The Trump administration has ordered the closure of 270 commercial driver's license (CDL) schools nationwide, citing widespread violations including the licensing of drivers unable to speak English and the operation of substandard training facilities. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the crackdown Monday, stating that schools found to be graduating individuals who pose a risk to public safety are no longer permitted to operate.
Of the schools shut down, 110 were cited for graduating approximately 5,000 enrollees who were later found to be deficient in English language proficiency. Duffy emphasized that English proficiency is a long-standing requirement for operating commercial vehicles and that schools knowingly bypassed this standard. "We're going to have truck drivers," Duffy stated, "We're not gonna have a problem."
An additional 160 schools were suspended for failing to meet federal training facility standards, with some facilities reportedly consisting of little more than a single truck or a small parking lot. The federal government sets national standards for the approximately 31,000 CDL training schools across the United States, while states issue the licenses that allow holders to cross state lines.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Derek Barrs highlighted specific cases, mentioning "Platinum Plus Truck Driving School in California" which certified 36 drivers later cited for English language violations, one of whom was involved in a fatal incident in Oklahoma. Another school, "ASC Technical Institute in Texas," certified 58 drivers, one of whom caused a fatal accident in Texas. Barrs added that each of the 110 schools closed for English proficiency issues had passed at least 10 drivers subsequently found to lack the required language skills during roadside inspections.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, a former CDL holder, stated that his agency is also investigating individuals working at DMVs who may be accepting payments to help individuals bypass CDL requirements, potentially involving cartels. He noted that hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries have occurred in crashes involving non-English speaking truck drivers since January 2025, with California issuing a significant number of licenses to drivers involved in these incidents.
Duffy asserted that the crackdown would not lead to a shortage of qualified truck drivers, stressing the administration's focus on ensuring that those behind the wheel are properly trained and proficient. The operation is part of a broader effort to enhance road safety and enforce federal regulations within the commercial trucking industry.