Trump Administration Shuts Down 110 Trucking Schools Over Language Proficiency Issues

WASHINGTON — Officials from the Trump administration announced the closure of 110 commercial driving schools, citing connections to over 5,000 truck drivers who failed English language proficiency tests. During a news conference on Monday in Detroit, leaders from the Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security identified California as the state with the most significant issues. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated, "By far, the worst abusers are in California under [Gov.] Gavin Newsom’s leadership." Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy added that many licenses unlawfully issued come from California, New York, and Illinois, noting that violations often occur when trucks travel through the Midwest. The closures are part of a federal initiative to address fraud and illegal practices in the commercial trucking industry. The officials did not specify how many of the closures are in California. Additionally, a nationwide audit of third-party testers authorized by states to assess commercial driver’s license applicants' skills is being launched. The administration is also encouraging military personnel to consider truck driving careers post-service. On the same day, federal investigators conducted a sweep of over 200 training schools across 23 states. Notices were issued to shut down another 160 schools due to issues such as unlicensed instructors and inadequate training facilities. Federal officials reported that drivers certified by these schools were linked to 239 commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities. Since June 2025, the Trump administration has revoked the commercial licenses of over 28,000 drivers for failing English language proficiency tests. Derek Barrs, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, highlighted concerns regarding the Platinum Plus Truck Driving School in Fresno, which certified drivers later cited for language violations. Barrs noted that one trainee was involved in a fatal accident in Oklahoma. He also mentioned that some schools operated under inadequate conditions. The Transportation Department did not disclose the exact number of closures in California but stated that 11 are in that state, along with 10 in Florida, 13 in Pennsylvania, and 13 in Texas, among others. These announcements are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to regulate immigrant commercial truck drivers, particularly those from California. Following his return to the White House, President Trump signed an executive order mandating that commercial truck drivers demonstrate English proficiency. In August, the Motor Carrier Safety Administration began formalizing these language requirements. Recent deadly accidents involving Sikh Punjabi truck drivers, who constitute about 20% of the U.S. trucking workforce, have drawn attention to this issue. New federal guidelines have limited commercial driver’s licenses to specific visa holders and mandated states to verify applicants' immigration status. The federal government withheld $160 million in transportation funding from California after delays in revoking licenses. Critics argue that the Trump administration has not substantiated claims that foreign drivers pose a safety risk. In 2024, approximately 5,200 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents, a 3% decrease from 2023 but a 30% increase over the past decade, according to the National Safety Council. Immigrant rights advocates contend that the new regulations worsen the truck driver shortage and perpetuate anti-immigrant sentiments, asserting that many affected drivers are legally authorized to work and have strong safety records. The Asian Law Caucus and Sikh Coalition have filed a lawsuit against California’s DMV on behalf of drivers facing license cancellations. An Alameda County judge recently required the DMV to create a process for affected drivers to reapply for their licenses after finding that some cancellations were issued in error. Additionally, U.S. Border Patrol reported the arrest of 95 truck drivers in the country illegally, including 76 with California-issued licenses.