more than 550 commercial driving schools in the U.S. that train truckers and bus drivers must close after investigators found they employed unqualified instructors, failed to adequately test students and had other safety issues
More than 550 commercial driving schools in the U.S. that train truckers and bus drivers must close after investigators found they employed unqualified instructors, failed to adequately test students and had other safety issues

In February 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) said more than 550 commercial driver training schools received enforcement actions after investigators found serious safety and compliance failures.

For students, the core question is simple:

If my school is shut down or removed from the federal registry, will my CDL training still count?

The answer depends on dates and whether your training was properly submitted to the federal system that states use to verify eligibility.

This guide summarizes what federal sources say, and gives practical, careful steps you can follow today.

First: Know the system (this is what states check)

Under Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules, CDL applicants (and some endorsement applicants) must complete training from a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).

Also important: your “certificate” is not just a paper handout. Your training provider must submit your completion record into TPR, and states typically rely on that record. FMCSA notes providers must submit certification information by midnight of the second business day after completion, and drivers can verify what was submitted.

What happened with the 550+ closures?

DOT’s February 2026 announcement said 550+ CDL training providers received notices of proposed removal after a nationwide enforcement push; reporting described issues like unqualified instructors and inadequate skills testing.

Where to see names: Use TPR Proposed Removal + Removed lists (both offer download).

Read more:

- Full List of 550+ CDL Schools to Close: Where to Find the Names - What Students Should Do

- U.S. Driving Record: How to View and Reduce Penalty Points

What DOT/FMCSA guidance says about validity after a school is removed

Federal guidance is consistent on the key rule:

  • If FMCSA removes a provider from TPR, any training conducted after the removal date is invalid.

AAMVA (the association that supports U.S. DMVs) gives a student-friendly version of the same concept:

  • Training/certificates are valid if training occurred before the suspension/removal

  • Training/certificates are not valid if training occurred after the suspension/removal

So the most important things are:

  1. The provider’s status and dates in TPR, and

  2. Your training completion date and record in TPR.

Which situation are you in? (3 common scenarios)

Scenario A: You already completed training, and your TPR record shows completion

This is the best-case situation.

What likely happens

If your TPR record shows you completed training and the completion date is before the provider’s removal date, your training is generally treated as valid under the federal guidance above.

What to do now (5 minutes)

• Check your record here (official): TPR “Check Your Record”
https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/check

• Save a screenshot/pdf of the record page (for your personal documentation).

• If your DMV appointment is coming up, confirm your name/ID details match exactly (spelling matters).

Scenario B: You completed training, but your TPR record is missing or wrong

This is common when schools are disorganized or shut down abruptly.

What federal sources say that matters

  • Providers are required to submit completion info shortly after training completion.

  • Driver-trainees cannot submit completion themselves; only a registered provider can submit.

What to do (most effective order)

  1. Check your TPR record: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/check

  2. If missing, contact the school immediately and request, in writing:

    • Your completion date

    • Confirmation they submitted your certification to TPR

    • A copy of your training paperwork (attendance logs, completion confirmation, receipts)

  3. If the provider is already removed and won’t/can’t fix it, contact your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA/DMV) and ask what documentation they will accept and what your options are. (State handling can vary.)

Scenario C: You’re currently enrolled or scheduled to start, and the school is on “Proposed Removal” or “Removed”

This is where people lose the most time and money if they don’t act fast.

Step 1: Check the school’s status (official lists you can download)

TPR note: the Proposed Removal page explicitly states providers must notify current and scheduled trainees of the proposed removal.

Step 2: Make a decision using a simple rule

  • If the school is Removed: training after the removal date won’t count.

  • If the school is Proposed Removal: treat it as high-risk and get everything in writing before paying anything further.

Step 3: Protect yourself financially and administratively

  • Stop additional payments until you have clarity in writing.

  • Request the refund policy and a written plan for teach-out/transfer (if offered).

  • Choose a new provider by searching TPR: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/search

“What should I do right now?” (Student action checklist)

1) Verify the school’s status (downloadable lists)

Download both and filter by state/city/school name.

2) Verify your own training record

3) If you suspect wrongdoing, report it through official channels

(If you’re in immediate danger, call emergency services; NCCDB is for past events and investigation.)

“Proposed Removal” vs “Removed” (don’t confuse these)

  • Proposed Removal = FMCSA has initiated action; the provider is under review and may be required to take corrective steps.

  • Removed = the provider is no longer eligible in TPR; training after the removal date is invalid.

This difference matters when deciding whether to pause training, seek a transfer, or request a refund.

Bottom line

Three checks decide everything:

• Is the school Removed or Proposed Removal in TPR?

• What is the removal date (if removed)?

• Does your TPR record show completion (and is it dated correctly)?