The executive order relaxes some federal rules about who can drive commercial trucks, but your state's licensing requirements stay the same
In September 2024, the federal government issued an executive order directing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to explore allowing certain drivers to operate commercial trucks without holding a full Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The order does not automatically change your state's rules or remove the CDL requirement—it instructs federal agencies to study whether the rules can be loosened and to work with states on potential changes.
What this means for you depends on whether you drive commercially now, want to start, or straightforward renew your existing license. Your state still controls who can legally drive a truck on its roads. Federal changes, if they happen, would take months or years to roll out and would require your state to adopt them.
Key Takeaways
- The executive order does not when ready change CDL requirements—it directs federal agencies to study possible changes and work with states.
- Your state's licensing rules remain in effect now; any changes would require your state to update its own regulations.
- The order focuses on certain truck categories and driver situations, not all commercial driving.
- If you hold a CDL now, your license and renewal process are not affected by this order.
- If you are considering commercial truck driving, check your state's current CDL requirements before assuming rules have changed.
What the executive order actually directs federal agencies to do
The order asks the FMCSA to examine whether drivers can operate certain trucks—primarily smaller commercial vehicles or those used in specific industries—without a full CDL. It also directs the agency to coordinate with state motor vehicle departments to understand how such changes could work within each state's licensing system.
The order does not create new rules itself. It is a directive to study the issue and propose changes. Federal agencies typically take 6 to 18 months to complete such reviews, and any actual rule change would require a formal rulemaking process that includes public comment periods and further coordination with states.
The focus appears to be on categories like small trucks used in agriculture, certain commercial vehicles under a specific weight threshold, or drivers in particular industries. The exact scope is still being defined by the FMCSA.
Why your state's CDL rules matter more than the federal order
Commercial driving is regulated at both the federal and state level. Federal rules set minimum safety standards, but each state issues the actual license and decides who must hold a CDL to drive commercially within its borders. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency has the final say on licensing requirements.
Even if the federal government changes its rules, your state would have to adopt those changes through its own regulatory process. Some states move quickly; others take years. A few states might not adopt federal changes at all, keeping stricter rules in place.
If you are renewing a CDL now or explore for one, follow your state's current requirements. Do not assume the executive order has already changed your state's rules—it has not.
How this might affect commercial truck drivers in the future
If the FMCSA eventually proposes rules allowing certain drivers to operate trucks without a full CDL, the impact would depend on which truck categories are included. Drivers of very small commercial vehicles or those in specific industries might face fewer licensing barriers. Drivers of larger trucks or those in general freight would likely still need a CDL.
For drivers already holding a CDL, nothing changes. Your license remains valid and your renewal process stays the same. For new drivers considering commercial truck work, the timeline matters: if you need to drive commercially in the next year or two, you should pursue a CDL through your state's normal process rather than wait for potential federal changes.
The order may also affect how states structure their licensing tiers. Some states might create new license categories for smaller trucks or specific uses, separate from the traditional CDL. This would happen gradually, state by state, over several years.
What you need to do about your current license
If you hold a CDL and are renewing it, nothing in this executive order changes your renewal process. You still need to pass the required tests, provide medical certification if your state requires it, and pay the renewal fee. Renew through your state's DMV as you normally would.
If you do not hold a CDL but drive a truck commercially, you are already required to have one under current law. The executive order does not change that requirement today. Continue to follow your state's CDL rules.
If you are considering getting a CDL for the first time, research your state's current requirements now. You will need to pass written tests on traffic laws and truck operation, pass a skills test with an actual vehicle, and provide a valid medical certificate. The timeline is typically 4 to 8 weeks from start to license in hand, depending on your state and how quickly you schedule tests.
How to stay informed about changes in your state
The best source for updates is your state's DMV or Department of Transportation website. These agencies will post any changes to CDL requirements as soon as they are adopted. You can also contact your state's commercial driver licensing office directly to ask whether any changes are planned.
The FMCSA maintains information about federal rulemaking at fmcsa.dot.gov. If you want to track the executive order's progress, you can check that site for notices about proposed rules. However, do not expect changes to your state's requirements until well after any federal rule is finalized—and even then, only if your state chooses to adopt it.
Industry groups and trucking associations in your state may also send updates to their members. If you work in commercial trucking, staying connected to your industry's professional networks is a practical way to learn about regulatory changes before they take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the executive order mean I no longer need a CDL to drive a commercial truck?
No. The order directs federal agencies to study whether rules can be changed—it does not change the rules themselves. You still need a CDL under current law. Any actual change would take months or years and would require your state to adopt it.
Will my CDL renewal be affected by this executive order?
No. Your renewal process remains the same. You will still need to pass required tests, provide medical certification if your state requires it, and pay the renewal fee through your state's DMV.
What if I want to start driving commercial trucks—should I wait for the rules to change?
If you need to drive commercially in the next year or two, pursue your CDL now through your state's normal process. Changes from this executive order are not expected for at least a year or two, and may never happen in your state.
How will I know when my state changes its CDL requirements?
Check your state's DMV or Department of Transportation website regularly, or contact your state's commercial driver licensing office directly. They will post any changes to requirements as soon as they are adopted.
Does this executive order explore to all trucks or only certain types?
The order focuses on certain truck categories and specific industries, not all commercial trucks. The FMCSA is still defining which trucks would be affected if rules change. Larger trucks and general freight operations would likely still require a CDL.