The End of “CDL Mills”: A Massive Federal Audit is Reshaping Trucker Training

The Trump Administration continues its efforts to reduce the number of fatal crashes involving semi-trucks by going after commercial driving schools.

Over 550 Driving Schools Don’t Make the Grade

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 550 sham CDL training schools were found in violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s standards of safety. Over 300 investigators were part of the FMCSA effort that involved 1,426 site visits, spread across 50 states. These “schools” received notices of proposed removal from FMCSA’s national training provider registry. Another 109 schools removed themselves from the registry of schools when they learned inspections were planned.

Reputable Schools Welcome the Investigation

Jeffery Burkhardt, Seniorr Director Of Operations - Commercial Driver Training at Ancora, tells KWTX that established schools support the investigation to weed out schools that are substandard. He said the driving school standards that were passed in 2022 have not been enforced until now. According to KWTX, a major problem with the driver certification process is that CDL schools and trucking companies can self-certify themselves when operations begin.

The Findings of the Investigation

Investigators found businesses posing as schools using fake addresses, employing unqualified teachers, improperly training students in the handling and transportation of hazardous materials, and other violations. Even scarier, one of the schools in violation of safety standards offered training for school bus drivers.

How Many Truck Drivers Were Certified by Sham Schools?

A Department of Transportation official tells KWTX that as of now, it isn’t known how many unqualified truck drivers are on the nation’s roads, but that the department may follow up on the graduates at a later time.

Additional Efforts to Clean Up the Trucking Industry

The Trump Administration along with lawmakers are taking steps to ensure accountability. States must get their commercial driver’s license programs in order or lose federal funds. Truck drivers must also be fluent in English to be licensed. California has been taken to task for giving CDL’s to illegal immigrants. Illinois may lose 128 million dollars in federal funds due to improper licensing. Texas is one of 10 states listed by the feds as having improper licensing issues.