The U.S. Department of Transportation said Monday it is moving to remove nearly 3,000 commercial driver’s license (CDL) training providers from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR) for failing to meet federal requirements, and has warned roughly 4,000 additional providers that they face the same outcome if deficiencies are not corrected. Affected providers have 30 days to come into compliance.
FMCSA enforcement targets noncompliant CDL training providers
According to USDOT, the enforcement action focuses on providers that have not met federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards. Removal from FMCSA’s TPR means a school or training company cannot certify new drivers’ ELDT completion, and state driver licensing agencies will not recognize training from a provider that is not listed on the registry.
30-day compliance window and broader warning
DOT said the nearly 3,000 targeted training providers must take corrective action within 30 days to avoid removal from the registry. The agency also notified about 4,000 additional providers that they could face similar action if they do not address identified issues. DOT indicated that targeted schools must notify affected students of the potential change in their training provider’s status.
Background: ELDT and the Training Provider Registry
FMCSA’s ELDT rule, in effect since 2022, sets baseline national requirements for entry-level drivers seeking a Class A or Class B CDL, a passenger or school bus endorsement, or a hazardous materials endorsement. Only providers listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry may deliver ELDT and submit completion certifications that allow applicants to proceed with CDL skills testing or endorsement issuance. Providers can be removed from the registry if they fail to meet curriculum, instructor qualification, recordkeeping, or reporting requirements.