Full List of 550+ CDL Schools to Close: Where to Find the Names - What Students Should Do
Where Students Can Check & Download the Full List of 550+ CDL Schools Shut Down

In February 2026, the U.S. Transportation Department said more than 550 commercial driving schools (truck and bus training programs) must close after federal investigators found major safety failures—examples included unqualified instructors, failure to adequately test skills, and other compliance issues.

Because provider status can change quickly (and because news stories usually don’t print a huge name-by-name list), the most reliable way to get the full list of affected schools is through the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR)—the federal system tied to Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) eligibility.

Read more: Top 10 Best CDL Truck Driving Schools in the U.S. (Updated List)

Where to get the “full list”

1) FMCSA TPR: Providers – Proposed Removal (schools flagged, in process)

This page lists providers under proposed removal and includes a Download button for the full dataset.

Use this list when:

  • You’re about to enroll and want to avoid schools currently being removed.

  • You heard a rumor a school is “under investigation.”

2) FMCSA TPR: Providers – Removed (already removed)

This page lists providers already removed, including date of removal and type of removal, and it also includes a Download button.

Use this list when:

  • You already paid a deposit and need to confirm whether the provider can still certify your ELDT training.

3) FMCSA TPR: Find a Provider (search tool + download training locations)

FMCSA’s public search page is designed for drivers and includes guidance plus an option to download training locations.

4) FMCSA: What ELDT is and who needs it

If you’re getting a CDL for the first time (Class A/B) or adding certain endorsements, ELDT applies. This FMCSA page explains it clearly.

Read more: How Penalty Points Can Damage Your U.S. Driving Record

How Students Should Use These Links to Check?

Here is a simple verification workflow any student can follow:

Step 1

Search the school here:

https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/search

Step 2

Open this page:

https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/provider/inreview
Search for the school name (Ctrl + F)

Step 3

Open this page:

https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/provider/removed
Search again

Step 4

Download both lists and filter by your state

Step 5

Repeat the check the day you enroll

Status can change quickly during enforcement periods.

Quick explainer: what DOT said happened

According to DOT’s announcement and reporting, FMCSA conducted 1,426 on-site investigations that led to:

  • 448 notices of proposed removal

  • 109 providers voluntarily removed themselves when investigators were on the way
    Common problems included instructors, skills testing, hazmat instruction, and equipment issues.

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

A Practical 2026 Guide for Americans Choosing a CDL School (Safety-First)

Step 1: Confirm you actually need ELDT (most new CDL applicants do)

FMCSA says ELDT applies if you’re seeking:

  • Your first Class A or Class B CDL

  • Upgrading Class B → Class A

  • First-time Passenger (P), School Bus (S), or Hazmat (H) endorsements

If ELDT applies and your school isn’t eligible in TPR, your training may not count.

Step 2: Verify the school in TPR the right way (do this twice)

  1. Search the school on the TPR “Find a Provider” page.

  2. Then check the school name against:

    • Proposed Removal list

    • Removed list

  3. Repeat the check the day you pay (status can change). AAMVA (DMV association) specifically advises checking immediately before enrolling.

Pro tip (fast filtering):
Download the Proposed Removal/Removed lists → open in Excel/Google Sheets → filter by State and City.

Step 3: Ask 12 questions that “CDL mills” hate answering

When you call or visit, ask for clear numbers—no vibes, no marketing:

Training quality & time

  1. How many hours behind-the-wheel do I get (range + road)?

  2. What is the student-to-instructor ratio during driving time?

  3. How many students share one truck on a typical day?

  4. Do you train on manual, automatic, or both (and will that affect restrictions)?

Compliance & documentation

  1. What is your TPR listing name (exact spelling) and training location address?

  2. Are you currently on Proposed Removal or Removed? (They should answer directly.)

  3. What documents will I receive showing ELDT completion and timing?

Testing & outcomes

  1. Who administers the CDL skills test (state vs third-party) and where does it happen?

  2. What’s your average time from enrollment → test date?

  3. What happens if I fail one portion (retest fees, extra practice time)?

  4. Do you have job placement partners you can name (not “many companies”)?

  5. What’s your refund policy in writing?

Major red flags:

  • “Guaranteed CDL”

  • “No need for road practice”

  • “Pay extra and we’ll take care of the test”

  • Refusing to share the exact TPR listing details

Step 4: If your provider gets removed while you’re training (what to do)

FMCSA guidance says training conducted after the removal date is considered invalid.

Do this immediately

  1. Screenshot/save the provider’s TPR status and the removal date (if removed).

  2. Ask the provider, in writing, for:

    • Dates you completed training segments

    • Proof of training records submitted (if applicable)

  3. Contact your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA/DMV) and ask what documentation they need to accept prior training (rules vary by state). (AAMVA has advised DMV staff on how to guide customers in these situations.)

  4. Use TPR to find a new eligible provider and ask about transfer credit (many schools require re-evaluation).

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

The Complete “Get Your CDL” Roadmap (with official tools)

1) Understand the federal steps to getting a CDL

FMCSA summarizes the major steps and requirements (knowledge + skills, plus medical and residency requirements).

2) Medical exam: use the official National Registry to find a certified examiner

FMCSA requires interstate CMV drivers to obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate from a certified examiner listed on the National Registry. Use the Registry search tool to find one near you.

3) Hazmat endorsement (HME): apply through TSA (if you need it)

Hazmat endorsement involves a TSA security threat assessment. TSA provides official steps to apply online and schedule appointments.

Cost, timelines, and choosing the “right fit” (independent vs carrier schools)

Independent schools

Best for: flexibility (choose among employers after graduation).
Watch for: extra fees (retests, fuel surcharge, extra practice hours).

Carrier academies

Best for: clear employment pipeline; sometimes lower upfront cost.
Watch for: contract terms (repayment if you leave early), route/type of freight, home-time expectations.

No matter which route you pick, the #1 rule after the 550+ closures is: verify TPR eligibility first.