CDL Schools Targeted in DHS, USDOT Partnership

DHS, USDOT Launch New Investigation Into CDL Schools

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) have announced a new partnership to investigate CDL schools suspected of fraud.

The initiative brings together Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to examine entry-level driver training providers that federal officials believe may have violated federal regulations. According to the agencies, the effort is intended to strengthen oversight of CDL training and protect the commercial licensing process.

DHS and FMCSA Investigating CDL Schools

Federal officials said FMCSA has identified approximately 75 CDL schools that are under investigation for suspected fraudulent activity.

According to DHS and USDOT, investigators are examining allegations that some schools:

• Issued improper driver certifications
• Submitted falsified training records
• Failed to provide required entry-level driver training
• Violated federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements

The agencies said HSI will work alongside FMCSA investigators as the cases move forward. No specific schools were identified in the announcement, and no enforcement actions against individual schools were announced.

Federal Oversight of CDL Schools Continues

The new partnership expands ongoing federal oversight of CDL schools through FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR).

According to federal officials, recent enforcement efforts include:

• Removing nearly 10,000 training providers from the Training Provider Registry for failing to meet registration requirements.
• Issuing notices of proposed removal to more than 550 training providers over alleged safety or compliance concerns.
• Adding HSI investigators to support cases involving suspected fraud.

Officials said the goal is to identify providers that do not comply with federal training standards.

What This Means for Drivers

The announcement is focused on CDL schools, not drivers who already hold a commercial driver’s license.

Anyone planning to obtain a CDL may want to confirm that a training provider remains listed in FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry before enrolling. Under the federal ELDT regulations, entry-level drivers generally must complete training through a registered provider before taking the CDL skills or knowledge tests.

The announcement does not create new licensing requirements, testing procedures, or regulations for current CDL holders.

Why Federal Agencies Are Taking Action

According to DHS, the partnership is intended to protect the integrity of the commercial licensing system by investigating training providers suspected of violating existing federal requirements.

Federal officials said properly trained commercial drivers are important for highway safety, and the agencies plan to continue working together on investigations involving suspected fraud at CDL schools.

Why This Matters to the Trucking Industry

Commercial drivers depend on a licensing system that is intended to ensure new drivers receive the training required under federal standards.

Although the announcement does not change day-to-day requirements for most CDL holders, it signals that federal agencies are increasing oversight of CDL schools and the Entry-Level Driver Training program. For individuals entering the trucking industry, selecting a registered and compliant training provider may become increasingly important as these investigations continue.