FMCSA's September update lists 26 states participating in the military Even Exchange Program and 12 more committed to implementation, while preserving state-specific applications and eligibility checks.
FMCSA updated the program page on September 17
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration updated its Even Exchange Program page on September 17, 2026. The page's September 2026 implementation map lists 26 states as current participants and 12 additional states as committed to implementing the program.
Even Exchange can waive the CDL knowledge test
FMCSA says the program allows qualified military drivers to be exempt from the knowledge test for obtaining a commercial driver's license. When combined with the Military Skills Test Waiver, an eligible driver may exchange qualifying military driving experience for the knowledge and skills testing steps covered by the two programs.
The two military waivers are not the same
The Even Exchange Program addresses the knowledge test for qualifying military drivers. The separate Military Skills Test Waiver addresses the CDL skills test. A state may have different forms and procedures, and a person who qualifies for one path should not assume that every test, endorsement or licensing requirement is automatically waived.
Twenty-six states are shown as participating
FMCSA's green list includes Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, North Carolina, North Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Missouri, South Carolina, Idaho, Georgia, New Mexico, West Virginia, California, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, Ohio, Maine, Utah, Washington, Mississippi, Michigan, Montana, South Dakota and Pennsylvania. The status is the agency's September 2026 snapshot.
Twelve more states are shown as committed
The yellow list identifies Indiana, Wyoming, Maryland, Louisiana, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Connecticut, Nebraska, New Jersey, Alaska and Rhode Island as committed to implementing Even Exchange. A commitment is not the same as an active application process, so applicants should wait for confirmation from the state driver licensing agency.
Eligibility is limited to specified military occupations
FMCSA lists Army 88M Motor Transport Operator, 92F Fueler and 14T Patriot Launching Station Operator; Marine Corps 3531 Motor Vehicle Operator; Navy EO Equipment Operator; and Air Force 2T1 Vehicle Operator, 2F0 Fueler and 3E2 Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator. Military experience outside the listed categories should be evaluated directly with the state rather than assumed eligible.
The skills-waiver timing rule still matters
FMCSA explains that the Military Skills Test Waiver may be used by a person who is currently licensed and is serving, or served within the previous twelve months, in a military position requiring operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle. Applicants should document dates and vehicle duties before that window closes.
States administer the application
49 CFR 383.77 establishes federal minimum standards for state military testing waivers, but FMCSA emphasizes that each state may use a different form and application process. The state driver licensing agency decides how an applicant submits military records, command certifications, license history, identity documents, medical status and other required material.
A waiver does not issue the CDL by itself
The program does not create a federal CDL or allow a person to drive a civilian commercial motor vehicle before the state issues the proper license. Applicants must satisfy the state's remaining CDL requirements, including the commercial learner's permit or licensing sequence when applicable, medical qualification and any required checks or fees.
Endorsement requirements remain separate
A military testing waiver should not be read as automatic approval for passenger, school-bus, hazardous-materials, tanker, doubles/triples or other endorsements. Knowledge tests, skills tests, Entry-Level Driver Training, Transportation Security Administration vetting and state requirements may still apply depending on the endorsement and applicant.
Driving history can affect eligibility
Section 383.77 includes safety-history conditions for military skills-test waivers. Applicants should disclose civilian and military licensing history accurately and let the state evaluate suspensions, disqualifications, convictions and other events. The federal program is intended to recognize qualifying experience, not bypass driver-safety standards.
Use the current state status, not an old map
Program participation changes as states implement procedures and notify FMCSA. A screenshot or older article can misstate whether a state is active. Applicants should start with the current FMCSA page, then confirm the form, deadline, accepted records and appointment process with the state agency before making training, travel or employment plans.
Carriers should verify the issued credential
An employer may value military experience, but the carrier must still verify that the driver holds the correct, valid CDL and endorsements for the assigned vehicle and operation. A waiver approval letter, military operator permit or discharge record is not a substitute for the civilian credential required for the job.
Primary-source note
This report is based on FMCSA's Even Exchange Program page, last updated September 17, 2026, and the current federal military-testing waiver rule in 49 CFR 383.77. The state counts were calculated from FMCSA's green and yellow lists; committed states have not been described as already accepting applications.
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Official sources
FMCSA: Even Exchange Program, updated September 17, 2026FMCSA: Military Skills Test Waiver49 CFR 383.77: Substitute for driving skills tests for drivers with military CMV experienceFMCSA: State Driver Licensing AgenciesCDL Truck Pro provides educational information. Confirm licensing, safety, tax, and regulatory requirements through current official sources and qualified professionals.