Idaho is launching an initiative to tap into the military personnel and veterans community in order to support its trucking industry. Through this campaign, those with experience driving commercial vehicles in the armed forces have access to two testing waivers for CDL certification.
To help spread the message of safe driving practices, the state Department of Motor Vehicles has taken a multi-channel approach with their communications campaign. New posters have been distributed to county DMV offices as well as ports of entry and military or national guard locations around the area. The department is also utilizing social media outreach in order to share their important messages on safety while operating vehicles across the state.
“These waivers acknowledge their military experience and make it easier to get an Idaho CDL by waiving some or all of the test requirements,” said Ellen Mattila, public information officer at Idaho Transportation Department.
She added that to take advantage of the waivers, candidates must apply to ITD during active duty military service or within one year of separation.
One waiver, The Military CDL Waiver, removes the requirement for veterans and military service personnel to take a skills test with a CDL examiner.
The second waiver, The Even-Exchange Waiver, would allow military personnel and vets to move forward with their CDL licensing without taking the skills or written knowledge tests.
“Reaction has been positive, especially from folks who have ties to the military and trucking industry,” Mattila said.
To qualify for even-exchange, applicants must have been in one of the following military occupational specialties:
U.S. Air Force: 2T1 vehicle operator, 2FOfueler, or 3E2 Pavement and construction equipment operator
U.S. Army: 88M motor transport operator of 14T patriot launching station operator
U.S. Marine Corps: 3531 motor vehicle operator
U.S. Navy: EO equipment operator
To learn more, visit DMV.IDAHO.GOV
Source: ttnews
