New York Adds Even Exchange CDL Path for Veterans
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York will join the U.S. Department of Transportation's Even Exchange program, which lets qualified active-duty service members and veterans use their military training on heavy equipment to meet the knowledge requirement for a commercial driver license. Applicants who qualify can skip the DMV written permit test.
The program runs alongside New York's existing Military Skills Test Waiver Program, which lets military personnel who are currently licensed, or who operated the military equivalent of a commercial vehicle within the past two years, skip the road and skills test. The governor's office said more than 40,000 people nationwide have used the skills test waiver since it began, including more than 3,100 New Yorkers.
Acting DMV Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said the program helps veterans transition into civilian trucking and bus-driving careers. State Veterans' Services Commissioner Dr. Viviana M. DeCohen said it removes unnecessary obstacles between military service and civilian employment.
What's next
- No effective date or application rollout timeline was given; check the DMV website for program details.
- Watch for DMV guidance on eligibility documentation for the Even Exchange knowledge-test waiver.
All sources
- Governor Hochul Announces New York to Sign on to Even Exchange Program to Help Active-Duty Military and Veterans Get Commercial Driver Licenses — Government site: Governor Kathy Hochul (.gov), 2026-11-11
