Login | October 16, 2026
New round of Tax Credit Assistance open for commercial driver's license training
Published: October 16, 2026
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Ohio Department of Development announced applications are open for the fourth round of tax credits aimed at lessening the financial burden on companies offering training for commercial drivers.
The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Program gives employers the opportunity to upskill current and future employees to compete in this high-demand industry.
“As companies continue to invest in Ohio, the need for skilled CDL drivers becomes increasingly important,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “By expanding access to CDL training, we’re helping businesses find the skilled workers they need to grow while opening the door to good-paying, in-demand careers for more Ohioans.”
Employers of all sizes and industries registered to do business in Ohio, and who employ Ohio resident W-2 employees, are eligible to apply. Employers can earn tax credits for half of approved training costs, up to $25,000 in tax credits.
The application period closes at 4 p.m. Dec. 1. Applications are reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The tax credit applies to the credentialing of both current and prospective employees. Eligible training can be conducted by external training providers on the Ohio-approved CDL course provider list or internal qualified training instructors. Credentials must be for Class A or Class B state-issued CDLs and endorsements.
The CDL Training Program was established in Ohio House Bill 66 in the 134th Ohio General Assembly and offers tax credits up to $1.5 million for each calendar year. Applications are released once annually, for calendar years 2023 through 2026.
During the first round of tax credits announced in April 2024, more than $800,000 in tax credits were approved to 60 companies in 36 counties to support the training of approximately 1,300 CDL drivers. In the second round announced in December 2024, more than $140,000 was approved to 10 companies in 10 counties to support the training of approximately 100 CDL drivers. Then in the third round announced in January 2026, more than $258,000 was approved to 18 companies to support the training of approximately 750 CDL drivers.
This program is in addition to a series of CDL improvements for Ohio truck drivers, initiated by InnovateOhio.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at https://development.ohio.gov/.