Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI) Grant Toolkit Materials

Talking Points

General Talking Points

• We are proud to be a recipient of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI) Grant for fiscal year (FY) 2024. 
• This grant will help us improve the process to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and be an active partner in improving FMCSA’s National CDL Program. 
  • It also helps us improve road safety by ensuring only qualified drivers can receive and retain a CDL to operate large trucks and buses on our roadways. 
• The grant aligns with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy to achieve the goal of zero fatalities on our roadways. 
  • The number of fatalities on our nation’s roadways involving commercial motor vehicles decreased by an estimated eight percent from 2022 to 2023. 
  • Increased funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us continue to move the needle in the right direction. 
• The grant also highlights the Biden-Harris Administration’s continued commitment to its Trucking Action Plan, helping expedite and streamline CDL processes. 
  • Across the country, these grants will fund projects that streamline and improve CDL processes
• This year, FMCSA awarded nearly $150 million in grant funding. 
• We are excited to receive (insert amount) in grant funding. This funding will help us (insert details about project).

CDLPI Grant Background Info

• The Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI) Grant is an annual discretionary grant from FMCSA. It seeks to improve highway safety by supporting CDL programs on a state and national level. 
• State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) apply for grant projects to increase or maintain their jurisdiction’s compliance with national CDL regulations. 
  • Other types of entities may also apply for grant projects that will have a nationwide impact on improving the National CDL Program. 
• The program focuses on maintaining the concept that each driver has only one driving record and only one licensing document, commonly referred to as “One Driver. One License. One Record.” 
  • It also ensures quality electronic exchange of data between jurisdictions. 
• States are required to conduct knowledge and skills testing before issuing a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or CDL, maintain a complete and accurate driver history record for anyone who obtains a CLP and/or CDL, and to impose driver disqualifications as appropriate.
  • Grants can be used to support and improve any of these state processes. 
• Grants can also be used to develop human trafficking outreach and education materials for CDL drivers.
• The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed into law in November 2021, provides a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure.