CDL Training for Veterans
Start Your Civilian Truck Driving Career with TransTech
TransTech offers VA-approved CDL training for veterans, active-duty service members, and families across NC, SC, and GA. Military experience operating heavy vehicles gives students a head start on a truck-driving career.
Who is Eligible for VA Education Benefits?
Veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and eligible dependents can apply their VA education benefits at their campus. Confirm current approval status and program details with an enrollment coordinator.
Can Veterans Skip Part of CDL Testing?
Veterans with heavy military vehicle experience may qualify for one of two FMCSA programs:
- Military Skills Test Waiver. Waives the CDL driving (skills) test for service members who operated a military CMV equivalent for at least two years. Must be currently licensed or have held a qualifying position within the past 12 months. Written knowledge tests are still required. Over 40,000 veterans have used this program (Source: FMCSA).
- Even Exchange Program. Waives both the knowledge and skills tests for qualifying MOSs, including transportation and motor vehicle operators across all branches. State procedures vary. See fmcsa.dot.gov for qualifying MOS codes.
Both programs reduce the time and cost of earning a CDL. Ask an enrollment coordinator which applies.
What VA benefit programs does TransTech accept?
| Program | Who It Covers | What It Pays |
| Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill® | Veterans who served on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001 | Tuition and fees, plus a monthly housing allowance (BAH) based on program length and zip code |
| Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB) | Veterans who contributed to MGIB while on active duty | Monthly payments to offset training costs |
| Chapter 1606 – MGIB Selected Reserve | Reserve and National Guard members actively serving | Monthly education payments for approved programs |
| Chapter 31 –Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) | Veterans with service-connected disabilities | Tuition, books, and supplies; often covers full training costs |
| Chapter 35 – Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) | Dependents of veterans who are deceased or permanently disabled due to service | Monthly education payments |
| DoD Tuition Assistance (TA) | Active-duty service members | Covers a portion of tuition costs per semester hour |
| Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) | Spouses of active-duty service members (specific pay grades) | Up to $4,000 toward approved training programs |
Stacking benefits. VA benefits can sometimes be combined with state-level veteran education programs in NC, SC, and GA. A VSO can review the full picture at no cost.

VetStart
TransTech’s VetStart program gives US military veterans additional support in their journey to obtaining a CDL. New veteran enrollments after Dec. 8, 2025 will receive:
- Transportation Support: A $50 gas card for each of the first two weeks of enrollment
- A PPE/Swag Package that includes a high-vis t-shirt and hat
- Dedicated GI Bill Enrollment Coordinator to assist with the application process
- Veteran Instructor “Buddy” to provide regular, personalized support
- Priority Seating to ensure you start when you’re ready
Ask your enrollment coordinator for more details on the VetStart program.
Military Bases Near TransTech Campuses
TransTech welcomes students from military bases across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, including:
North Carolina
- Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg)
- Pope Army Airfield
- Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
- Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
- Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
- S. Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center (ALC)
- Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
- 145th Airlift Wing (NC Air National Guard)
- North Carolina National Guard
South Carolina
- Joint Base Charleston
- Fort Jackson
- Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Georgia
- Dobbins Air Reserve Base
Why do Veterans Choose Truck Driving?
Military experience maps directly to commercial driving. Veterans who operated heavy vehicles or worked in transportation MOSs already know pre-trip inspections, load awareness, and safety discipline, skills that carry over on day one of training.
The career holds up financially. The BLS reported a median annual wage of $57,440 for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers as of May 2024 (SOC 53-3032). Many carriers actively recruit veterans. A CDL also transfers state to state, which matters for veterans who relocate.
How Does Enrollment Work for Veterans?
- Contact TransTech. Speak with an enrollment coordinator who has GI Bill experience.
- Confirm benefits. Identify the applicable program and confirm VA approval for the chosen campus.
- Check for waivers. Determine whether the Skills Test Waiver or Even Exchange Program applies.
- Enroll and select a start date. VetStart support begins at enrollment.
- Begin training. Class A CDL programs move from classroom to behind-the-wheel on a structured schedule.
Ready to Start?
Contact us now: call 844-633-9308 or request more information on this page.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information, visit the official VA website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does CDL training take at TransTech?
Class A CDL training typically runs three to four weeks for full-time students, depending on campus and class availability. Classroom and range hours are still required regardless of military background.
Does TransTech help students apply for GI Bill benefits, or do students handle that themselves?
TransTech has a School Certifying Official (SCO) on staff who submits enrollment certifications to the VA. Students initiate their own benefit claims, but TransTech’s GI Bill coordinator assists with documentation throughout the process.
Can a veteran use VA benefits and a state veteran education benefit at the same time?
In some cases, yes. NC, SC, and GA each have state-level programs that may supplement federal VA benefits. A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) can review the full picture at no cost.
Does TransTech accept the DoD Tuition Assistance program?
Yes, for eligible active-duty service members. Each branch runs its own TA application process. Apply through the branch education office and coordinate approval with TransTech’s enrollment team before the class start date.
Is a DD-214 required to enroll at TransTech using VA benefits?
A DD-214 is typically required for most VA education benefit applications. Active-duty members who have not yet separated should use current orders and coordinate with their base education office. TransTech’s enrollment coordinator can advise on documentation requirements.