The commercial trucking industry has always been a natural career choice for military veterans. With their extensive training and experience, veterans often make excellent truck drivers. However, they’ve faced some challenges in obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) due to certain regulations. Fortunately, there’s good news for veterans who want to start a career in trucking. The U.S. Senate has just passed the Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023, which aims to make it easier for veterans to obtain a CDL.
The legislation, which was backed by the American Trucking Associations and the Commercial Vehicle Training Association, removes a two-year waiting period for certain CDL schools that veterans may want to attend using their GI Bill benefits. Previously, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was not allowed to approve CDL courses offered at secondary branches of educational institutions if the branch had not been operating for at least two years. This two-year waiting period made it difficult for veterans to attend CDL programs at newly established branches of institutions.
The new legislation removes this barrier and allows the VA to approve a CDL program for veterans at a new branch as long as it is licensed by the state and uses the same curriculum as the program at the institution’s primary branch. This way, veterans have more options for obtaining a CDL. Removing this waiting period helps veterans who may want to attend a new CDL program in their hometown or close to their families.
Another benefit of the Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act is that it provides access to better training. The legislation ensures that CDL programs offered to veterans meet the same standards as programs offered to civilians. By ensuring that veterans receive the same high-quality training, the act recognizes the importance of safe and professional driving in the trucking industry.
Furthermore, this legislation supports the job market for veterans. The commercial trucking industry is one of the strongest job markets for veterans, and the sector is expected to keep growing. This legislation could help many veterans start a new career in a thriving industry with plenty of job opportunities.
Conclusion
The Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act will make it easier for military veterans to enter the commercial trucking industry, offering them more choices and better training. By eliminating the two-year waiting period and ensuring that veterans receive high-quality training, the legislation could support job growth for veterans and offer a way for them to continue their service through a career in trucking. This is a positive step for both veterans and the trucking industry, and we look forward to seeing more veterans enter the profession.