DMV Exam Waivers on Military Driving Experience — Two-Year Window
A veteran who held a military operator's licence for the same class of vehicle can have the Connecticut licence examination waived, applying within two years of separation. For a CDL the driving skills test is waived, and the knowledge test may be waived too where military experience meets the federal substitution criteria.
Verified August 27, 2026
What this benefit is
A veteran who held a military operator's licence for the same class of vehicle can have the Connecticut licence examination waived, applying within two years of separation. For a CDL the driving skills test is waived, and the knowledge test may be waived too where military experience meets the federal substitution criteria.
What it's worth: The licence examination waived; for a CDL, the skills test and possibly the knowledge test
- It requires a military operator's licence for the SAME CLASS of vehicle. A licence for a different class does not carry across.
- The window is two years from separation.
- For an ordinary licence, the examination is waived.
- For a CDL the driving skills test is waived, and the knowledge test MAY be waived where military experience meets the federal substitution criteria — 'may', so ask rather than assume.
- What it saves is testing time and fees, which is substantial but not published as a figure.
Who is entitled to it
- You served in the U.S. armed forces.
- You held a military operator's licence for that class of vehicle.
- You are within two years of separation.
- You are in Connecticut.
Not sure whether that describes you?
Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.
How to claim it
- 1Take your military operator's licence, or documentation of it, along with the DD-214. The class has to match.
- 2Claim within two years of separation. Nothing reopens the window.
- 3For a CDL, ask separately about the knowledge test — the skills waiver is automatic on qualifying experience, the knowledge waiver is not.
- 4Get documentation of your military licence before you leave. It is much harder to obtain afterwards.
- 5Ask about the licence and registration fee exemption at the same time — same clock, same counter.
- Form
- Claimed at the DMV
- File with
- Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
- Documents you will need
- dd214
- No renewal
- Once granted it does not need renewing.
Sources
- authority · published policyConnecticut OLR 2022-R-0155 (CGS 14-36(e), PA 21-79, PA 21-106)
- operating · published policyConnecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.