More than 550 driving schools nationwide have been ordered to close by the Department of Transportation due to alleged safety failures, impacting four schools in Arizona. The closures come amid increased scrutiny of commercial driver’s license programs and follow a fatal crash in August.
Driving Schools Shut Down
The Arizona schools affected are operated by PSV CDL Training LLC, Tuba City Unified School District, Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary School, and the City of Show Low. Investigators found issues including the employment of unqualified instructors and inadequate student testing procedures.
The Department of Transportation has been focusing on states issuing commercial driver’s licenses to individuals who did not meet the qualifications. The owner of PSV CDL Training in Coolidge stated he believes the situation is a misunderstanding and is cooperating with the federal government, maintaining that his school remains open.
Industry Response
The effort to improve safety standards is receiving support from within the trucking industry. Steve Gold of 160 Driving Academy, which operates multiple schools in Arizona, highlighted the scale of the problem, stating, “There’s over 100,000 truck accidents in this country due to heavy trucks and 5,000 fatalities.” He added that states have been “lax” in overseeing training providers and issuing licenses.
The American Trucking Association has too voiced its endorsement of the Department of Transportation’s actions. President Donald Trump has indicated he may withhold federal funding from states that do not address deficiencies in their commercial driver’s license programs, with Illinois being the most recent state facing potential losses of over $100 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Department of Transportation to take action?
The Department of Transportation took action following a fatal crash in August and concerns about states issuing commercial driver’s licenses to unqualified individuals.
Which Arizona schools were affected?
The Arizona schools impacted by the closures are run by PSV CDL Training LLC, Tuba City Unified School District, Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary School, and the City of Show Low.
What is the potential consequence for states that don’t comply?
President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from states that do not address issues within their commercial driver’s license programs. Illinois could potentially lose over $100 million.
As states respond to the Department of Transportation’s actions, it remains to be seen whether additional schools will be affected or if the federal government will follow through with withholding funds.
