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The Freedom Haulers Initiative recognizes military driving experience
America continues to face a shortage of qualified commercial truck drivers. At the same time, thousands of military personnel leave active duty each year with valuable experience operating heavy vehicles.
The Freedom Haulers Initiative bridges that gap by recognizing military driving experience, reducing unnecessary licensing barriers, and connecting veterans with rewarding careers in transportation.
For both veterans and trucking companies, it’s a win-win.
GI Bill Can Cover CDL Training Costs
For veterans who need additional training before earning their CDL, financial assistance is already available. Its benefits can significantly reduce or eliminate the cost of beginning a trucking career.
Financial Benefits for US Veterans
- The GI Bill can cover up to 100% of CDL tuition at approved schools.
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities may also qualify for funding through the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program.
- VR&E also provides career counseling and job placement assistance.
CDL Training Available for Veterans Without Military Driving Experience
- Not every service member spent time behind the wheel of heavy military equipment.
- The Freedom Haulers Initiative also provides a pathway for veterans without truck-driving experience to receive CDL training and enter the transportation industry.
- This expands opportunities for thousands of veterans seeking a reliable civilian career after military service.
Experienced Military Drivers May Skip the CDL Road Test
One of the initiative’s most significant changes benefits veterans who already have substantial driving experience.
Military personnel with at least two years of safe heavy vehicle driving experience can now qualify for a Commercial Driver’s License without taking the standard CDL road skills test.
Rather than requiring experienced military drivers to repeat skills they’ve already demonstrated, the program recognizes their proven ability behind the wheel.
What the Road Test Covers
| Stopping | Leaving enough space behind other vehicles so you can see their rear tires. |
| Turns | Going wide on tight turns to avoid hitting curbs with trailer tires. |
| Lane Management | Signaling early, checking mirrors every 8 to 10 seconds, and staying in the correct lane. |
| Traffic Compliance | Obeying speed limits, traffic lights, stop signs, and railroad crossings. |
Helping Veterans While Strengthening the Trucking Industry
The Freedom Haulers Initiative serves two important goals.
Military veterans have demonstrated professionalism, commitment, and the ability to perform under pressure—qualities every trucking company values.
First, it helps veterans transition more quickly into meaningful civilian careers without repeating unnecessary training.
Second, it provides transportation companies with access to disciplined, safety-conscious professionals who already understand the responsibility of operating large vehicles.
Veterans Now Have More Time to Use the CDL Waiver
Previously, veterans had only 12 months after leaving military service to take advantage of the military CDL skills test waiver.
Under the Freedom Haulers Initiative, that window has been extended to 24 months.
The additional time gives transitioning service members greater flexibility as they relocate, pursue education, or prepare for civilian employment.
Some Veterans May Also Skip the Written CDL Test
The initiative also expands opportunities through the Even Exchange Program. Qualified military drivers from may also qualify for an exemption from the CDL knowledge (written) test.
| How the Even Exchange Program Works | Waiver Details | Exempts you from both the standard written knowledge test and the driving skills exam. |
| State Availability | Currently, 34 states (including Illinois) participate in the program, with federal officials encouraging all 50 states and Washington, D.C., to adopt the initiative | |
| Core Requirement | Your specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) must closely match civilian commercial driving standards. | |
| Timeframe | You must be an active service member or apply within a specified window (typically up to 12 months) after leaving service. | |
| Standard Requirements | Driving history | Must show at least two years of safe, regular experience driving heavy commercial-equivalent military vehicles. |
| Clean record | No major traffic violations, suspensions, or disqualifying offenses on your record. | |
| Endorsements | Specialized tests (like HazMat) may still require separate federal background checks or testing depending on state rules. | |
| If you’d like to check your eligibility, please share your military branch and MOS/AFSC code (e.g., Army 88M). The state where you plan to apply for your CDL | ||
WHAT THIS MEANS…
Carriers across the country should expect to see more qualified veteran applicants entering the workforce.
Companies that actively recruit veterans can benefit from drivers who often bring:
- A strong safety mindset
- Experience operating heavy equipment
- Excellent discipline and work ethic
- Reliability and professionalism
- Leadership and teamwork skills
The Freedom Haulers Initiative creates an opportunity for trucking companies to strengthen their recruiting efforts while supporting those who have served our country.
One of the biggest advantages of entering the trucking industry is the opportunity to earn an excellent income.
According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, many commercial driving positions pay between $80,000 and more than $100,000 per year, depending on experience, location, endorsements, and type of freight hauled.
For veterans looking for a career that rewards responsibility, professionalism, and discipline, commercial trucking provides an attractive next step.
Trucking companies searching for qualified CDL drivers – Look no further!
The Freedom Haulers Initiative represents an important step toward making the transition from military service to commercial trucking faster, more affordable, and more practical.
By expanding CDL waivers, recognizing military driving experience, increasing access to training, and supporting veterans through GI Bill funding, the program removes many of the barriers that previously delayed entry into the trucking industry.
For veterans seeking a rewarding civilian career—and for trucking companies searching for qualified CDL drivers—the Freedom Haulers Initiative could become one of the most significant workforce programs in the transportation industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ Who qualifies for the Freedom Haulers Initiative?
Eligible military veterans and transitioning service members may qualify based on their military occupational specialty, driving experience, and state participation in the program.
▶ Can veterans skip the CDL road test?
Yes. Veterans with at least two years of safe heavy military vehicle driving experience may qualify to receive a CDL without taking the standard road skills test.
▶ Is CDL training covered by the GI Bill?
Yes. Eligible veterans can use the GI Bill to cover up to 100% of CDL training costs at approved schools.
▶ How much can commercial truck drivers earn?
Many commercial driving jobs pay between $80,000 and $100,000+ annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and employer.
▶ Does every state participate?
All states recognize the military skills test waiver, while the Even Exchange knowledge test exemption currently operates in 34 states, with additional participation expected in the future.
