The Department of Transportation has shut down 110 truck driving schools after an investigation revealed they certified drivers who lacked basic English proficiency. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the closures, citing violations of federal language requirements for commercial drivers. The schools were found to have issued certifications to individuals who later failed to demonstrate adequate English skills during routine checks.
Federal regulations mandate that commercial truck drivers possess sufficient English to read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and complete required documentation. The crackdown forms part of a broader initiative targeting truckers residing in the country without legal authorization. Duffy emphasized that the closures aim to ensure public safety and uphold industry standards.
The investigation reviewed certification records and conducted follow-up assessments of drivers trained at these institutions. Authorities identified patterns of inadequate language testing and documentation gaps across the affected schools. Officials stated that the schools will lose their eligibility to certify drivers, though specific locations were not immediately released.
Industry analysts note that the action could create short-term disruptions in the trucking workforce, which already faces a nationwide shortage of qualified drivers. However, federal officials maintain that prioritizing safety outweighs potential labor market strain. The move has drawn mixed reactions from industry groups, with some supporting stricter oversight and others calling for more flexible language testing methods.
The closures follow earlier federal efforts to tighten enforcement of immigration and safety rules in the transportation sector. Trucking associations have urged the department to provide clearer guidelines for language proficiency exams to prevent future violations. Federal records indicate that additional inspections of vocational schools are underway.
Drivers certified by the closed schools will face re-evaluation, and their credentials may be revoked pending retesting. The Department of Transportation has directed states to assist affected drivers in complying with federal standards. Officials have also encouraged employers to verify language proficiency independently when hiring new drivers.
The announcement comes amid ongoing political debate over immigration enforcement and its impact on essential industries. Duffy’s office stated that further actions against non-compliant institutions are expected in the coming months. The department has pledged to publish a list of approved schools to help prospective drivers choose compliant training programs.
