The Trump administration announced on August 31, 2026 that federal officials have closed 110 trucking schools across California. The action affects more than 5,000 drivers who were linked to the institutions and who failed required English proficiency tests.
The closures are part of a broader federal effort to target states identified as problematic for driver safety. Officials have emphasized the importance of English language requirements for commercial driver licensure, stating that proficiency is essential for safe operation on public roads. The California schools in question were connected to a sizable group of drivers who did not meet the language standards set by the Department of Transportation.
Federal authorities indicated that the decision to shut down the schools follows an assessment that the institutions failed to ensure that their students could pass the mandated English tests. By removing the schools from operation, the administration aims to prevent drivers who lack adequate language skills from entering the commercial trucking workforce.
The move has resulted in the immediate cessation of training activities at all 110 facilities. Drivers enrolled at the schools are now required to seek alternative programs that satisfy the English proficiency criteria. The administration has not released further details on the process for affected students to transition to other approved training centers.
The policy reflects ongoing federal scrutiny of driver qualification standards nationwide. While the focus has been on language ability, officials have linked the closures to broader concerns about safety and compliance within the commercial trucking sector. The administration plans to continue monitoring compliance with English language requirements and may take additional actions in other states if similar deficiencies are identified.