Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to CDL Bribery Scheme

Defendant admitted to offering cash to a skills tester for a passing score without taking the required exam.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:08am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a commercial driver's license document partially obscured by a hand holding cash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without any text or symbols.A bribery scheme involving a commercial driver's license exam exposes the need for strict oversight to maintain public safety on the roads.Boise Today

A 29-year-old man from Meridian, Idaho has pleaded guilty in federal court to a bribery charge related to a commercial driver's license (CDL) testing scheme. Ryan Basnaw admitted to offering $500 to a CDL skills tester in exchange for a passing score without completing the necessary examination.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of CDL testing, which is critical for public safety on the roads. Bribery schemes like this undermine the credentialing process and can put unqualified drivers behind the wheel of large commercial vehicles.

The details

According to court records, on July 2, 2025, Basnaw offered and agreed to pay $500 to a CDL skills tester in order to receive a passing score without actually taking the required exam. This would have allowed Basnaw to remove three restrictions from his CDL without completing the necessary testing. In Idaho, CDL applicants must pass a skills test administered by examiners contracted through the state's transportation department, which receives federal funding for the program.

  • On July 2, 2025, Basnaw offered and agreed to pay $500 to a CDL skills tester.
  • Basnaw is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2026.

The players

Ryan Basnaw

A 29-year-old man from Meridian, Idaho who pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge related to a commercial driver's license (CDL) testing scheme.

Bart M. Davis

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho who announced Basnaw's guilty plea.

Idaho Transportation Department

The state agency that contracts with examiners to administer CDL skills tests, which receive federal funding.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of CDL testing, which is critical for public safety on the roads.”

— Bart M. Davis, U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho

What’s next

Basnaw is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2026. He faces up to 10 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a potential fine of up to $250,000.

The takeaway

Bribery schemes that undermine the commercial driver's license credentialing process pose serious risks to public safety. This case demonstrates the need for vigilance and strong enforcement to maintain the integrity of CDL testing and ensure only qualified drivers are on the roads.