CDL-102 Form – Veterans and active-duty military members in New York can fast-track their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the CDL-102 form. This official document provides a CDL military skills test waiver, skipping the road skills test if you have qualifying experience operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in the military.
The form is officially titled “CDL Certification for Military Waiver of Skills Test” and comes directly from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It remains current and unchanged as of 2026.
What Is the CDL-102 Form?
The CDL-102 form is a two-page certification used exclusively in New York to request a waiver of the CDL skills road test. It proves you operated a CMV in the military for at least two years and meet strict safety and driving-record standards.
By completing and submitting this form at a DMV office, qualified applicants avoid the skills test entirely while still passing all written tests. The waiver applies to Class A, B, or C CDLs and corresponding endorsements.
Official download link: CDL-102 PDF
Who Qualifies for the New York CDL Military Skills Test Waiver?
You must meet all of these requirements:
- Hold a valid New York State driver license or a valid out-of-state license (which you can exchange for a New York one).
- Meet every other standard CDL requirement (including medical certification if needed).
- Be currently employed — or have been regularly employed within the last year — in a military position (active duty or New York National Guard) that required operating a CMV.
- Have safely operated a CMV of the same class and type you want to license for at least two years immediately before your application (if active) or before discharge.
Time limit note: The waiver is available only up to one year after discharge (or anytime if you are still active duty or in the New York National Guard). Bring proof of service.
This program follows federal FMCSA rules but uses New York’s specific form and process.
Benefits of the CDL-102 Military Waiver
- Skip the skills road test entirely.
- Save the $40 skills test fee.
- Receive your CDL faster — ideal for veterans transitioning to civilian trucking, bus, or hazmat jobs.
- The issued CDL class, endorsements (T, P, N, H, X), and restrictions match the military vehicles you operated.
- No impact on written tests — you still take and pass those.
Thousands of service members nationwide have used similar military waivers to enter the trucking industry quickly.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply with CDL-102 Form?
- Download and complete the form — Fill out Part 1 (Applicant Certification) with your personal details and check every certification box honestly.
- Get Part 2 signed — Your Commanding Officer (or equivalent) must certify your military assignment and experience.
- Gather required documents (see next section).
- Visit a New York DMV office — No appointment needed for waiver processing, but check dmv.ny.gov for hours and locations.
- Pass written tests — Take all required knowledge tests (general + endorsements) and pay those fees plus permit and license fees.
- Receive your CDL — If approved, the DMV issues your full Commercial Driver License on the spot (or shortly after).
Required Documents for CDL-102 Application
Bring all of the following to the DMV office:
- Completed and signed CDL-102 form (both parts).
- Valid New York or out-of-state driver license.
- Medical certificate (if required for your CDL class).
- Proof of military service:
- Active duty or New York National Guard → current military ID card.
- Discharged → copy of DD-214 or NGB-22.
- Any additional documents listed on the form (vehicle class verification).
What the CDL-102 Form Requires You to Certify?
Part 1 (Applicant) — You must certify a clean record for the past 2 years, including:
- No more than one license at a time.
- No suspensions, revocations, or disqualifying offenses (alcohol/drug, felonies, fatal accidents, etc.).
- No more than one serious violation (reckless driving, excessive speeding, etc.).
- Additional 4-year and 7-year clean-record statements.
- Military CMV experience details.
Part 2 (Commanding Officer) — Confirms your job required CMV operation.
You also mark the exact vehicle classes (A, B, C), endorsements, and types of vehicles driven (tractor-trailer, single vehicle, passenger bus, etc.), plus air-brake information.
Warning: False statements can lead to criminal prosecution.
Download the Official CDL-102 PDF
Direct link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/cdl102.pdf
The form is free, printable, and revised as of 4/16 (still the current version used by New York DMV in 2026). Always download from the official NY DMV site to ensure you have the latest version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the waiver if I was discharged more than one year ago?
No — the waiver expires one year after discharge unless you are still active duty or in the New York National Guard.
Do I still pay any fees?
Yes — written test, permit, and license fees. Only the skills test fee ($40) is waived.
Does this waiver cover knowledge tests too?
No — only the skills road test. A separate federal “Even Exchange” program may waive knowledge tests in some cases.
Where do I find the nearest DMV office?
Visit dmv.ny.gov and search for “DMV office near me” or use the reservation system.
Get Your New York CDL Faster with CDL-102
The CDL-102 form is a powerful tool created specifically for military drivers. It honors your service by recognizing real-world CMV experience and removing unnecessary barriers to civilian employment.
Download the form today, have your commanding officer sign it, and head to your local New York DMV office. If you qualify, you’ll be behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle in record time — with no skills test required.
For the most up-to-date details, always refer to the official New York DMV pages:
Start your application now and accelerate your transition to a rewarding CDL career.