Why isn't a military license transferrable to civilian license?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:13:44 -0500

If a you have a military license to drive trucks and are certified to transport hazardous material, and drive trucks with air brakes etc. Why do you have you take the test to get your civilian cdl? Shouldn't it be transferable? I know the road test is waived for military personnel, but do you think the written or computer based test be waived also with proof?

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Mar 3 at 2016 2:15 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:15:37 -0500

no way, the laws and everything are different. most people with military truck license never drive off post except in a convoy.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 2:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:16:19 -0500

Basically, different requirements between the civilian and military standards that need to be met.

Response by SGT Edward Wilcox made Mar 3 at 2016 2:21 PM

SGT Edward Wilcox — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:21:22 -0500

One thing you have to remember is that the Army sometimes does things differently from the civilian world. This difference is enough to keep certain skills from transferring to civilian life. I spent most of my career as a medic. During all that time, I could not get a job working in a ER, or on an ambulance based on my military training and experience, even though I was trained to do things they weren't. Until the military and the civilian worlds start working together and aligning training and certifications, we will always be either over trained or under trained. Unfortunately, we never find out which until we try.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Mar 3 at 2016 2:22 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:22:23 -0500

It depends on the state you get your license in. I was able to transfer mine to get my CDL in the state of Florida.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 3 at 2016 2:28 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:28:43 -0500

This is actually a hot topic right now between the military and civilian employers. I know the Army Strong program is working with the military and employers to fix this. They are looking at not only drivers but EMTs as well. The problem is that every state has different requirements to be "certified". The idea is to all Veterans a waiver or standardize the requirements; both of which will take time to get up and running.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2016 2:33 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:33:22 -0500

Sorry - just re-read your post. Looks like you knew this already.

Check out: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/military. Here's the application form: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/APPLICATION-FOR-MILITARY-SKILLS-TEST-WAIVER.pdf

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 3 at 2016 2:37 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:37:48 -0500

Different requirements, different standards of required training/testing. I understand what you are saying. I contacted my state's Department of Public Safety to see if I could pick up my CDL...just 'cause. If I had been an 88M when I was Active, when I got out I could have waved the road test and gotten my CDL; being a Reservist with a military license and Haz Mat counts for nothing.
It is what it is.

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made Mar 3 at 2016 3:28 PM

SSG Nick Tramontano — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 15:28:48 -0500

I guarantee most people including seasoned drivers would fail if they had to take the entire test. The military regs / standards are different. If all you need is a written test, Just go to your state DMV / DOT and get the booklet with the study guide. Read through it and go take the test. If you're on active duty the state might waive the fee. When I did the test, General knowledge was 60 questions and the endorsements were 10 questions. All multiple choice and like the Army you need at least 70% to pass. As far as Haz-Mat goes, you will have to find out where to do your fingerprints. You have to get a security threat assessment and you have to go to whoever is designated by Homeland Security. It's a hassle but that's the law. I was in Guard when I got my CDL and even had a security clearance. Also, If you drive a tanker and go into certain ports or refineries you will have to get a Transportation workers ID card (commonly called a TWICS CARD).........Everybody has their hand out for money !!

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Mar 3 at 2016 3:30 PM

MSgt John Taylor — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 15:30:00 -0500

I order to have an AF "license," you must already posses a valid state license

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Mar 31 at 2020 9:50 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 09:50:41 -0400

If they hand them out today as they used to, they do not mean anything, except to the Guvment. When I was in BCT at Fort Jackson, it was decided that I should be a driver. Hopped on a truck with others from Bn and went to consolidated post motor pool. Attended a class for about 3 hours on maintaining log book, a little about maintaining a vehicle and rules of road. at end lined up at a clerk's table and she (WAC) typed up a SF 46 and gave me one. Stamped on rear, covering the entire back, was the list that I could operate: 5 pass vehicle, pick up truck, 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 ton S&P truck, 36 passenger bus, 1/4,3/4,2 1/2, 5 ton trucks, 10 ton tractor, M-113 APC, M-551 Sheridan, M-88 recovery vehicle and perhaps others I do not recall. So should I really have been able to take it to a DMV and get a CDL? Perhaps since not almost everyone has served now days, one could find a DMV clerk that would be impressed and convert to a civilian CDL.