New York joins the Even Exchange program: how military drivers can skip the CDL knowledge test
Paired with the military skills test waiver, the program lets qualified service members and veterans trade military driving experience for a commercial license. Here is who qualifies and what to check.
New York is signing on to the federal Even Exchange program, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Nov. 11. Under the program, qualified applicants who were trained to run heavy equipment in the military can use that experience to show the knowledge needed for a commercial driver's license, and skip the DMV written permit test.
Here is how the program works and what drivers should check before they apply.
Two waivers, one path
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration describes Even Exchange as a knowledge test waiver for qualified military drivers. It sits alongside the older Military Skills Test Waiver, which waives the road test. Used together, FMCSA says, the two let a driver exchange a military license for a CDL.
New York says its Even Exchange participation will work together with its existing Military Skills Test Waiver Program. The state says more than 40,000 people nationwide have used that waiver since it began, including more than 3,100 New Yorkers.
Who qualifies for the knowledge test waiver
FMCSA lists these military occupational specialties and classifications:
- U.S. Army: 88M Motor Transport Operator, 92F Fueler, 14T Patriot Launching Station Operator
- U.S. Marine Corps: 3531 Motor Vehicle Operator
- U.S. Navy: EO Equipment Operator
- U.S. Air Force: 2T1 Vehicle Operator, 2F0 Fueler, 3E2 Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator
Check the time window
For the skills test waiver, FMCSA's page says the applicant must be currently licensed and be, or have been, employed within the past 12 months in a military job that required driving the military equivalent of a commercial motor vehicle. New York's announcement describes its waiver as covering personnel who have done that work within the last two years. If your service ended more than a year ago, confirm with the New York DMV before you count on the waiver.
Rules and paperwork vary by state
FMCSA sets the minimum standard in 49 CFR 383.77, but each state may use its own form and application process. Drivers should apply through their state driver licensing agency.
As of FMCSA's map last updated Oct. 30, 2026, 29 states were taking part: Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, North Carolina, North Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Missouri, South Carolina, Idaho, Georgia, New Mexico, West Virginia, California, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, Ohio, Maine, Utah, Washington, Mississippi, Michigan, Montana, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Indiana and New Hampshire. Another 13 had committed to join: Wyoming, Maryland, Louisiana, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Connecticut, New Jersey, Alaska, Rhode Island, Kentucky, Tennessee and Oklahoma. New York was not yet on that map.
What the waivers don't cover
The waivers replace the knowledge and road tests only. Applicants still have to meet every other CDL requirement in their state.