CVTA and ATA Highlight the Urgent Need to Shut Down CDL Mills

CVTA Executive Director Andrew Poliakoff and ATA President Chris Spear recently highlighted the urgent need to address fraudulent CDL training providers or CDL Mills. Their joint op-ed stresses that strong enforcement is essential for effective training and highway safety.

Nationwide, fraudulent schools and bad actors enroll students in inadequate programs and certify them to operate large vehicles with minimal instruction. These practices mislead students, undermine safety, distort the marketplace, and compromise the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) system.

Poliakoff and Spear point out that the problem lies in lax enforcement and a Training Provider Registry that allows “self-certification” as a loophole, not in the absence of federal standards. In some cases, state-identified violations have gone unaddressed, allowing unqualified schools to remain listed for extended periods.

The recent announcement from the Trump administration signals a move toward stronger oversight. Enhanced monitoring of the Training Provider Registry, stricter enforcement of ELDT requirements, and faster removal of noncompliant providers are essential steps to restore integrity to CDL training. Additional measures are needed, such as re-vetting all providers, immediate removal when a school loses state approval, and accountability to deter quick-profit operators.

CVTA consistently advocates for a fair, accountable training environment where reputable programs succeed and unsafe operators are removed. As agencies increase compliance efforts, our members’ commitment to high standards demonstrates the value of quality training.

America’s highways are safest when every driver earns a license through comprehensive training. CVTA remains committed to partnering with regulators and stakeholders to ensure integrity, enforcement, and professionalism in CDL training.