Trucking Careers · New York · November 13, 2026

New York Joins the Even Exchange Program So Qualified Military Truck Operators Can Skip the CDL Written Test

By Big Rig Daily Staff

New York has made it easier for military truck operators to earn a commercial driver's license (CDL), starting with the written test. The state announced on Veterans Day that it will join the Even Exchange program, according to the Governor's office, a step that could bring more truck drivers into the industry.

How it works

Service members trained to operate military heavy equipment and machinery can use that experience to show the knowledge needed for a CDL. That replaces the DMV written permit test.

Applicants still have to meet New York's other CDL requirements, the New York DMV says.

The older program

Even Exchange works alongside an existing program that lets qualified service members skip the road skills test. That waiver requires military driving experience within the last two years.

More than 40,000 people nationwide have used the skills test waiver, including more than 3,100 New Yorkers.

Why it matters to truckers

Veterans with military truck experience in New York now have a shorter path to a commercial license. Federal rules on the skills test waiver were recently extended, as covered in the report on the military CDL testing waiver. A written test is only part of the job; finding parking, working with shippers and managing hours come with time on the road.

Quick facts

• Program: Even Exchange.
• What it replaces: the DMV written CDL permit test, for qualified military heavy-equipment operators.
• Older program: the skills test waiver, which requires military driving experience within the last two years.
• Skills test waiver users: more than 40,000 nationwide, including more than 3,100 New Yorkers.
• Still required: New York's other CDL requirements.

A question for readers

Truckers, should military experience count the same as civilian CDL training?

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