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CDL Tests Waived on Two Years of Military Driving

Pennsylvania waives the CDL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR SKILLS tests for a resident who is active or reserve duty military, or a recently honorably discharged veteran, with AT LEAST TWO YEARS' experience operating a commercial motor vehicle as part of their military job. The two-year experience bar is higher than most states, which typically ask for twelve months — but in exchange the knowledge test is on the table, not just the road test. The paperwork runs forms DL-31CD and DL-11CD, then DL-398 at a Driver License Center.

Verified August 27, 2026

What this benefit is

Pennsylvania waives the CDL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR SKILLS tests for a resident who is active or reserve duty military, or a recently honorably discharged veteran, with AT LEAST TWO YEARS' experience operating a commercial motor vehicle as part of their military job. The two-year experience bar is higher than most states, which typically ask for twelve months — but in exchange the knowledge test is on the table, not just the road test. The paperwork runs forms DL-31CD and DL-11CD, then DL-398 at a Driver License Center.

What it's worth: The CDL knowledge and/or skills tests waived

  • Waives the CDL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR SKILLS tests.
  • AT LEAST TWO YEARS' experience operating a commercial motor vehicle as part of military job requirements — a higher bar than the twelve months most states ask.
  • Open to Pennsylvania residents who are ACTIVE OR RESERVE DUTY military, or RECENTLY HONORABLY DISCHARGED veterans.
  • Forms DL-31CD and DL-11CD, then DL-398 at a Driver License Center.
  • Statutory basis: Act 133 of 2008 and Act 131 of 2020, under 49 CFR 383.77.
  • Ordinary CDL fees and medical certification are not addressed by the waiver.

Who is entitled to it

  • You serve or served in the U.S. armed forces.
  • You drove heavy vehicles in service.
  • Pennsylvania 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: Recently discharged veterans; ask PennDOT for the current limit
  1. 1Count your qualifying driving. Two years is the bar here, not the twelve months used in several neighbouring states.
  2. 2Complete DL-31CD and DL-11CD while you still have access to your unit for certification.
  3. 3Take DL-398 to a Driver License Center.
  4. 4Ask which tests your record waives — the knowledge test may be included, not only the road test.
  5. 5Budget for ordinary CDL fees and the DOT medical certification.
Form
DL-31CD and DL-11CD, then DL-398
File with
PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services
Documents you will need
dd214
No renewal
Once granted it does not need renewing.
Worth knowingPennDOT does not publish a precise window for "recently honorably discharged". Ask before assuming you are inside or outside it.

Sources

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