FMCSA registry full of fraudulent CDL schools, industry executive claims

The U.S. commercial driving sector is facing a significant safety threat, according to the head of one of the nations largest truck driver training networks. Steve Gold, CEO and founder of 160 Driving Academy, claims that fraudulent commercial drivers license (CDL) schools are proliferating, exploiting weaknesses in the federal system meant to oversee training programs.

Gold told FreightWaves that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR), established in February 2022, has inadvertently enabled a surge of unregulated CDL schools. By allowing self-certification without proof of state licensure or on-site inspections, the system has opened the door to thousands of substandard providers.

Founded in 2012 in Chicago, 160 Driving Academy now operates 140 locations across 43 states and is among the largest commercial driver training organizations in the U.S. While about 2,100 schools are officially licensed under state laws, the federal TPR currently lists 35,000 training providers. Gold describes many of these as CDL mills that deliver minimal or no real instruction.

The FMCSA doesnt conduct follow-ups or enforce standards, so virtually anyone can list themselves as a licensed entity without oversight from either federal or state authorities, Gold said. He highlighted that this lack of regulation allows unqualified individualsincluding those with limited English skills or fraudulent credentialsto enter the workforce.

Gold explained that many of these schools bypass state regulations, self-attest to federal compliance, and offer little actual training. Originally, the TPR required proof of state licensure, but this requirement disappeared during the 2022 implementation, replaced by minimal verification procedures.

In response, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently announced the removal of nearly 3,000 CDL training providers from the FMCSA registry for failing to meet federal standards, with another 4,500 under scrutiny for potential noncompliance. A federal review revealed that 44% of the 16,000 truck driving schools nationwide violate government rules.

Investigations have uncovered numerous cases of fraudulent licensing. In Oregon, Skyline CDL School allegedly mailed cash to examiners to secure passing scores for unqualified students. Many drivers never took the required tests, and 80% failed upon retesting, resulting in license revocations and the school losing accreditation. Officials found falsified records, unqualified instructors, and bypassed English-language requirements.

Texas authorities uncovered widespread fraud among holders of Mexican Licencias Federal de Conductor (LFCs), the equivalent of a CDL. Some drivers falsely claimed to be from Mexico, and roadside tests quickly revealed the deception. Fraudulent licenses were purchased for around $2,500, often contributing to rising crash rates.

Freight industry leaders warn that the post-2022 training environment has allowed unqualified drivers onto U.S. highways, with approximately 100,000 truck crashes annually and around 5,000 fatalitiesa 40% increase since 2014. Some self-certified providers offer only a few hours of online instruction, sometimes directing students to watch YouTube videos before taking DMV exams.

Duffy emphasized stricter oversight, promising to target schools issuing fraudulent certifications and fleets hiring drivers with illegitimate credentials. The Department of Transportation plans to use financial penalties, federal investigations, and possibly revoke states authority to issue CDLs. Coordination with Homeland Security and ICE is also part of the enforcement strategy.

Gold insists that reinstating the original requirement for proof of state licensure would quickly address the crisis. Only state-licensed schools should appear in the registry. Everyone else must obtain state licensure before training drivers, he said. He added that these fraudulent CDL mills endanger the public by placing untrained drivers behind the wheel of massive trucks.

Theres a direct link between insufficient training and crashes, Gold said. CDL mills are putting unprepared drivers on the road, and its a serious safety concern that must be stopped.

Author: Lucas Grant