The US DOT shut down over 550 commercial driver training schools after 1,400 raids across 50 states, exposing safety gaps. Learn the full story now.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched the most extensive enforcement action ever against commercial driver training providers. Over a five‑day period, more than 1,400 raids were carried out in all 50 states, leading to the closure of more than 550 truck and bus driving schools.
Scope of the Operation
More than 300 DOT investigators took part in coordinated sweeps that targeted schools suspected of violating Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards. The operation uncovered hundreds of facilities that failed to meet basic safety and training requirements.
Common Violations
- Fake or misleading school addresses.
- Instructors lacking the mandatory certifications.
- Inadequate training for drivers handling hazardous materials.
- Use of vehicles unsuitable for the type of instruction offered.
- Failure to verify students’ eligibility, including basic driver‑license prerequisites.
- Some schools admitted they did not meet state licensing standards at all.
Immediate Consequences
In response to the findings, 109 schools voluntarily withdrew from the national list of approved training providers. Another 448 received formal notices that they would be removed for not meeting essential safety criteria.
DOT Leadership’s Message
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that, for years, the road‑transport sector operated like a “wild west” where rules were loosely enforced. He said the agency is now tightening every link in the supply‑chain chain to protect motorists nationwide.
Part of a Broader Safety Push
The crackdown is one element of a larger initiative to raise driver competence. By 2025, the federal government plans to bar drivers who lack English proficiency from taking official road tests or interpreting traffic signs.
Recent DOT rule changes also aim to prevent foreign nationals who do not meet strict eligibility standards from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for trucks and buses. The new measures focus heavily on background checks and documentation of work authorization.
What This Means for the Industry
The enforcement action sends a clear signal: training schools must adhere to rigorous federal standards or face removal. For prospective drivers, the crackdown promises higher‑quality instruction and, ultimately, safer roads across the United States.
Looking Ahead
Stakeholders are watching to see how the DOT will enforce compliance moving forward and whether additional regulations will be introduced to close remaining gaps in commercial driver education.