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GI Bill CDL Training: How Veterans Pay for a CDL

Checked Oct 17, 2026. A short guide to paying for a commercial driver's license (CDL) with the GI Bill, using VA and FMCSA information. Skills for Vets is not affiliated with VA or FMCSA. Rules and approvals change, so confirm on the official pages linked below.

Check free options first: GI Bill benefits are limited. Free and funded CDL programs are listed below.

Can the GI Bill pay for CDL training?

Yes, at an approved program. VA says you can use GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs as a Veteran, service member, member of the National Guard or Reserve, or qualified dependent, and it names truck driving as an example. For the Post-9/11 GI Bill, VA sets your monthly payment from your weekly clock hours, how long you served on active duty, where your classes are, your enrollment dates and your active duty status. (VA: non-college degree programs)

VA can also pay you back for an approved licensing or certification test, up to $2,000 per test, and it charges your entitlement for what it pays. Check VA's search tool to see whether your test is approved. (VA: licensing and certification tests)

How to find an approved CDL school

Use VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool. VA says it lets you search and compare schools and employers with programs approved for Veterans benefits, and filter by on-the-job training, apprenticeships and more. Ask the school to confirm its CDL program is approved before you enroll.

The military CDL skills test waiver

FMCSA says state licensing agencies can accept two years of safely operating military trucks or buses equivalent to civilian commercial vehicles in place of the CDL skills test. You must apply within one year of leaving a military position that required operating a commercial vehicle. FMCSA says every state offers the waiver, each state runs its own, and the standard application includes your commanding officer's endorsement of your safe driving record. Apply through your state's CDL office. (FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver Program; see also our waiver listing)

Free and funded CDL options on Skills for Vets

These listings are paid for by grants, scholarships, employers or free instruction, or (the FMCSA waiver) skip a test. Each one links to its official page.

See all CDL and trucking training

Common questions

Does the GI Bill cover CDL training?

It can, if the program is approved. VA says GI Bill benefits can be used for approved non-college-degree programs, including trade, vocational and technical schools, apprenticeships, and licensing and certification tests. Using the GI Bill uses up entitlement, so check free options first. Skills for Vets lists 7 CDL programs paid for by grants, scholarships, employers or free instruction. CDL and trucking training · VA: non-college degree programs

How do I find GI Bill-approved CDL schools?

Use VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool. VA says it lets you search and compare schools and employers with programs approved for Veterans benefits, and filter by on-the-job training, apprenticeships and more. VA GI Bill Comparison Tool

Are there free CDL programs for veterans?

Some. Skills for Vets lists 7 CDL programs paid for by grants, scholarships, employers or free instruction, plus the FMCSA military skills test waiver. Each listing links to the program's official page, so confirm costs and eligibility there. CDL and trucking training

Can veterans skip the CDL skills test?

Sometimes. FMCSA says state licensing agencies can accept two years of safely operating military trucks or buses equivalent to civilian commercial vehicles in place of the CDL skills test. You must apply within one year of leaving a military position that required operating a commercial vehicle. Each state runs its own waiver, so apply through your state's CDL office. FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver Program

Sources (Checked Oct 17, 2026)

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