DOT and DHS launch joint crackdown on CDL schools

The U.S. Department of Transportation said on Thursday, July 16, that it is teaming up with the Department of Homeland Security to stop fraudulent and illegal practices at CDL schools.

DOT said it has identified about 75 entry-level driver training schools suspected of fraudulent activities, including using improper driver certifications and failing to properly train drivers. Homeland Security Investigations will help DOT review the schools.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, “USDOT has spent the last year rooting out bad actors from our trucking industry,” and said DHS will be “a force multiplier” in the effort. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said DHS law enforcement is partnering with DOT to “eliminate CDL fraud” and investigate commercial driver’s license schools throughout the country.

The DOT said it made cracking down on CDL mills a priority in 2025. The article also says DOT and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration took a hard stance against CDL mills in October 2025, and quotes FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs saying, “If you don’t want to follow our standards, then you need to stay out of the profession,” and “We’re going to come after you.”