Transportation Department Orders Over 550 Driving Schools to Close for Safety Failures

Unqualified instructors, lack of student testing, and other issues prompt federal crackdown on commercial driving schools.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Department of Transportation has ordered more than 550 commercial driving schools that train truckers and bus drivers to close after inspectors found they employed unqualified instructors, failed to adequately test students, and had other significant safety issues. This marks the latest federal effort to improve safety in the trucking industry following several fatal crashes involving drivers who should not have been on the road.

Why it matters

The Transportation Department's actions aim to address longstanding concerns about lax oversight and safety standards at many commercial driving schools, which are responsible for training the next generation of commercial vehicle operators. This crackdown comes after a series of high-profile crashes involving unqualified drivers, underscoring the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect public safety on the roads.

The details

Investigators visited 1,426 driving schools and found 448 that failed to meet basic safety standards. Issues included employing unqualified instructors, failing to properly test students' skills, and using the wrong equipment for training. Another 109 schools removed themselves from the registry when they learned inspectors were planning to visit. The Transportation Department says the list of schools being decertified includes many smaller programs, including some run by school districts, rather than larger, more reputable schools.

  • In August, a truck driver who was not authorized to be in the U.S. caused a fatal crash in Florida that killed three people.
  • Earlier this month, another crash in Indiana killed four people.
  • The Transportation Department has been aggressively going after states that issued commercial driver's licenses to unqualified immigrants since the August crash.

The players

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary who announced the crackdown on the driving schools.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The federal agency responsible for regulating commercial driving schools and enforcing safety standards.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“American families should have confidence that our school bus and truck drivers are following every letter of the law and that starts with receiving proper training before getting behind the wheel.”

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary (kslnewsradio.com)

What’s next

The Transportation Department says another 97 schools are currently under investigation for compliance issues and could face further action.

The takeaway

This crackdown on commercial driving schools with lax safety standards is a necessary step to improve public safety on the roads by ensuring truck and bus drivers receive proper training and meet all legal requirements before operating large commercial vehicles. However, the underlying issues of self-certification and limited oversight in the industry will require ongoing attention and reform to fully address the problem.