Senator Pushes for More CDL Drivers in North Dakota

Hoeven working with federal agency to expand commercial driver's license program in agricultural and energy state

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:40pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal truck gearshift, a stack of official-looking documents, and a set of car keys, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background to represent the abstract concepts of transportation, regulation, and economic growth in North Dakota's key industries.A conceptual still life highlighting the regulatory and logistical challenges of maintaining a robust commercial trucking industry to support North Dakota's vital agricultural and energy sectors.Washington Today

Senator John Hoeven is collaborating with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to complete an audit of North Dakota's commercial driver's license (CDL) program. Once the audit is finished, it will provide a clearer path for the state to train and hire more CDL operators, which are in high demand to move equipment used in farming and other major industries in the agricultural and energy powerhouse state.

Why it matters

North Dakota's economy is heavily reliant on the agriculture and energy sectors, which require a robust network of commercial truck drivers to transport critical equipment and supplies. Expanding the CDL program will help address a shortage of qualified drivers in the state and support the continued growth of these key industries.

The details

Senator Hoeven says the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Derek Barrs is finalizing an audit of North Dakota's CDL program. Once complete, the state will have the green light to issue non-domiciled CDLs again, but applicants will need to show proper paperwork to obtain a license. This audit and subsequent changes are expected to provide a clearer path for the state to train and hire more CDL operators, who are in high demand to support North Dakota's agriculture and energy sectors.

  • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration audit of North Dakota's CDL program is nearing completion.

The players

Senator John Hoeven

A United States Senator representing North Dakota who is working to expand the state's commercial driver's license program.

Derek Barrs

An official with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration who is conducting an audit of North Dakota's CDL program.

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What’s next

Once the audit is complete, North Dakota will be able to resume issuing non-domiciled CDLs, although applicants will need to provide proper documentation.

The takeaway

Expanding North Dakota's commercial driver's license program is crucial to supporting the state's vital agriculture and energy sectors, which rely heavily on a robust network of truck drivers to transport critical equipment and supplies.