Reeves Waives Testing Requirements for Veterans

Gov. Tate Reeves signed a bill  on Friday that will require the Commission of Public Safety to offer commercial driver’s licenses test waivers for military members and veterans who have established training and experience operating heavy military vehicles.

The bill, which revises Mississippi’s commercial driver’s license qualification standards, received unanimous support in both the House and Senate.

“This legislation offers streamlined job opportunities to our soldiers and airmen serving in the Mississippi National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, adjutant general of Mississippi. “It allows our service members to use their military training and experience to advance their civilian career.”

The issue arose recently when a freight company in Grenada reached out to a nearby National Guard training center, figuring the drivers and mechanics on military vehicles would be a perfect fit for his business.

Despite having 20 vacancies to fill, not one military man applied. The reason: no commercial driver’s license.

“This is a great day for Mississippi veterans and our brave men and women serving in the military,” Reeves said. “Our nation needs approximately 80,000 truck drivers just to keep up with current transportation needs,.

“This bill offers more job opportunities for military service members, provides a resolution for our transportation demands and strengthens our supply chain.”