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Motor Vehicle Operating
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in the operation of gasoline, diesel, or electric powered wheeled vehicles to haul cargo and fuel, transport passengers, or to tow or recover equipment. The vehicles are driven in restricted traffic environments on Government installations, over public roads and highways, or under cross-country conditions. Also included are motor vehicles which have special-purpose or auxiliary devices where a knowledge of such devices does not exceed the level o
What WG-5703 pays
Federal Wage System pay is set by local prevailing wage surveys, so it moves with the wage area rather than a national table.
Wage Grade rates are published per wage area rather than nationally, so the number that matters is the one for the installation you are applying to.
Source: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service wage schedules.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for WG-5703, as written.
Motor Vehicle Operating
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in the operation of gasoline, diesel, or electric powered wheeled vehicles to haul cargo and fuel, transport passengers, or to tow or recover equipment. The vehicles are driven in restricted traffic environments on Government installations, over public roads and highways, or under cross-country conditions. Also included are motor vehicles which have special-purpose or auxiliary devices where a knowledge of such devices does not exceed the level of knowledge and skill required to operate the vehicle safely.
Skill and Knowledge Requirements
to operate these vehicles over a variety of roads including interstate highways, narrow country roads, and on steep winding grades. Also, because of the size and weight of these vehicles, drivers are knowledgeable about which routes may be legally driven and the overpass clearances and other restrictions on such routes. The drivers of refueling vehicles know the operating procedures and regulations pertaining to driving vehicles in close proximity to aircraft. They have skill to maneuver the vehicles around parked aircraft and to back vehicles close to aircraft using hand signals from a spotter. They know the Federal, State, and installation safety regulations regarding the transportation of flammable liquids. They also know safety regulations regarding aircraft fueling operations, including hot operations where refueling is accomplished with the aircraft engines running and emergency shutdown procedures. U.S. Office of Personnel Management 9 Motor Vehicle Operating, 5703 TS-61 April 1991 The drivers of passenger buses have knowledge of safe braking distances because of the weight and size of the bus and the added weight of the passengers. They also know when mechanical or operational problems indicate that the bus is unsafe to drive and should be recovered by a tow vehicle. The drivers of vehicles equipped with special-purpose accessory equipment know how to operate power takeoff controls of equipment with more complex functions than the equipment at the grade 6 level. Also, this equipment has more intricate operating characteristics than equipment at the lower levels which makes its manipulation and control more difficult. For example, the driver may operate a large snow blower or very large snow plows such as rollover or v-blades for removing deep snow. Consequently, considerable judgment and experience are used to perform supplemental operations.
Physical Effort
in reaching, bending, turning, or moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to operate hand and foot controls. They exert moderate physical effort in the frequent handling of objects weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds), and the occasional handling of heavier objects while loading cargo, with the assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. U.S. Office of Personnel Management 4 Motor Vehicle Operating, 5703 TS-61 April 1991
Working Conditions
involved in performing the work. However, gross vehicle weight provides a frame of reference from which to conduct a complete analysis and evaluation of a position. Therefore, gross vehicle weight is being retained as a means of establishing a framework in grade analysis for straight-in-line vehicles, i.e., vehicles that are unitized with the axles, power source or cab portion of the vehicle and load carrying body all on the same chassis. This indicator does not directly apply to passenger buses, passenger ambulance buses, or motor coaches. The final grade level for all vehicle operating positions will be based on a thorough consideration of the four grading factors of the total job. U.S. Office of Personnel Management 3 Motor Vehicle Operating, 5703 TS-61 April 1991 MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR,
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for WG-5703
1Review Trade/Craft Requirements
WG positions require demonstrated skill in a specific trade or craft. Review the job announcement for required certifications, licenses, and hands-on experience.
2Document Your Experience
WG positions are experience-based, not grade-based. Document your years of hands-on trade experience, apprenticeships completed, and journeyman status if applicable.
3Gather Credentials
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages, the same USAJOBS limit that has applied since 27 September 2025. Lead with hands-on trade experience: the tools and equipment you ran, safety training, the projects you finished, and hours worked per week.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for WG positions in your trade specialty, carefully answer assessment questions about your skill level and experience, and submit before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Engineer Equipment Operator
Motor vehicle operator - CDL equivalent and heavy vehicle experience
Skills that carry over: Vehicle operation, CDL, Heavy transport, Safety compliance.
Usually opens at: WG-6, WG-8, WG-10.
Motor Vehicle Operator
Motor vehicle operator.
Skills that carry over: Vehicle Operations, Cargo Transport, Safety.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-7.
Vehicle Operations
Motor vehicle operator.
Skills that carry over: Vehicle Operations, Transportation.
Usually opens at: GS-5, GS-7.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Perform motor vehicle operating tasks as assigned
- Follow safety procedures and regulations
- Maintain and operate tools and equipment
- Complete work orders and documentation
- Coordinate with team members and supervisors
Key competencies
to operate these vehicles over a variety of roads including interstate highways, narrow country roads, and on steep winding grades. Also, because of the size and weight of these vehicles, drivers are
Ability to follow safety procedures and regulations
Knowledge of tools and equipment for the trade
Skill in performing physical tasks requiring manual dexterity
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about WG-5703
What is a federal Motor Vehicle Operator?
A Motor Vehicle Operator (WG-5703) operates gasoline, diesel, or electric wheeled vehicles to haul cargo, transport passengers, or tow/recover equipment. They drive on government installations, public highways, or cross-country conditions operating vehicles with special-purpose devices.
How much does a federal Motor Vehicle Operator make?
Federal Motor Vehicle Operators (WG-5703) are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Typical wages range $18-$30 per hour depending on vehicle type and locality. Annual earnings range $37,000-$62,000. Commercial vehicle operators earn higher rates.
What are the requirements for WG-5703 positions?
WG-5703 requires valid driver's license appropriate for the vehicle operated. Commercial vehicles require CDL. Qualifications include safe driving record, ability to operate various vehicle types, knowledge of transportation regulations, and cargo securing procedures.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-5703?
Absolutely. Military driving experience directly qualifies. Army 88M (Motor Transport Operator), Marine vehicle operators, and any MOS involving vehicle operation provides relevant experience. Military CDL holders have strong qualifications for federal positions.
What is the career progression for Motor Vehicle Operating?
Motor Vehicle Operators progress based on vehicle complexity and CDL endorsements. Career paths include transportation dispatcher, vehicle fleet management, or transition to WG-5716 (Tractor-Trailer) for heavy combination vehicles.
How do I apply for WG-5703 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Motor Vehicle Operator' or 'Driver' or series '5703.' Positions exist at virtually every federal installation. Maintain valid license/CDL, clean driving record, and highlight your vehicle operation experience. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to apply for WG-5703?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.