As part of his "Experience Counts" campaign to help returning veterans get jobs in New York State, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo implemented two initiatives, one of which waives commercial driver's license road tests for veterans with qualifying driving experience.


The governor announced that the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles is now waiving road tests for veterans applying for a commercial driver's license if they have military experience operating a similar vehicle.

The waiver is now available for up to 90 days after discharge or for active-duty military and active-duty New York National Guard members that currently hold a valid driver's license. Applicants must be regularly employed, or have been regularly employed, within the last 90 days in a military position requiring operation of a commercial motor vehicle, and also have operated a vehicle that is similar to a civilian commercial vehicle for at least two years immediately preceding discharge from the military. Applicants must also certify that they have not had their license suspended, revoked, cancelled or denied in the last four years.

Applicants must fill out a "CDL Certification for Military Waiver of Skills Test" form, which is available at any DMV office or online. A written test and test fee are still required, but the $40 road test fee will be waived by completing the certification.

"It is only right that our veterans are able to use the experience they gained while serving our country to help find employment here at home," says Gov. Cuomo. "To further help our veterans, we have now expanded the Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families. These appointees will bring their extensive experience serving our nation's veterans to help ensure that New York State provides the highest level of service to our returning service members and veterans."

As a second initiative for the "Experience Counts" campaign, which was launched on Veterans Day 2011, the governor announced appointments to the New York State Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families, a group of state agency representatives and civilians that help returning veterans get jobs and advises the governor on issues that affect New York service members.