How Texas CDL License Audit Issues Could Lead to $182M Funding Loss

The Potential Fallout from CDL Audit Issues

The recent turmoil surrounding Texas' commercial driver licenses (CDLs) reveals deep-seated issues that not only affect the state's financial stability but also raise concerns about public safety. Following a federal audit that exposed "systemic" failures in the way Texas issues CDLs, the state could potentially lose a staggering $182 million in highway funding if corrective measures are not implemented. As of December 2025, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that 5,867 drivers have had their commercial driving privileges revoked, a number that is expected to increase as more audits are completed.

Understanding the Audit Findings

The federal government's audit highlighted significant problems, particularly with licenses issued to non-domiciled drivers—those not classified as U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The implications of this audit are serious, especially given that nearly half of the sampled records did not comply with federal regulations.

More alarmingly, some drivers were found to retain their CDLs years after their legal authorization to work had expired. For instance, nearly 49% of a sample of 123 driver records had issued licenses long after their work visas had lapsed.

A Broader National Concern

This isn’t just a Texas problem; states across the country face similar challenges. California, for example, recently revoked nearly 21,000 non-domiciled CDLs after discovering systemic failures in their licensing process. This nationwide audit comes in the wake of fatal incidents involving commercial drivers, some of whom were unauthorized to be in the U.S., prompting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to take a more stringent stance on CDL issuances.

Public Safety at Risk

Safety experts are deeply concerned about the ramifications of these findings. Dale Prax, a trucking safety advocate, emphasized the risks associated with allowing individuals without lawful status to operate commercial vehicles. He pointed out that some drivers were able to obtain a CDL while not having the necessary employment authorization documents, raising significant safety concerns for all road users.

Additionally, the public is worried about the moral and ethical implications of issuing licenses without adequate background checks and compliance with federal regulations.

The Role of Texas Transportation Authorities

In light of the audit's findings, Governor Greg Abbott has mandated stricter enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers and called for the pause on issuing intrastate CDLs for those unable to communicate effectively. The DPS has acknowledged the need to address these issues and has initiated a thorough review and audit of the license issuance process to ensure compliance.

Taking Action: The Road Ahead

As audits continue and the state grapples with implementing necessary reforms, the urgency for action intensifies. Texas must not only comply with federal requirements but also restore public trust in its transportation authorities. The unfortunate possibility of losing millions in federal funding compels Texas to act decisively.

Experts believe that by enhancing regulatory oversight and improving the CDL issuance process, Texas can avert potential funding losses and ensure that public safety remains a priority.

Conclusion: A Critical Turning Point

The issues surrounding Texas' commercial driver licenses are emblematic of deeper problems in auto-regulatory supervision and accountability. Stakeholders, from government agencies to the driving public, need to commit to a transparent process that ensures the integrity and safety of commercial driving in Texas.

As Texas navigates this critical moment, it will be essential for the state to implement robust changes swiftly to retain federal funding and promote road safety.