Department of Transportation Shut Down 110 Training Firms
Federal regulators removed providers associated with thousands of drivers who failed English proficiency standards.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Transportation
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On August 31, 2026, the Department of Transportation shut down 110 commercial driver's license training providers nationwide. The enforcement action targeted firms that repeatedly certified drivers who failed to meet federal English-language proficiency requirements.
Why it matters
The shutdowns aim to ensure that all commercial drivers can meet federal safety standards required for road operations. By removing these providers, regulators are attempting to hold training schools accountable for the competency of the drivers they certify.
The federal action involved 110 training providers nationwide associated with over 5,000 drivers who failed English proficiency requirements. The investigation utilized a comparison of roadside inspection records against the Training Provider Registry.
The players
Department of Transportation
This federal executive department is responsible for developing and enforcing transportation policies and regulations across the United States.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
This agency operates within the Department of Transportation and is tasked with reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.
Intercheck Driving Services LLC
This entity was a commercial driver training firm based in Idaho that handled practical training and testing for students.
CDL Express
This foreign corporation incorporated in Delaware provided online theory courses for commercial driver training in Idaho.
Brad Little
He is the Governor of Idaho who signed House Bill 667 to eliminate the state's non-domiciled commercial driver's license program.
The details
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration identified the providers by cross-referencing roadside inspection data with its registry. Two Meridian, Idaho firms, Intercheck Driving Services LLC and CDL Express, were removed from the registry for their failure to comply with federal certification standards.
Timeline
2023: CDL Express registered in Idaho.
May 2024: CDL Express registration revoked.
May 2025: Intercheck registration reinstated.
August 31, 2026: Federal emergency shutdown announced.
September 3, 2026: Idaho firms removed from federal registry.
Market Landscape
The mass removal of providers marks a significant consolidation of federal oversight in the commercial driver training sector. This action shifts the competitive landscape by eliminating firms that failed to uphold federal certification requirements while reinforcing the necessity of compliant training platforms.
The removal of these training providers may force students currently enrolled in impacted programs to seek alternative, federally-approved instruction to complete their certification. Customers of these firms should verify their current training status to ensure their certification remains valid for employment.
The takeaway
The federal government is intensifying its scrutiny of training providers to ensure all commercial drivers possess the necessary language skills for safety compliance. Prospective drivers should ensure their chosen training program remains active on the federal registry before committing time and money.
Further reading
Learn more about federal oversight in the Transportation sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Observer News Group.
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