Military veterans have several distinct advantages when transitioning to a commercial trucking career: GI Bill education benefits for CDL training, the federal Military Skills Test Waiver, and a long list of veteran-preferred employers in trucking.
GI Bill for CDL school
Both the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) cover CDL training at approved providers. Most accredited community college CDL programs are GI-Bill-approved; many private CDL schools are also approved through the state-approving agency in your home state. Verify approval before enrolling — only approved programs trigger GI Bill payments. Tuition + fees + a monthly housing allowance are typically covered for the duration of the program.
VET TEC and Veteran Rapid Retraining
Veterans eligible under specific programs can use VET TEC (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses) for trucking-adjacent technology training, and the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) covers high-demand short-term programs. CDL-specific eligibility varies by program; check with your local VA Education benefits office.
Military Skills Test Waiver (MSTW)
The federal MSTW allows veterans (and active-duty service members) who have at least 2 years of experience operating military commercial-equivalent vehicles to skip the CDL skills test in many states. Eligible vehicles include large transport trucks, fueling vehicles, and certain heavy equipment with military equivalents to civilian Class A or B operation. You still must pass the knowledge tests and meet medical requirements. Each state administers MSTW differently — see the FMCSA's MSTW page.
Veteran-friendly carriers
Many carriers actively recruit veterans: Schneider's Operation Veteran Hire, Werner's Veteran Driver Program, US Xpress's veteran apprenticeship, J.B. Hunt's military hiring program, Walmart's veteran-driver initiative, and Roehl's veteran-specific mentorship. Veteran hiring bonuses of $2,000 to $10,000 are common.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)
Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for VR&E, which covers CDL training plus living expenses and equipment. The program is more comprehensive than standard GI Bill but requires a service-connected disability rating and an approved rehabilitation plan.
VA medical certification
The DOT physical can be performed by VA medical examiners listed on the FMCSA National Registry. Many service-connected conditions require additional documentation but do not automatically disqualify you. Read our DOT physical guide.