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Military Driving Swaps Straight into a CDL — Both Tests Waived

Michigan waives BOTH the CDL knowledge test and the on-road skills test for a service member or veteran trained and employed within the past year to drive the military equivalent of a commercial vehicle. Most states waive the skills test only; Michigan drops the written one as well, which is what turns this from a shortcut into a straight conversion. The qualifying equipment is fifth-wheel truck tractors and semitrailers, pintle-hook truck-trailer combinations, and single vehicles above the Class B weight threshold. The one-year window from when you last did the work is the part that is easy to lose.

Verified August 27, 2026

What this benefit is

Michigan waives BOTH the CDL knowledge test and the on-road skills test for a service member or veteran trained and employed within the past year to drive the military equivalent of a commercial vehicle. Most states waive the skills test only; Michigan drops the written one as well, which is what turns this from a shortcut into a straight conversion. The qualifying equipment is fifth-wheel truck tractors and semitrailers, pintle-hook truck-trailer combinations, and single vehicles above the Class B weight threshold. The one-year window from when you last did the work is the part that is easy to lose.

What it's worth: Both the CDL knowledge test and the road skills test waived

  • BOTH tests are waived — the knowledge test and the on-road skills test. Many states waive only the skills test.
  • You must have been trained AND employed within the past year operating the military equivalent of a commercial vehicle.
  • Qualifying equipment: fifth-wheel truck tractors and semitrailers; pintle-hook truck-trailer combinations; single vehicles above the Class B weight threshold.
  • It converts to a Michigan Class A or Class B CDL.
  • The ONE-YEAR WINDOW runs from when you last did the work, so it can close while you are still settling after discharge.
  • Medical certification and the ordinary CDL application requirements still apply.

Who is entitled to it

  • You serve or served in the U.S. armed forces.
  • You drove heavy vehicles in service.
  • The licence is a Michigan one.

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

Deadline: Within one year of the qualifying driving
  1. 1Work out the date you last drove the qualifying equipment. The one-year window runs from there, not from discharge.
  2. 2Get the form signed by your commanding officer or the equivalent, evidencing training and employment on the equipment.
  3. 3Apply to the Secretary of State for the Class A or Class B conversion.
  4. 4Complete the DOT medical certification — that is not waived.
  5. 5If the year has almost run, apply before you have the job lined up. The waiver does not wait.
Form
Military skills test waiver application, Michigan Secretary of State
File with
Michigan Secretary of State
Documents you will need
dd214
No renewal
Once granted it does not need renewing.
Worth knowingAsk the Secretary of State to confirm your equipment counts before the year runs out. The list is specific and a near miss is still a miss.

Sources

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