DOT announces grant program to strengthen CDL licensing standards

The DOT seeks to remove unqualified truck drivers from the roads and strengthen CDL licensing standards.

Among the most recent efforts by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to remove unqualified truck drivers from the nation’s roadways and, at the same time, strengthen Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) standards, is a $118 million grant fund. On December 30, the DOT announced that it will allocate these funds to reinforce enforcement of commercial motor vehicle regulations.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the agency supports “aggressive” enforcement to achieve this goal, investing in cutting-edge technology to make roads safer while also supporting veterans interested in careers in the trucking industry. “Under President Trump’s leadership, our department’s number one mission is to ensure that all Americans make it home safely,” the secretary said in the DOT statement.

🚛 Over $118M in grants awarded by @USDOT’s @FMCSA to modernize CDL systems, strengthen enforcement, and expand driver training opportunities for veterans.
These grants are about giving our partners the tools they need to be effective.
🔗 https://t.co/t2nmzC4i5d… pic.twitter.com/1F6JqO0ejt
— FMCSA (@FMCSA) December 30, 2025

DOT competitive grant programs

Funding is awarded through three key competitive grant programs administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These grants provide critical resources to state and local partners with the goal of reducing crashes through data-driven enforcement. According to the DOT statement, the investments will also strengthen the integrity of the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) system to ensure that only qualified drivers are allowed to operate.

The FMCSA will award the following funds:

$71.6 million in High Priority (HP) grants – Supporting state and local efforts to reduce commercial motor vehicle (CMV)–related crashes, improve safety data projects, conduct public awareness campaigns, and carry out high-visibility enforcement targeting unsafe driving.
$43.8 million in Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI) grants – To ensure that the commercial driver’s license issuance process is secure, accurate, and resistant to fraud.
$3.4 million in Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) grants – Dedicated to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and reservists, as well as their families.

Ensuring safety in the trucking industry

The grant program aims to ensure that only fully qualified drivers are eligible to obtain and retain a CDL. This initiative follows an increase in cases involving non-domiciled licenses and violations related to a lack of English Language Proficiency (ELP).

The FMCSA seeks to prevent and reduce roadway crashes by establishing and enforcing safety standards for commercial driver’s licenses. To that end, the agency analyzes data and sponsors research to support enforcement activities and educational programs within the trucking industry. In this context, funds have been awarded that, according to statements from the DOT and the FMCSA, will help advance affordable, effective roadway safety for all.