Posted on 11/01/2025 1:59:45 PM PDT by xxqqzz
WASHINGTON — In a press conference on Thursday, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled an aggressive new initiative targeting so-called “CDL mills” — commercial driver’s license schools accused of certifying unqualified drivers, many of whom lack English proficiency, basic operating skills, and proper citizenship documentation.
The move comes as part of a broader effort to enhance road safety in the trucking industry, where accidents involving big rigs have raised alarms about driver qualifications. This crackdown addresses a longstanding issue exacerbated by a 2022 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulatory change that allowed self-certification for CDL trainers, leading to over 32,000 registered providers offering minimal training—sometimes as little as a few hours or even just watching YouTube videos.
Duffy’s comments highlighted growing concerns over the integrity of the CDL certification process. “It begs the question: Who is testing these drivers? Who is taking drivers in, seeing if they speak English, and then testing them on basic skills that would allow them to be certified to go to the DOT to get a license?” Duffy said, pointing to schools that are churning out certifications for students who “can’t speak the language” and “don’t have the skills to operate big rigs on roads.” These concerns echo industry warnings about a systemic safety crisis, with approximately 100,000 truck crashes annually resulting in roughly 5,000 fatalities, a 40% increase in deaths from 2014 levels.
(Excerpt) Read more at freightwaves.com ...
Besides the training certification, isn’t the real issue the driving test at the DMV?
Because it’s not a business model. It’s about replacing Americans with illegal aliens from the third world, and civil settlements and higher insurance premiums is the price you have to pay.
Yes. it is the DMV and their examiners. The school I went to had a DMV-certified examiner, so that all the tests could be done there, with the exception of the written test and eye test.
But it’s not the schools. It is the lack of oversight by the DMV + internal corruption.
After zinging the trucking company, a trial lawyer could go after the school.
Step 1: Find a vehicle liability insurance company that will cover you for $1 million.
Step 2: Fill out our job application.
We only use owner/operators, sorry!
ARE WE ASSUMING THEY EVEN HAVE INSURANCE???
I got a truck driving job years ago. Studied and took exam, passed, got a learners permit.
I could drive with a licensed person in the truck.
After a month of driving, took DMV drivers portion.
Kept my CDL for the past 30 years..
Occasionally driving for farmers during harvest season.
Just like my motorcycle license, took motorcycle cores when I was 19, had bike license ever since.
Again, may ride bike every few years.
Glad I have a wide circle of friends. Over 70 hours flying small aircraft, navigated a hot air balloon , and a little time in a helicopter.
“Wouldn’t it cost more to pay for all the civil settlements and insurance for damage caused by unqualified drivers?”
If they’re all foreigners, maybe they will all flee the country if there’s a huge civil case brought against them.
It’s an Indian thing. Life is cheap for them. They don’t care if a few dozen people have to die to get paid.
What ticks me off is when I got a CDL in California I had to go through months of training. I drove a fire truck so I had to get multi axle, tanker, and passenger endorsements. Now it seems Pajeet can just come over and get a commercial license easier than a regular automobile license. How many are driving fuel rigs or hazardous tanker rigs?
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