On the heels of an exemption request submitted earlier this month that would extend the skills test waiver for military veterans from 90 days to a year, the Missouri Department of Revenue is seeking another exemption that would help veterans get into the trucking industry after their service.
The Missouri DOR is now requesting an exemption from the commercial learner’s permit knowledge test requirement for qualified veterans who participated in dedicated training in approved military programs. The exemption would effectively give military truck drivers credit for their military training and expertise.
The department says these veterans have already received numerous hours of classroom training, practical skills training and one-on-one road training. Other reasons the Missouri DOR gives for the exemption include:
- The hours of training required by these military programs before certifying trainees to drive military vehicles is more than the minimum entry-level driver training required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and is comparable to the skills needed to pass the CDL test.
- Veterans who participate in specialized military training are assigned duties where their driving skills are applied and used on a frequent basis and would be an asset in civilian life.
- The trucking industry needs new drivers every year, and this would expedite the transition of fully trained military truck drivers to fill the jobs.
Additionally, FMCSA says since the request could be applicable in all states, it is seeking public comment on whether the exemption, if granted, should cover all state licensing agencies. Comments can be made at www.regulations.gov by searching Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0130 when it’s published in the Federal Register on Monday, April 20.