DOT Removes Thousands of CDL Training Providers

The U.S. Department of Transportation has removed nearly 3,000 truck driver training providers from the federal Training Provider Registry and warned 4,000 more as part of an escalating crackdown on so-called CDL mills. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the enforcement action on Dec. 1, saying a nationwide review by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found widespread violations of entry-level driver training requirements.

According to DOT, providers were removed for falsifying training records, failing to meet curriculum or instructor standards, or refusing to produce documentation during audits. The registry is designed to ensure new drivers receive proper instruction before testing for commercial driver’s licenses or endorsements.

Training schools now on notice must inform all current students of their potential removal and have 30 days to prove compliance to FMCSA. “If you are unwilling to follow the rules, you have no place training America’s commercial drivers,” FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs said.

Industry leaders, including American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear, applauded the move, calling proper training essential to road safety.

The action is the latest in a series of steps by DOT aimed at eliminating fraudulent licensing practices and improving driver qualifications nationwide. Source: https://www.ttnews.com