FMCSA Removes or Warns 7,500 CDL Training Providers: What It Means for New Drivers and Why CNS Driver Training Center Stands Apart

The trucking industry just experienced one of the largest federal crackdowns in CDL training history.

Lawmakers have been urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to crack down on low-quality “CDL mills” — training programs that fast-track students through commercial driver training with minimal hands-on experience and limited safety instruction.

In an October 28 letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Congressman Andy Barr (R-Kentucky) called for a federal investigation into these schools that “exploit loopholes that churn out minimally trained drivers.”

Well, the crackdowns have officially started.

On December 1st, USDOT and FMCSA announced the removal of nearly 3,000 CDL training providers from the Training Provider Registry (TPR) for failing to meet federal training and safety standards. Another 4,500 CDL schools were placed on notice for potential noncompliance.

That means more than 44% of all CDL training providers in the United States are now under federal scrutiny—a wake-up call for anyone entering the trucking industry or looking to upgrade their CDL.

And at a time when thousands of CDL training providers are being removed or investigated, CNS Driver Training Center stands out in the best way possible: we’re not on any noncompliance list—and state leaders are actively visiting our facility because we are doing things the right way.

So, what does this mean for aspiring truck drivers — and how can you avoid falling into one of these low-quality programs?

Why Did FMCSA Crack Down on CDL Schools?

According to Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, this enforcement effort is aimed at stopping “illegal and reckless practices” that allow unqualified drivers to get behind the wheel.

FMCSA removed or flagged CDL training providers for reasons such as:

• Falsifying or manipulating ELDT training data
• Failing to meet curriculum standards or facility requirements
• Employing unqualified instructors
• Not providing required behind-the-wheel (BTW) time
• Refusing to cooperate with federal audits

Providers who received a proposed removal notice have 30 days to prove compliance, and they must notify all current and scheduled students of their status.

Pennsylvania Impact: 134 CDL Schools on Notice

While removals and notices impacted every state, Pennsylvania saw substantial enforcement activity, but CNS Driver Training Center is Not one of them.

In fact, not only did we remain fully compliant—we were visited by multiple state representatives, senators, and federal liaisons throughout September who wanted to see firsthand how CNS is doing CDL training differently, safely, and effectively.

We were honored to host multiple state and local leaders, including:

Senator Malone: A former CDL holder, Senator Malone immediately recognized the quality, depth, and safety focus built into our One-to-One CDL Training Program. We presented performance metrics showing our graduates far outperform state and national averages in:

• DOT-reportable crashes
• Moving violations

These outcomes reflect our commitment to innovation, safety, and workforce development.

Representative Nikki Rivera: Representative Rivera and team member Fran visited CNS to learn how our training and compliance solutions are supporting:

• Small businesses
• Local workforce needs
• Regional and national transportation networks

Representative Mindy Fee and Industry Leaders: We also welcomed Representative Mindy Fee and Ryan Garber (CEO of GFI Transport and PMTA chapter president) to discuss:

• Our expanding customer reach
• New service offerings
• Training solutions supporting multiple industries nationwide

Congressional Outreach from Rep. Smucker’s Office: Stephen Ranck, Constituent Outreach Coordinator, visited CNS to learn more about the role we play at the state and national level in:

• Safety
• Workforce development
• Transportation compliance

These visits were not random, they were intentional. Policymakers want to understand what good CDL training looks like, and CNS Driver Training Center is leading by example.

How to Spot a CDL Mill (And Why They’re Being Shut Down)

A CDL mill is a training program that prioritizes fast certifications over real-world skills.
Common red flags include:

• Ultra-fast 2–7-day CDL programs: social media is full of recommendations for 2–5-day CDL courses that promise a quick license. FMCSA is now actively removing these programs from the TPR because real ELDT training cannot be completed safely in a few days.
• No structured behind-the-wheel time: ELDT standards require supervised, real-world driving — not just simulator time. Many shut-down providers offered:

• No roadway driving
• No range skills
• No actual pre-trip instruction
• Simulator-only “training”
• Unqualified or uncredentialed instructors: FMCSA cited this as a major reason schools were removed. Trainers should have verifiable commercial driving experience, not just testing credentials.
• Falsified or incomplete training records: This was one of the most serious violations.
• High student volume with low pass rates: A training mill prioritizes headcount, safety or skill.
• Unclear pricing or “guaranteed jobs”: Reputable schools are transparent about costs and employment partnerships.

How to Vet a CDL School Before Enrolling

Before committing to any CDL school, make sure to:

1. Check FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR): and verify the school is active and compliant.

2. Ask about actual behind-the-wheel hours: Real training includes time in the truck on:

• Public roads
• Backing range
• Pre-trip inspections

3. Visit the facility: If they avoid showing you the yard or equipment, walk away.

4. Review instructor experience: They should have years behind the wheel, not just classroom teaching experience.

5. Ask about success metrics: A reputable school tracks and shares student outcomes, pass rates, and safety performance of graduates. CNS does all three.

Why CNS Driver Training Center Stands Out (And Why We Weren’t on the Noncompliance List)

Amid a nationwide crackdown, CNS Driver Training Center continues to exceed federal and state expectations.

• We are fully compliant with FMCSA’s ELDT rules
• We were not on the noncompliance list
• State leaders visited our campus to learn from our training model
• Our graduates outperform the industry in accidents and violations
• We use a One-to-One Training Program for maximum safety, skill, and confidence
• We invest in qualified instructors, proper equipment, and real behind-the-wheel time
• We offer transparent pricing—no fast-track shortcuts

While other providers are being shut down, CNS continues to grow, expand, and set the standard for what CDL training should look like.

The Bottom Line: CDL Training Is Changing—Choose a School Built for the Future

With thousands of CDL providers facing removal or investigation, the demand for legitimate, high-quality CDL training programs has never been greater.

CNS Driver Training Center didn’t just “pass” federal scrutiny—we demonstrated what good training looks like to state leaders, policymakers, and industry partners.

If you want CDL training that is:

• Safe
• Compliant
• Career-ready
• One-to-one
• Backed by real results
• Recognized by industry and government leaders

Choose CNS Driver Training Center. If you have questions about our CDL training packages, give us a call at 717-496-9145 or email us at support@cnstrains.com.

Not sure where to start? Enroll in our FREE CDL Permit Prep Course for expert study help and test preparation.