Estes Express Lines announced that it has teamed with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to support the state’s new “Troops to Trucks” program that helps make it easier for qualified service members to get commercial driver’s licenses. “Troops to Trucks” is part of Gov. Jim McDonnell’s goal of making Virginia the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation.

With certification from their commanding officer, applicants who have experience driving commercial motor vehicles and a safe driving record are waived from taking the road test portion of the CDL exam and only have to pass the written part. Service members without experience also can enroll in training programs to complete their certification. Marine Corps Base Quantico and Fort Lee are the current certified third-party testing sites.

Estes said the initiative provides opportunities for returning veterans to put their transportation skills and experience to work. “We have more than 500 openings for truck drivers across the company,” said Rob Estes, president and chief executive officer of Richmond-based Estes. “I cannot think of a better group to draw from than members of the U.S. military.”