CVTA Statement Supporting FMCSA’s 2026 Enforcement Overhaul and Strengthening of Entry-Level Driver Training

The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) thanks the U.S. Department of Transportation and Secretary Sean P. Duffy for prioritizing roadway safety and enhancing accountability in the commercial motor vehicle industry.

During a recent press conference on securing America’s roadways, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator Barr outlined a thorough enforcement strategy targeting the problematic self-certification model, chameleon carriers, regulatory gaps around learner's permits, and non-compliant driver training providers.

Administrator Barr stated:

“This is why we announced recently that we went into 1,500 of our driver training schools, and we found that over 550 of those driver training schools were cutting corners… we are not done here. We will continue working to make sure that they are compliant… if you're not following the rules, we're going to put you out of business.”

CVTA supports strong and consistent enforcement of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule. This is especially important as national training standards are effective only when supported by meaningful oversight and prompt removal of bad actors from the Training Provider Registry. Training providers who invest in qualified instructors, comprehensive curriculum, and substantive behind-the-wheel instruction should not be disadvantaged by those who undermine the process and fail to meet federal standards.

Administrator Barr also emphasized the need for structural reform:

“As we clean up the CDL mills, we need to make sure that we have rules that are in place to strengthen the entry-level driver training process, and with that, we will work to reform with a new rule to end the self-certification process for these training schools.”

CVTA agrees that self-certification is a flawed compliance model. While ELDT established an important baseline, allowing providers to self-attest without adequate verification has created vulnerabilities. Replacing self-certification with rigorous and consistent validation is necessary to strengthen the industry and restore confidence in the training process.

“FMCSA’s commitment to initiate a rulemaking to end the flawed self-certification model is an important and necessary step forward,” said CVTA Chairman Jeff Burkhardt. “Self-attestation without systematic verification has allowed bad actors to exploit the system. A transparent, enforceable validation framework will better protect students, uphold reputable schools, and strengthen the credibility of the entire CDL training ecosystem.”

CVTA also supports FMCSA’s proposal to require that Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) knowledge tests be administered in English. English proficiency compliance begins at the CLP stage, where applicants must demonstrate they can read and understand safety materials, traffic control devices, emergency instructions, and regulatory requirements before advancing to a CDL. Administering written knowledge exams in English reinforces federal safety standards and strengthens the integrity of the licensing process from the outset.

“Requiring the CLP knowledge exam to be administered in English reinforces long-standing federal safety expectations,” said CVTA Vice Chair Samantha Greenberg. “Commercial drivers must be able to read traffic signs, understand emergency instructions, and interpret federal safety regulations. Establishing English proficiency at the beginning of the licensing process strengthens public safety and provides clarity and consistency nationwide.”

Administrator Barr concluded:

“We are biting off a lot at FMCSA, but we're going to keep chewing, and we're going to keep going after it to make sure that our American roadways are safe.”

The announced enforcement initiatives, including registration modernization, enhanced vetting, reforms to self-certification, stronger English proficiency enforcement at the CLP level, and expanded oversight, represent a comprehensive and necessary overhaul of compliance safeguards in commercial driver training.

CVTA is prepared to work constructively with FMCSA, Congress, and our partners to ensure timely enforcement, consistent implementation of regulatory reforms, and recognition of high-quality training providers for their professionalism and compliance with federal standards.

CVTA remains committed to advancing policies that improve training quality, protect students, and uphold the integrity of the commercial driver licensing system.