More than 550 commercial driver training schools across the United States have either voluntarily withdrawn or face removal from the national training provider list following a major crackdown by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). This extensive operation involved over 1,400 raids conducted across all 50 states over five days, with more than 300 investigators participating. The crackdown revealed hundreds of schools in violation of standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The US Department of Transportation's campaign targets commercial driver training schools. Photo: Carscoops.

The alleged violations were diverse, according to the DOT. Issues ranged from schools operating with fraudulent addresses and lacking qualified instructors to failing to properly train drivers on hazardous materials transport. Some institutions were found using unsuitable vehicles, including those not appropriate for the type of training offered. Others reportedly did not adequately test students on basic requirements, while some schools admitted they did not even meet state regulations.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that for too long, the trucking industry operated like "the wild west," where everything was permitted and unquestioned. He added that his team is now tightening every link in the supply chain that allowed this lawlessness to compromise safety on America's roads.

This latest effort is part of a larger initiative focused on truck driver safety. In 2025, the US government addressed drivers who were not proficient in English, ensuring they could answer official questions and understand traffic signs. More recently, the DOT implemented changes to prevent unqualified foreign nationals from obtaining commercial truck and bus licenses. This effort primarily focuses on background checks and requiring proof of work authorization.