Federal officials shut down 110 truck-driver schools over safety and language concerns

U.S. Transportation Security official Sean Duffy ordered the immediate closure of 110 commercial driver-training schools, including 11 located in California, after finding that many graduates lack basic road-sign literacy. The schools, such as “TRUCKMASTER CDL SCHOOL” and “GO4CDL LLC,” charge applicants thousands for the mandated 160-hour CDL curriculum. Markwayne Mullin, the secretary of homeland security, singled out California’s policies under Governor Gavin Newsom as a factor in the problem.

Federal data show that foreign-licensed commercial drivers were involved in at least 17 fatal crashes in 2025, resulting in 30 deaths. One cited case involved Harjinder Singh, who failed multiple tests in Washington, obtained a license in California, and caused a three-person fatal crash in Florida. Officials argue that drivers who cannot read simple signs should not operate 40-ton trucks, prompting the “Do not enter” directive for the offending schools.