If you have recent experience driving large trucks in the military, you may be eligible to obtain a North Carolina Commercial Driver License, or CDL,
without retaking the skills test normally required.
Types of Military Waivers & Eligibility
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles offers two types of CDL waivers for military personnel:
-
CDL Skills Test Waiver: Military personnel may apply to waive the CDL skills test. Those approved for this waiver are required to take the CDL knowledge test.
-
Even Exchange Program: Military personnel may apply for this program, which waives both the skills and knowledge tests. To qualify for the program, military personnel must hold or previously held a Military Driver's license with an approved Military Occupation Specialties Rating, or MOS. For a list of MOS ratings that fall under the Even Exchange Program, visit the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Even Exchange Program website.
Service members who are currently licensed in North Carolina and who are or were employed in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a Commercial Motor Vehicle within 1-year immediately preceding the date of application may be eligible. Military personnel may apply for a CDL Skills Test Waiver or the Even Exchange Program online or by mail.
Get Started
-
Be sure to gather the following documents for the waiver you are
seeking.
CDL Skills Test Waiver and Even Exchange Program (Knowledge and Skills
Tests Waiver):
- Copy of your military ID (Current Service Member)
- Copy of your DD-214 (Veteran)
- Copy of your military driving record
- Copy of your Military Vehicle Operators Identification Card
-
2-year driving record from previous state of issuance if North
Carolina license has not been issued for more than 2 years
- Commanding Officer’s name and military issued email address
Even Exchange Program – Additional Documentation:
- Copy of DOT Medical Certificate (Form MCSA-5876)
-
Evidence that, during the 1-year period immediately prior to the
application, you were regularly or are currently employed and
designated in one of the Military Occupation Specialties (MOS’s)
that fall under the Even Exchange Program
-
Fill out the Certification for Waiver of CDL Skills Test (CDL-15MW)
online form and submit it.
Fill Out the Online Form
Get Started
-
Be sure to gather the following documents for the waiver you are
seeking.
CDL Skills Test Waiver and Even Exchange Program (Knowledge and
Skills Tests Waiver):
- Copy of your military ID (Current Service Member)
- Copy of your DD-214 (Veteran)
- Copy of your military driving record
- Copy of your Military Vehicle Operators Identification Card
-
2-year driving record from previous state of issuance if North
Carolina license has not been issued for more than 2 years
- Commanding Officer’s name and military issued email address
Even Exchange Program – Additional Documentation:
- Copy of DOT Medical Certificate (Form MCSA-5876)
-
Evidence that, during the 1-year period immediately prior to the
application, you were regularly or are currently employed and
designated in one of the Military Occupation Specialties (MOS’s)
that fall under the Even Exchange Program
-
Print and fill out the Certification for Waiver of CDL Skills Test
(CDL-15MW).
Download the Form
-
Mail the form to:
NCDMV CDL Section
3177 MSC
Raleigh, NC 27697
NCDMV’s CDL Unit will notify the applicant via email after their waiver has been processed. If approved, the applicant has 30 days from the date of contact to visit
a DMV driver license office to be issued their commercial driver license.
Questions about the commercial driver license waiver process for military personnel should be directed to (919) 861-3319.