Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Program (CMVOST)
🏛 DOT-Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that deliver Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operator training and safety education to future Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations, for-profit training providers, educational institutions, or government agencies capable of providing structured CDL training. Priority is given to training programs serving current and former U.S. Armed Forces members, National Guard members, Reservists, and eligible military family members. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to deliver quality, safety-focused CMV training and track trainee outcomes.
Organizations must have infrastructure to support classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. They should be able to serve the priority population and document training completion rates. Eligible activities include instructor training, curriculum development, and equipment for training purposes.
This grant is for organizations that deliver Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operator training and safety education to future Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations, for-profit training providers, educational institutions, or government agencies capable of providing structured CDL training. Priority is given to training programs serving current and former U.S. Armed Forces members, National Guard members, Reservists, and eligible military family members. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to deliver quality, safety-focused CMV training and track trainee outcomes.
Organizations must have infrastructure to support classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. They should be able to serve the priority population and document training completion rates. Eligible activities include instructor training, curriculum development, and equipment for training purposes.
Program description
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) grant program provides
financial assistance to organizations that provide CMV operator training to future CDL holders in
the safe use of commercial motor vehicles. The program priority is providing training to current
and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard members and
Reservists, as well as certain military family members.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- City / Municipal Government
- Community College
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations that deliver Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operator training and safety education to future Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations, for-profit training providers, educational institutions, or government agencies capable of providing structured CDL training. Priority is given to training programs serving current and former U.S. Armed Forces members, National Guard members, Reservists, and eligible military family members. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to deliver quality, safety-focused CMV training and track trainee outcomes.
Organizations must have infrastructure to support classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. They should be able to serve the priority population and document training completion rates. Eligible activities include instructor training, curriculum development, and equipment for training purposes.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Proof of training program accreditation or certification
Program contact
- 👤 DOT-Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- 📧 support@grants.gov
- 📞 202-754-2031
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 20.235 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$316,000
-
$200,000
-
$200,000
-
$200,000
-
$200,000
-
$199,988
-
$199,080
-
$197,410
-
$196,350
-
$196,000
Top States by Funding
- PA 16 awards $1.9M
- TX 15 awards $1.6M
- VA 10 awards $1.5M
- IA 9 awards $1.2M
- MD 9 awards $1.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 20.235). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,400,000 | |
| 2025 | $3,400,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $3,400,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for CMVOST funding?
Nonprofits, training providers, schools, and government agencies that offer CMV/CDL training. Priority goes to programs serving military members and families.
What is the deadline and funding amount?
The deadline is June 17, 2026. Awards typically reach approximately $200,000, though exact amounts vary.
Can my organization apply if we don't currently serve military members?
Yes, but preference is given to programs serving active duty, former military, Guard, Reserves, and military families. Demonstrating willingness to serve this population helps.
What activities does the grant cover?
Training delivery, instructor development, curriculum materials, and training equipment like simulators or vehicles for instructional use.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing is not required for this grant. You can apply with 100% grant funding.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your track record with military-connected populations if you serve them. Include metrics on trainee completion and employment outcomes.
- Clearly describe your training curriculum and instructor qualifications. Safety performance data strengthens applications.
- Budget for instructor salaries, facility costs, and equipment maintenance. Be specific about how funds will improve training quality.
- Highlight partnerships with veterans' organizations, military bases, or workforce boards. These demonstrate community buy-in.
- Address equity and accessibility in your proposal. Explain how you'll serve underrepresented groups within the CMV industry.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often lack concrete performance metrics or fail to show military population connections. Weak budget narratives that don't explain how training infrastructure improves safety outcomes get rejected. Vague descriptions of instructor qualifications and training methodology reduce competitiveness.
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