CVTA Featured in AP Coverage of Entry-Level Driver Training Enforcement

The Associated Press recently reported that over 500 commercial driving schools in the United States must close after federal investigators found serious safety deficiencies, such as unqualified instructors, inadequate skills testing, and improper training practices.

This enforcement action follows over 1,400 site visits by the U.S. Department of Transportation and represents one of the most significant oversight efforts since the national Entry-Level Driver Training standards took effect in 2022.

CVTA Chairman Jeff Burkhardt, quoted in the AP coverage, emphasized that established, compliant schools support meaningful enforcement. Five major CVTA-represented programs were audited and passed inspection. Burkhardt noted that responsible training providers welcome scrutiny, particularly when it addresses operations that fail to meet federal requirements.

The article also highlighted broader industry concerns, including past reliance on self-certification in the Training Provider Registry and limited oversight of CDL training programs. These gaps allowed questionable operators to enter the market, often without meaningful review until a federal audit. The recent enforcement signals a shift toward more consistent application of the 2022 standards.

The AP report further frames the crackdown within a period of instability in the freight economy. While overall freight volumes have declined in recent years, carriers continue to seek qualified drivers with clean records and legitimate training. Eliminating substandard programs strengthens employer confidence in the CDL credential and reinforces the importance of competency-based instruction.

CVTA continues to advocate for sustained enforcement of Entry-Level Driver Training requirements and a Training Provider Registry that reflects active, compliant institutions. Media coverage such as this underscores a central principle: highway safety and workforce stability both depend on credible, professional driver education. Read Article: https://apnews.com/article/commercial-drivers-license-cdl-mills-duffy-schools-9af984e6d3318cfb722d1fcf48b2c2a4