A nationwide U.S. Department of Transportation review found that many truck-driver training programs may not be meeting federal minimum standards.
- Nearly 3,000 schools are at risk of losing certification within 30 days if they cannot demonstrate compliance, and another 4,500 programs have been warned they may face similar action.
- Schools that lose certification can no longer issue the training documents required for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), making it likely students will leave those programs.
- Some of the schools identified were inactive.
In a separate initiative, federal officials are auditing certain trucking companies to confirm that their drivers meet CDL eligibility requirements.
Yes, but: Industry groups note that many of the programs under scrutiny appear to be short-duration “CDL mills” offering limited instruction.
- Established training programs typically require at least a month of classroom and behind-the-wheel training.
- According to the Commercial Vehicle Training Association, inadequate programs can leave students unprepared for testing or employment.
DOT officials report that the schools targeted for action often failed to meet training standards or maintain accurate records, and some were found to have falsified data. Some school operators say they closed due to the cost of meeting facility or accreditation requirements.
Trucking industry organizations support efforts to strengthen training oversight, emphasizing the importance of consistent standards and qualified drivers. However, some groups representing immigrant drivers have raised concerns that increased reviews may inadvertently affect qualified drivers or companies.