U.S. Government Orders Closure of Over 550 Commercial Driving Schools for Safety Failures

Investigators found widespread issues at schools training truck and bus drivers.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. government has ordered the closure of more than 550 commercial driving schools across the country after investigators found widespread safety failures and training deficiencies at the institutions that prepare truck and bus drivers.

Why it matters

The closures are a significant move to improve road safety and address concerns about the quality of commercial driver training, which has faced increased scrutiny in recent years as the trucking industry has struggled with driver shortages and high turnover.

The details

Investigators determined that the affected schools were not properly vetting instructors, maintaining vehicles used for training, or ensuring students received adequate behind-the-wheel experience before being licensed. The government is working to transition students to alternative approved training programs to minimize disruption.

  • The government order was issued on February 18, 2026.

The players

U.S. Government

The federal government, which regulates commercial driving schools and licenses commercial drivers.

Commercial Driving Schools

Private institutions that provide training programs for truck and bus drivers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The government is working to transition affected students to alternative approved training programs to minimize disruption.

The takeaway

This action highlights the importance of rigorous oversight and quality control in the commercial driving industry to ensure public safety on the roads.