Trump Announces Automatic CDL Plan for Military Veterans

On July 15, President Donald Trump announced plans to give certain veterans automatic eligibility to obtain Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). During the 2026 Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, an event attended by federal officials, politicians, and business leaders, Trump said action would soon be taken to implement the proposal.

“Any American who has driven a heavy truck for our armed forces is automatically entitled to receive a Commercial Driver’s License,“ the president said at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle.

President Trump did not provide many details about the planned CDL measure. However, he emphasized his administration’s concerns about highway safety involving undocumented truck drivers operating on the nation’s roads.

According to the president, these drivers lack the English proficiency needed to read road signs, and many drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, making them unfit to operate heavy commercial vehicles.

Even Exchange Program: From Military Drivers to Commercial Drivers

Although few details were released, the president made it clear during his remarks that he intends to “replace” undocumented foreign truck drivers with “proud American veterans.“ That same day, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) updated the webpage for its CDL initiative known as the Even Exchange Program, which provides a knowledge test waiver for military veterans transitioning into careers as commercial drivers.

Under the FMCSA’s current program, military drivers may qualify for a skills test waiver if they currently hold a military license and are or have been employed within the past 12 months in a military position that requires operating a military motor vehicle.

The program requires military personnel to have one of the following Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) or equivalent occupational classifications:

Army

• 88M: Motor Transport Operator
• 92F: Petroleum Supply Specialist
• 14T: Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainer

Marine Corps

• 3531: Motor Vehicle Operator

Navy

• EO: Equipment Operator

Air Force

• 2T1: Vehicle Operator
• 2F0: Fuels Specialist
• 3E2: Pavements and Construction Equipment Operator

Currently, 56% of U.S. states have implemented the Even Exchange Program, according to Transport Topics. Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, and Wyoming are among the states adopting the program.

More information on President Donald Trump’s proposal is expected in the coming weeks.