff

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a temporary military commercial driver's license waiver that keeps an expanded two-year eligibility window open through Jan. 29, 2027, according to FCCR. The new relief period began Oct. 30, 2026. States decide whether to implement the relief.

What the waiver covers

FCCR says the waiver stretches the usual one-year civilian lookback to two years for three pathways:

• A skills-test waiver based on qualifying military driving experience.
• An Even Exchange knowledge-test waiver that can combine with the skills waiver.
• Applications through a duty-station state for eligible active-duty members who remain domiciled elsewhere.

The covered provisions cited by FCCR are 49 CFR 383.77(a)(2), 383.77(b)(2)(i)(A) and 383.79(b)(1)(i)(A). The waiver expires at 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2027.

Who may qualify

The relief covers current and former members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard, including Reserve and National Guard, FCCR reports. Two years in uniform is not the same as two years of qualifying vehicle operation. Applicants still have to meet the pathway rules, and endorsement waivers are a separate question.

What does not change

State licensing agencies still review applications and issue licenses. Even Exchange participation already varies by state. Carriers hiring military drivers must still verify the civilian license, medical qualification and Clearinghouse obligations. FCCR notes that people who receive a CDL under the waiver terms are exempt from federal entry-level driver training requirements under the existing military exception.

Quick facts

• Relief period start: Oct. 30, 2026.
• Expiration: 11:59 p.m. Jan. 29, 2027.
• Lookback: two years for the listed provisions, versus one year for the usual civilian rule.
• Decision point: state licensing agencies.

FAQ

Does every state use Even Exchange for military CDL testing?

No. FCCR says participation varies by state.

Does two years of service automatically qualify someone for the military CDL waiver?

No. The sources say applicants need qualifying vehicle operation and still must meet pathway rules.

Are carriers excused from hiring checks under the military CDL waiver?

No. License, medical and Clearinghouse duties remain.

A question for readers

Truckers, if you know a veteran trying to climb into a civilian seat, does your state actually honor this extension? Our how to get a CDL guide covers the civilian path beside military waivers.

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