CDL Mills: Lawmakers' Letter Pushes for DOT Action
Lawmakers sent a new letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation urging an investigation into CDL mills and their impact on safety and driver training standards.
dayileyvasOctober 29, 20254 Mins read894
CDL Mills: Training operations that prioritize speed & volume over safety & skill
Lawmakers Seek Federal Review of CDL Mills Training Programs
Lawmakers are urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to investigate commercial driver’s license training programs accused of producing minimally trained drivers. In an October 28 letter, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Representative Andy Barr (R-Ky.) called on Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to examine what they describe as CDL mills: training operations that prioritize speed and volume over safety and skill.
The lawmakers said these programs are “churning out” drivers who lack the behind-the-wheel experience required to operate heavy commercial vehicles safely. Their request highlights growing concern over driver readiness and public safety in the trucking industry.
What Lawmakers Say About CDL Mills
The letter to DOT argues that CDL mills are undermining the federal standards established under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule. That rule, effective since February 2022, requires both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training before new drivers can receive a CDL.
However, Cotton and Barr say some training providers are exploiting gaps in the system. While the ELDT rule sets minimum content standards, it does not specify a minimum number of driving hours. As a result, some schools may technically comply while offering only brief or simulated driving experiences.
The lawmakers claim this loophole allows certain programs to issue completion certificates without giving students sufficient hands-on road training. In their letter, they wrote that DOT should determine whether providers are meeting “the intent and purpose” of the rule—not just its basic technical requirements.
Safety Concerns Drive the Push
According to the letter, the issue is not just about compliance but about safety on U.S. highways. The lawmakers argue that drivers emerging from CDL mills pose a potential hazard to both themselves and others on the road.
Truck drivers are responsible for operating vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, often in high-traffic or hazardous weather conditions. The letter points out that a lack of real-world training can result in slower reaction times, difficulty managing blind spots, and errors in braking distance—all of which increase crash risks.
The lawmakers also emphasized that inadequate training puts professional carriers in a difficult position. Companies that rely on well-trained drivers could face higher insurance costs and greater liability exposure when new hires lack sufficient preparation.
What the Letter Requests from DOT
The Cotton-Barr letter makes three main requests of the U.S. Department of Transportation:
- Investigate CDL mills operating under the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.
- Evaluate whether training providers are delivering enough hands-on, behind-the-wheel experience and pre-trip inspections.
- Consider new federal requirements—such as a minimum number of driving hours—to strengthen training consistency across states.
The lawmakers say DOT already has the authority to take these steps without waiting for Congress to pass new laws. They also urged the department to use its rulemaking powers to close loopholes that let poor-quality schools remain in operation.
Legislative Efforts Backing the Push
This letter follows the introduction of the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025, sponsored by Cotton and Barr. The bill aims to tighten federal oversight of CDL issuance and improve uniformity across state licensing systems.
Among its provisions, the act would require all CDL tests to be administered in English and would give the Transportation Secretary authority to suspend a state’s CDL program if it fails to meet federal standards.
The lawmakers argue that these reforms, combined with a crackdown on CDL mills, would ensure that every licensed driver has received sufficient and consistent training before taking the wheel of a commercial truck.
Impact on Drivers and Carriers
If DOT responds to the letter and launches an investigation, the effects could reach across the industry.
For new drivers, training programs may become longer or more expensive if additional behind-the-wheel hours are required. However, more robust training could also improve job readiness and safety outcomes.
For carriers, stricter standards may help reduce accident rates and protect companies from liability claims linked to undertrained drivers. At the same time, smaller carriers and independent schools could face challenges meeting any new federal benchmarks.
The lawmakers say the goal is not to limit access to CDL training but to ensure that every driver entering the industry is prepared to handle the responsibility of operating large commercial vehicles safely.
What Comes Next for CDL Mills
The ball is now in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s court. If the agency acts on the lawmakers’ requests, potential next steps could include:
- Conducting audits of ELDT-registered training providers.
- Re-evaluating approval criteria for the Training Provider Registry.
- Implementing new rulemaking to define minimum behind-the-wheel hours.
- Issuing enforcement actions against non-compliant schools.
DOT and FMCSA have not yet responded publicly to the letter, but the issue aligns with ongoing federal efforts to enhance highway safety through better driver education and enforcement oversight.
A Broader Debate on Training Quality
The discussion surrounding CDL mills is part of a wider debate about the future of driver training in the U.S. trucking industry. As fleets continue to face driver shortages, pressure grows to move trainees through programs quickly. Yet safety advocates argue that cutting corners in training can lead to greater risks—and potentially more serious accidents—down the line.
Finding the right balance between accessibility and safety remains a key challenge. The current congressional push may signal a new phase of federal involvement in shaping that balance.
Looking Ahead
The letter from Senator Tom Cotton and Representative Andy Barr marks a renewed call for the USDOT to take a closer look at CDL mills and their compliance with federal training standards. Their proposal underscores a growing belief that quality training is central to both public safety and the trucking industry’s credibility.
As the DOT considers its next steps, the outcome could redefine how future commercial drivers are trained and licensed—and what it truly means to be road-ready in America’s trucking workforce.
