Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Aug. 31 unveiled a series of anti-fraud measures, including the closure of 110 commercial driver license schools linked to 5,000 drivers who failed English-language proficiency tests and a nationwide audit of state third-party CDL testing programs.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) used emergency authority to close the 110 schools, which Duffy accused of fraudulently qualifying CDL applicants who could not speak or understand English. He said an analysis of enforcement data identified the schools as "the greatest offenders."
FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs said the 110 schools were being shut down for alleged willful disregard of federal regulations. "Every single one of these schools passed at least 10 drivers who were subsequently cited for English language proficiency [violations] during roadside inspections by law enforcement," he said.
In addition, FMCSA shut down an additional 160 CDL schools for other violations, including the absence of facilities for behind-the-wheel training. Some schools had no classrooms, while others used unlicensed instructors.