CVTA on Chicago’s AM 560 Discussing CDL Training Enforcement

Andrew Poliakoff, Executive Director of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA), appeared on Chicago’s Morning Answer to discuss highway safety, enforcement of federal training standards, and risks posed by untrained or improperly licensed commercial drivers. He explained to guest host Chris Krok that operating commercial vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds demands significant skill and preparation. Poliakoff pointed out that recent fatal crashes underscore ongoing failures to ensure only qualified drivers are on U.S. highways.

Poliakoff addressed the ongoing issue of “CDL mills,” which issue licenses after minimal instruction and undermine legitimate schools that offer comprehensive training. He noted that, despite the existence of federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards, weak enforcement has allowed non-compliant providers to persist, compromising safety and public trust. He emphasized that effective training requires time, evaluation, and accountability, which shortcuts cannot deliver.

Recent federal enforcement actions were also discussed, with the actions described as necessary for genuine oversight. Poliakoff cited the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s first nationwide, in-person audits of training providers, noting that compliant schools generally passed while questionable operators struggled to meet requirements. He also referenced federal audits of state driver licensing agencies that revealed significant compliance failures, such as improper license issuance, leading to increased scrutiny and potential consequences for states that do not enforce federal standards.

During the discussion, Poliakoff also spoke to misconceptions about workforce participation in trucking, describing the profession as a stable, well-paying career essential to the national economy. He cautioned that weak licensing and training practices suppress wages, increase risk for carriers, and compromise public safety. CVTA will continue to advocate for consistent enforcement of Entry-Level Driver Training standards, removal of non-compliant providers, and accountability at both the federal and state levels to ensure all commercial drivers are properly trained and qualified.