Duffy closes 110 driving schools, plans audit of CDL testers

Duffy speaks during a MAGA Inc. event in Sterling Heights, Mich., on Aug. 31. (Sarah Rice/Bloomberg)

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Aug. 31 unveiled a series of anti-fraud measures targeting the trucking industry, including the closure of 110 commercial driver license schools linked to 5,000 drivers who failed English-language proficiency tests and a nationwide audit of state third-party CDL testing programs.

Duffy said 239 people have died on U.S. roadways in crashes “correlated with someone who is not proficient in the English language” since the Trump administration began examining the issue.

“That’s a lot of lost life,” Duffy said.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration used emergency authority to close the 110 schools, which Duffy accused of fraudulently qualifying CDL applicants who could not speak or understand English. He said an analysis of enforcement data identified the schools as “the greatest offenders.”

In addition, FMCSA has shut down 160 other CDL schools for apparent violations, including the absence of facilities for behind-the-wheel training. Some schools had no classrooms, while others used unlicensed instructors.

“Fraud is here, and safety should be demanded by all Americans. This is not a conversation about illegals,” Duffy said. “If you’re here illegally and you can’t speak the language and you’re not well trained, you don’t deserve to be in a big rig to drive on American roads, endangering American citizens.”

FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs said the 110 schools were being shut down for alleged willful disregard of federal regulations. “Every single one of these schools passed at least 10 drivers who were subsequently cited for English-language proficiency [violations] during roadside inspections by law enforcement,” he said.

He noted one school that processed 36 drivers who were later cited for English-language violations and linked to a fatal crash in Oklahoma. He also pointed to a Texas technical institute that allegedly certified 58 drivers, including a trainee involved in a fatal crash after running a stop sign.

Barrs said 30,000 drivers have been placed out of service for English-language proficiency violations.

New state audit, enforcement surge

A separate enforcement initiative will scrutinize states’ oversight of third-party examiners that administer CDL knowledge and skills tests. Under FMCSA regulations, states must oversee third-party testing programs to ensure compliance with federal and state standards.

Duffy said investigators identified 10 skills examiners who issued more than 2,000 CDLs to drivers who lacked English-language proficiency.

FMCSA will work with Homeland Security Investigations to audit state-authorized third-party CDL testers nationwide.

“If the states do not do what they’re supposed to be doing, then there are consequences that will come with those states,” Barrs said.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin identified California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Virginia as states with problematic CDL issuance patterns.

FMCSA said it can hold states accountable for authorizing testers who fail to meet federal requirements. The agency will send formal notices requiring corrective action plans to governors of allegedly noncompliant states and state driver licensing agencies.

If deficiencies are not resolved, FMCSA may withhold up to 4% of federal highway funds, with the penalty doubling for each subsequent year of noncompliance. The agency also can decertify a state, preventing it from issuing, renewing, transferring or upgrading CDLs.

Meanwhile, HSI announced a “synchronized surge” beginning Aug. 31 at about 200 driving schools. The operation in 23 states is targeting CDL-related businesses, schools, motor carriers and employers.

HSI field offices have issued 80 inspection notices, opened investigations and identified indicators of fraudulent CDL issuance, unauthorized employment, identity fraud, shell companies and broader transportation-sector exploitation.

Other ongoing HSI investigations include:

• Unauthorized employment: A trucking company is suspected of using temporary, nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visa holders to haul domestic freight. Three drivers have been arrested, and several firearms have been seized.

• CDL medical certification fraud: Investigators are examining medical practitioners suspected of improperly certifying exams required for undocumented foreign nationals seeking CDLs.

• Labor exploitation: Companies are suspected of visa fraud, labor exploitation, financial crimes and drug trafficking tied to CDL-related businesses.

(U.S. Department of Homeland Security via YouTube)

Mullin said HSI has identified 1,000 fraud cases involving state DMV employees. According to Mullin, investigators found instances in which state employees accepted payments to help illegal foreign nationals bypass CDL requirements.

He said arrests have been made on charges of official misconduct and misappropriation of state identification documents.

Trucking industry lauds crackdown

Henry Hanscom, chief advocacy and public affairs officer at American Trucking Associations, praised DOT and Homeland Security officials for targeting fraudulent CDL training providers and other bad actors.

“Strong enforcement measures like these send a clear message that commercial trucking is a profession that demands skill, responsibility and adherence to the highest standards,” Hanscom said. “Removing noncompliant carriers, unqualified drivers and fraudulent training operations strengthens public confidence in our industry while ensuring that the next generation of professional drivers enters the workforce properly trained and fully qualified.”

Hanscom said the enforcement actions would improve highway safety, strengthen the supply chain and create “a more level playing field” for carriers that comply with regulations.