DL 965 Form – The DL 965 Form (officially titled CDL Test Waiver for Military Members) is a California DMV document that helps active-duty service members and recent veterans fast-track their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) application. It waives the CDL skills (driving) test through the federal Troops to Trucks program and, for certain Military Occupation Specialties (MOS), also waives the knowledge (written) test via the Even Exchange program.
If you’re transitioning from military service to a civilian trucking career, this form can save you time, money, and the stress of scheduling a commercial vehicle for the road test. Below is the most up-to-date, SEO-optimized guide based on the official DL 965 (REV. 7/2024) PDF from the California DMV.
What Is the DL 965 Form?
The DL 965 is California’s official Commercial Military Waiver form. It certifies that a military member has the required experience operating vehicles equivalent to a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). When approved, it allows the DMV to waive the CDL skills test (and sometimes the knowledge test) under federal regulations (49 CFR §383).
Key programs it supports:
- Troops to Trucks – Waives the skills (driving) test.
- Even Exchange – Waives both knowledge and skills tests for qualifying MOS.
Important note: The form does not waive school bus (S) or passenger (P) endorsements.
The current version is DL 965 (REV. 7/2024), uploaded September 2024 and still the active form as of 2026.
Who Qualifies for the DL 965 CDL Test Waiver?
You must meet all of these criteria:
- Be an active-duty member or have been honorably discharged within the last 12 months.
- Have operated a military motor vehicle equivalent to a CMV on public roads/highways within the past year (Troops to Trucks) or within the two years immediately preceding discharge.
- Hold (or have held) a military position requiring CMV-like vehicle operation.
- Have a clean driving record for the two years prior to application (no major disqualifying convictions such as DUI, leaving the scene, or CMV-related felonies).
Even Exchange eligibility (knowledge test waiver) requires one of these specific MOS in the last year:
- U.S. Army: 88M, 14T, 92F
- U.S. Air Force: 2T1, 2F0, 3E2
- U.S. Marine Corps: 3531
- U.S. Navy: EO
Military members who don’t qualify for Even Exchange may still qualify for Troops to Trucks skills-test waiver.
Your commanding officer must verify and sign the form.
Benefits of the DL 965 Military CDL Waiver
- Skip the CDL road skills test (no need to rent or borrow a CMV).
- Faster path to a California CDL.
- Reduced testing fees and scheduling hassle.
- Recognizes your valuable military driving experience.
- Helps veterans enter high-demand trucking jobs quicker.
The program is part of the nationwide FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver initiative, adapted by California DMV.
How to Download the Official DL 965 PDF?
Direct download link (official California DMV):
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/09/DL-965-R7-2024-ASB-WWW.pdf
Always download from the official DMV site to ensure you have the latest revision.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the DL 965 Form?
- Section 1 – Applicant Information
Fill in your full name, driver’s license number (if any), email, branch of service, discharge date, MOS, address, and phone. - Section 2 – Driver Record Certification
Answer Yes/No questions about your driving history over the past two years. Certify under penalty of perjury that the information is true. - Section 3 – Commanding Officer’s Certification
Your commanding officer must:- Provide their name, contact info, unit, and rank.
- Verify your military CMV experience and vehicle classifications (Class A, B, or C per FMCSA standards).
- Check applicable MOS for Even Exchange.
- Sign and date the form.
Warning: False statements can lead to criminal prosecution under California Vehicle Code and Penal Code.
Submitting Your DL 965 Form to California DMV
- Complete a standard Commercial Driver’s License Application (DL 44C).
- Bring the signed DL 965 plus acceptable proof of identity and legal presence to any DMV field office.
- You must still pass any non-waived tests (e.g., knowledge test if not Even Exchange eligible) and meet all other CDL requirements (medical exam, self-certification, etc.).
Submit in person at a DMV office — the form is not mailed separately.
Important Limitations and Requirements
- Does not waive school bus or passenger endorsements.
- You must still meet all standard CDL eligibility rules.
- Non-domiciled (limited-term legal presence) CDLs are currently paused by federal rules.
- The waiver is based on experience within the last 12–24 months — timing matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DL 965 Form
Is the DL 965 form free?
Yes — download and use at no cost.
Can veterans who separated more than a year ago still use it?
Generally no for Troops to Trucks (requires recent experience). Check with DMV for your specific situation.
Do I need the commanding officer’s signature?
Yes — mandatory for certification.
Will DL 965 waive the written test?
Only if you qualify for the Even Exchange program and have one of the listed MOS.
Where can I find more information?
Official DMV pages on Veterans and Active Duty Military or Truck Drivers.
Additional Resources for Veterans Seeking a CDL
- California DMV Veterans Guide: dmv.ca.gov veterans page
- Commercial Driver’s License main page
- FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver information
- California CDL Handbook (free PDF on DMV site)
Ready to transition your military skills into a civilian CDL career? Download the DL 965 PDF today, get your commanding officer’s signature, and visit your local DMV field office. This simple form can be the fastest route from service to the driver’s seat of a commercial truck in California.
Last updated: April 2026 (based on current DMV resources and REV. 7/2024 form). Always verify the latest version directly on dmv.ca.gov before submitting.