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A CDL Without the Skills Test — and the Motorcycle Test Too

Iowa issues a commercial driving licence without the skills test to a military truck driver who operated similar vehicles for the TWO YEARS preceding the application. Separately, the department waives the MOTORCYCLE skills test for military personnel who complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider course.

Verified August 27, 2026

What this benefit is

Iowa issues a commercial driving licence without the skills test to a military truck driver who operated similar vehicles for the TWO YEARS preceding the application. Separately, the department waives the MOTORCYCLE skills test for military personnel who complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider course.

What it's worth: The CDL skills test waived — and the motorcycle skills test on an MSF course

  • The CDL waiver asks that you operated SIMILAR VEHICLES for the two years PRECEDING the application. It is measured backwards from the application, so the clock is running.
  • A separate provision waives the MOTORCYCLE skills test for military personnel who complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider course. That appears in no other state record here.
  • What it saves is testing time and fees, which is substantial but not published as a figure.
  • Apply while the two years still reach back over your driving service.

Who is entitled to it

  • You served in the U.S. armed forces.
  • You have qualifying military driving experience.
  • You are applying in Iowa.

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

  1. 1Apply while your two years of military driving still reaches back from the application date. The window closes as time passes.
  2. 2Take documentation of the vehicles you operated — 'similar vehicles' is the test and it has to be shown.
  3. 3If you want a motorcycle endorsement, complete an MSF rider course and ask about that waiver separately. It is a different provision.
  4. 4Get whatever certification you need from your unit before separating; it is far harder afterwards.
Form
Iowa DOT application
File with
Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division
Documents you will need
dd214
No renewal
Once granted it does not need renewing.

Sources

This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.