OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives recently gave the green light to legislation making it easier for more Oklahomans to receive their commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) by addressing inefficiencies in the current process. This will steer more commercial truck drivers, on the Oklahoma Works critical occupations list, onto the road and help school districts recruit bus drivers.

House Bill 2750, authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, eliminates barriers in the process to acquire a CDL by allowing approved third-parties to proctor the written exam at locations throughout the state. Currently, the skills test required to receive a CDL may be proctored by either Service Oklahoma or a third-party, but the written test may only be administered by a state employee.

"CDL-licensed drivers are vital to our state's and nation's economies, as they ensure that product and people get where they’re needed in a timely manner," Miller said. "House Bill 2750 helps to build in efficiency to the supply chains and ensure faster deliveries. Utilizing both public and private entities as testing facilities will alleviate the pressure on Service Oklahoma and help fill the need in our state to put more commercial drivers on the road."

In 2021, there was a shortage of over 5,700 CDL-licensed drivers in Oklahoma, causing delays, complications and backlogs in the day-to-day operations of businesses and challenges for our schools.

HB2750 passed the House 92-0 and now moves to the Senate.