PennDOT DL-398 Military CDL Skills Test Waiver Guide

PennDOT DL-398 Military CDL Skills Test Waiver Guide – Active-duty service members, reservists, and recently honorably discharged veterans in Pennsylvania can take advantage of a streamlined path to a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The key document is PennDOT Form DL-398, the Military Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Test Waiver Application. This form allows eligible applicants to waive the CDL knowledge and/or skills tests based on qualifying military experience operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

Authorized under Act 133 of 2008 and Act 131 of 2020, and aligned with federal regulations in 49 CFR 383.77, the program helps military personnel transition their driving experience into civilian CDL credentials without unnecessary retesting.

What Is PennDOT Form DL-398?

Form DL-398 is the official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) application used by qualifying military members and recent veterans to request a waiver of the CDL knowledge test, skills test, or both. The waiver applies when the applicant has operated military vehicles equivalent to civilian Class A or Class B commercial motor vehicles.

Important limitations apply: Knowledge tests for doubles/triples (T endorsement) and school bus (S endorsement) cannot be waived. The school bus endorsement itself cannot be transferred under this program.

Download the official Form DL-398 here: PennDOT DL-398 Military CDL Test Waiver Application (PDF)

Who Is Eligible for the Military CDL Test Waiver in Pennsylvania?

To qualify for the waiver using Form DL-398, applicants must meet these core requirements based on PennDOT guidance and federal standards:

Be a Pennsylvania resident.
Be currently serving in the active or reserve components of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, or be a veteran who received an honorable discharge within the past year (as documented on DD-214).
Have at least two years of experience operating a commercial motor vehicle as part of military job duties (or immediately preceding discharge).
Have been regularly employed (or were regularly employed within the last year) in a military position requiring operation of a military motor vehicle representative of a CMV.
Hold a valid Pennsylvania non-CDL or CDL (or transfer an out-of-state license to Pennsylvania first).
Meet all certifications required under 49 CFR 383.77, including a clean driving record free of certain disqualifying violations.

The waiver is vehicle-class specific. Experience operating combination vehicles (Class A equivalent) supports a Class A waiver. Single-unit commercial vehicle experience supports a Class B waiver.

For detailed self-screening questions, review the official Military Commercial Driver’s License Testing Waiver Fact Sheet (PDF).

Qualifying Military Occupational Specialties (MOS/MOC)

Form DL-398 lists specific military occupational specialties eligible for general knowledge test waivers. Common examples include:

U.S. Army: 88M – Motor Transport Operator; 14T – Patriot Launching Station Operator
U.S. Marine Corps: 3531 – Motor Vehicle Operator
U.S. Navy: EO – Equipment Operator
U.S. Air Force: 2T1 – Vehicle Operator; 2F0 – Fueler; 3E2 – Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator

Applicants should select the appropriate MOS on the form and provide supporting evidence of experience.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the Military CDL Waiver

Follow these official PennDOT steps:

Complete preliminary CDL forms. Fill out Form DL-31CD (Application to Add/Extend/Remove Commercial Driver’s License) and Form DL-11CD (Self-Certification Form). Include the applicable fee and any required Medical Examiner’s Certificate. Mail them to PennDOT or submit at a Driver License Center.
Receive the Knowledge Test Authorization (KTA) Letter. PennDOT processes the application and issues a Knowledge Test Authorization Letter.
Complete Form DL-398. Download and carefully fill out the Military Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Test Waiver Application.
Visit a Driver License Center. Bring the completed DL-398, your Knowledge Test Authorization Letter, and all required original documents (listed below). Apply for the knowledge and/or skills test waiver in person.

Find a nearby location using the PennDOT Locations Information Center.

Required Documents for Form DL-398 Processing

When submitting Form DL-398 at a Driver License Center, present these original documents:

Valid Pennsylvania non-CDL or CDL
DD-2 (Active Duty Military ID Card) or DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) showing honorable discharge within the past year
Completed Form DL-398
Knowledge Test Authorization Letter from PennDOT
Form DL-288 (Application for Security Threat Assessment) if applying for the Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement

Additional identity, residency, and Social Security documentation may be required depending on your situation.

Key Limitations and Important Notes

Doubles/triples and school bus knowledge tests cannot be waived.
School bus endorsement transfer is prohibited under this program.
Applicants must certify a safe driving record for the two-year period preceding the application (no more than one license other than military, no serious traffic violations, etc., as detailed on the form).
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements may still apply in some cases unless fully exempt under federal rules for qualifying military experience.
Federal guidance (including temporary waivers extending certain timelines) can change; always verify current eligibility with PennDOT.

Related Official Forms and Resources

Why the Military CDL Waiver Matters?

Thousands of service members and veterans nationwide have used military skills test waivers to enter the commercial driving workforce more quickly. In Pennsylvania, Form DL-398 removes redundant testing barriers for those who already demonstrated safe operation of heavy vehicles in demanding military environments. This supports both individual career transitions and the broader need for qualified CDL drivers across the United States.

Always download forms and confirm the latest requirements directly from official PennDOT sources, as policies and form versions can be updated. For personalized assistance, contact the PennDOT Customer Call Center at 717-412-5300 (TTY: dial 711).