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CDL Skills Test Waived — and the Written Tests Too on Even Exchange

Ohio waives the CDL skills test for an active-duty servicemember, or one separated WITHIN 12 MONTHS, who was employed in the last 12 months in a military post operating a vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle, and who holds a valid Ohio driver licence. MILITARY EVEN EXCHANGE goes further and waives the KNOWLEDGE TESTS as well. Two limits: it is for INITIAL CDL ISSUANCE ONLY, and SCHOOL BUS (S) AND PASSENGER (P) ENDORSEMENTS ARE EXCLUDED.

Verified August 27, 2026

What this benefit is

Ohio waives the CDL skills test for an active-duty servicemember, or one separated WITHIN 12 MONTHS, who was employed in the last 12 months in a military post operating a vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle, and who holds a valid Ohio driver licence. MILITARY EVEN EXCHANGE goes further and waives the KNOWLEDGE TESTS as well. Two limits: it is for INITIAL CDL ISSUANCE ONLY, and SCHOOL BUS (S) AND PASSENGER (P) ENDORSEMENTS ARE EXCLUDED.

What it's worth: The CDL skills test waived; knowledge tests too under Even Exchange

  • Waives the CDL SKILLS TEST.
  • MILITARY EVEN EXCHANGE also waives the KNOWLEDGE TESTS.
  • Open to active-duty servicemembers and to those SEPARATED WITHIN 12 MONTHS.
  • You must have been EMPLOYED WITHIN THE LAST 12 MONTHS in a military post operating a vehicle equivalent to a CMV.
  • A VALID OHIO DRIVER LICENCE is required.
  • INITIAL CDL ISSUANCE ONLY.
  • SCHOOL BUS (S) AND PASSENGER (P) ENDORSEMENTS ARE EXCLUDED.

Who is entitled to it

  • You serve or served in the U.S. armed forces.
  • You drove heavy vehicles in service.
  • Ohio commercial licensing.

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 12 months of separation
  1. 1Work both 12-month clocks: separation within 12 months, and qualifying employment within the last 12 months.
  2. 2Ask about Even Exchange specifically — that is the route that removes the written tests.
  3. 3Get any commanding-officer certification before you leave the unit.
  4. 4If you want to drive a school bus or carry passengers, plan for the full endorsement route; those are excluded.
  5. 5Have a valid Ohio driver licence before applying.
Form
Application at an Ohio driver exam station
File with
Ohio BMV driver exam station
Documents you will need
dd214
No renewal
Once granted it does not need renewing.
Worth knowingInitial issuance only. If you already hold an Ohio CDL and want to add a class, this will not help.

Sources

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