Veterans who operated commercial vehicles during their service no longer will be required to take the “knowledge test” when applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Act 131 was announced Wednesday by the state departments of Transportation and Military and Veterans Affairs.

PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said she hopes the measure will help military members transition to civilian life and find sustainable jobs.

The CDL knowledge test can be waived for active or reserve military or recently honorably discharged veterans.

Service members must have at least two years experience operating a commercial motor vehicle as part of their military job requirements.

The waiver applies to CDL applicants looking to drive vehicles similar to those they operated in the military.

Applicants must complete form DL-398, “application for military CDL test waiver,” to request the waiver.

Restriction of some vehicles is included in Act 131.

More information is available at dmv.pa.gov by selecting “driver services,” then “military personnel veterans” from the drop-down menu.

MARS — The Red Cross will have a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. March 1 at the Mars VFW post, 331 Mars-Valencia Road.For more information, visit redcrossblood.org

PENN TWP — Nixon Preschool, 334 Airport Road, is accepting registration for fall classes. Classes are Tuesday/Thursday mornings for 3-year-olds and Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings for 4 to 5 year olds.Individual classroom tours can be scheduled for Feb. 13 by contacting the school at 724-586-7372. More information and registration materials can be found at nixonumchurch.org.