Can I get a civilian drivers license with a military drivers license?

2020-01-03T00:53:02-05:00

I’m currently on rotation in Korea out of Fort Hood. I’m a military brat so didn’t have license being fron overseas. I now have a restricted license to drive Brads, 113’s, and humvees in the MP. When I get back to Hood can I go to the DMV with my mil license, proof of residency, and letter from my CO and basically pick up a civilian license without having to take any tests? Been asking around but no clear answers. Thanks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2020 12:55 AM

2020-01-03T00:55:40-05:00

Yes. Had a soldier do this very thing. Just take your military license, the memo from the CO, and bingo. They’ll send you out the door with a paper copy, and send your real one in the mail.

He did his in the DMV office at the TJ mills gage visitor center.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Jan 3 at 2020 11:05 AM

2020-01-03T11:05:57-05:00

Not likely. Texas says : Who Must Take the Drive Test?
You are required to take a drive test if any of the
following conditions apply:
 You have never been licensed in any U.S. state
or territory.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jan 3 at 2020 11:38 AM

2020-01-03T11:38:38-05:00

Only a DMV official can give you a correct answer.

Response by SSG Alan Pelletier made Jan 3 at 2020 7:08 PM

2020-01-03T19:08:12-05:00

I did something very similar back in 1997
Military ID and my military drivers license and I was issued one after the written test and fee ($25 maybe?). Not sure what may have changed since then. This was at my first duty station which was Fort Hood. After that every duty station I'd go to the DMV and surrender my previous state and get my current state.

Interesting side affect is suddenly having no speeding tickets etc., as they were associated with the "other" drivers license. I'm sure USAA has wised up to such a loophole by now but it was rather convenient.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jan 4 at 2020 1:49 AM

2020-01-04T01:49:25-05:00

Everywhere stateside was the same for me, both in Hood (2001) and Stewart (2011) no test needed to get drivers license.

Response by SPC Kendall Metcalf made Jan 4 at 2020 4:00 PM

2020-01-04T16:00:10-05:00

Get with your master drive.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2020 5:17 PM

2020-01-04T17:17:22-05:00

Contact the DMV upon your return stateside. Rules change often and they are the only ones who can accurately answer your question.

Response by A1C Robert Underwood made Jan 4 at 2020 8:07 PM

2020-01-04T20:07:33-05:00

sorry but no, you will have to take the written and driving test. If you have a CDL Lic. all you have to do is renew to a Tx Lic.

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Jan 9 at 2020 1:17 AM

2020-01-09T01:17:52-05:00

It is a possibly, however be aware that Texas just recently changed its driver's license procedures. This past June I renewed my license and was surprised to find that they wanted proof of citizenshipship. They required either a raised seal birth certificate or my current passport. I had to go back home and get my birth certificate. I believe this is a state sponsored proof of citizenship for voting purposes but the lady at the counter would not answer my questions about why this change had came into effect. Then this past December same procedure for my wife to update her Texas driver's license as well. I bring this up for two reasons; first to save you a trip back to get your proof of citizenship. Second. If they changed this proof of citizenship aspect they may have made other changes as well. Such as no longer accepting military driver's license to issue Texas license. I know they used to do it many years ago as I did it for a young soldier in my section in the 1990s but that was a long time ago.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2020 4:50 PM

2020-01-09T16:50:22-05:00

Here's the issue I had with a Soldier trying to do this. To get a Civilian license with a military license you CANNOT have a limited military driver's license. If you don't know ask your Squad leader to look at your license or ask your Company master driver.

The issue I ran into was that to get an Army Standard 346 you had to have a Civilian driver's license. And to get a Civilian driver's license you had to have an Army Standard 346.

All that being said our Battery master driver would issue an Army Standard 346, but require you to come back within 3 days with a copy of your license.

TLDR it can be done. It'll require your master driver to hook you up. Talk to your CoC to talk to him/her

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2020 6:46 PM

2020-01-29T18:46:38-05:00

if you do not already have a civilian DL your military license will have a "restricted to on post only" label you will still have to take the road test, no biggie. best your military DL will get you is the written portion waived. but do be sure to stop by the visitors center and pick up a affidavit that will need to be signed by your CO, XO or PL stating that yes this soldier lives at this address. Be sure to take your original birth certificate a unauthorized copy is a no go, bring your social security card as well. hope this helps

Response by SGT(P) Sharon Pasowicz made Feb 2 at 2020 6:42 PM

2020-02-02T18:42:39-05:00

I got my civilian license this way in the early 80's. I took my TX learner's permit, military I.D., a copy of my military license and a copy of what the Motor Pool had me licensed for. But from what I understand, the state of TX no longer allows this.