USDOT Inspector General to Audit FMCSA on CDL Issuance Oversight

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has announced that it will initiate an audit of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to "assess FMCSA's oversight of States’ CDL program compliance with regulatory requirements related to CDL knowledge and skills tests." FMCSA plays a central role in ensuring commercial drivers are properly tested and qualified before receiving a CDL—a critical safeguard for the safety of the nation’s roadways. OIG will "conduct [the audit activities] at FMCSA Headquarters in Washington, DC, as well as FMCSA Division Offices and State locations, as necessary."

For CVTA members and the broader driver training community, this development underscores the heightened need for CDL testing oversight and increased enforcement of the interconnected Training Provider Registry. 

The audit will examine FMCSA’s oversight of how states and their third-party testers administer CDL knowledge and skills tests. Federal regulations require CDL applicants to demonstrate competency through both written and skills-based assessments, the latter of which must be conducted exclusively in English. With state licensing agencies and third-party examiners serving as the front line of CDL testing, FMCSA is charged with verifying their compliance with these rules. The OIG will assess whether FMCSA is adequately carrying out this responsibility and ensuring testing integrity nationwide.

CVTA has long emphasized the importance of rigorous standards and strong oversight to protect both students and the motoring public. As the audit progresses, CVTA will closely monitor its findings and potential policy implications, keeping members informed of developments that may impact training programs, state licensing systems, and the drivers our industry prepares for the road.