NEW YORK- New York is making it easier for qualified military veterans and active-duty service members to pursue careers as commercial truck drivers through a new federal program.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the state’s participation in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Even Exchange” program, which allows eligible service members to use their military training and experience operating heavy equipment and machinery to help qualify for a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Under the program, qualified applicants can demonstrate the necessary knowledge through their military training and bypass the written permit test administered by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Hochul said the initiative recognizes the skills military personnel bring to the civilian workforce while helping address the need for qualified commercial drivers.
“Those who have served proudly in the military are uniquely suited to do that,” Hochul said, referring to the transportation of goods throughout New York and the country.
The federal Even Exchange Program is not a new program, it was established in 2018 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to help qualified military personnel transition into civilian commercial driving careers.
Comments