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

Investigators found widespread issues at schools training truck and bus drivers

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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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 these institutions that prepare truck and bus drivers. The closures come after a multi-year review uncovered a range of problems, including inadequate instruction, outdated equipment, and lax oversight.

Why it matters

The decision to shutter over 550 commercial driving schools highlights major concerns about the quality and safety of commercial driver training in the U.S. Proper training is critical for ensuring the safety of truck and bus drivers, as well as the general public they share the roads with. The closures could disrupt the pipeline of new commercial drivers at a time when the industry is already facing a shortage of qualified personnel.

The details

According to the government investigation, the closed schools exhibited a range of issues, including outdated training vehicles, instructors without proper qualifications, and a lack of hands-on, behind-the-wheel training for students. Regulators said many of the schools were cutting corners to maximize profits rather than providing comprehensive, high-quality instruction.

  • The government review of commercial driving schools began in 2023.
  • The order to close over 550 schools was issued on February 15, 2026.

The players

U.S. Department of Transportation

The federal agency responsible for overseeing commercial driving schools and setting safety standards for the transportation industry.

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What’s next

The government has given the affected schools 90 days to cease operations and has pledged to work with state regulators to ensure students can transfer to approved programs.

The takeaway

This mass closure of commercial driving schools underscores the need for stronger oversight and higher training standards in the transportation industry to protect public safety. It also highlights the challenges the industry faces in maintaining an adequate pipeline of qualified commercial drivers.