New federal rule simplifies CDL process for vets

The U.S. Department of Transportation is making it easier for military personnel to get a commercial driver’s license when entering the private sector workforce.    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Thursday will officially publish a final rule amending its commercial driver’s license (CDL) regulations to make it easier for military veterans to get jobs driving trucks and buses in the private sector after leaving active duty.
   The final rule extends the period of time for applying for a skills test waiver from 90 days to one year after leaving a military position requiring the operation of a commercial vehicle.
   It also allows states to accept applications from active duty military personnel who are stationed in that state and to administer the written and skills tests for a license.
   States that choose to accept such applications must use forms and procedures acceptable to the state of domicile of the military personnel (their state of permanent residence or “home” state), and must transmit the test results electronically to the state of domicile.
   The state of domicile may issue the commercial learner’s permit or CDL on the basis of those results.
   Making the transition from the military to private life is often difficult and one of the main challenges officials and the industry are trying to solve is how to match veterans with jobs that suit their skills and needs. The trucking industry is increasingly short on qualified drivers and many motor carriers are interested in hiring veterans.
   The U.S. Department of Transportation published a preliminary version of the rule on Wednesday.