Texas Attorney General Investigates Trucking Schools for English Proficiency and Training Violations
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a statewide investigation into five truck driving schools accused of providing inadequate commercial driver license (CDL) training, including to non-English speaking students. The probe focuses on potential violations of state and federal laws governing driver safety and qualifications.
On April 28, Paxton’s office announced the investigation, citing preliminary findings that certain schools are certifying drivers who may not meet federal English language proficiency requirements. Federal regulations mandate that CDL holders must read and speak English sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals, converse with the public, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.
The Attorney General’s office has issued Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to the following providers: EP Texas Trucking School (EP Trucking), Trucker Certified LLC, Fast Track CDL LLC, CDLCALL.COM LLC, and Lindenwood Education System (Ancora). These schools operate in key Texas markets, including El Paso, Odessa, Garland, San Antonio, Arlington, Amarillo, and Pampa.
Graduates from these schools could enter major freight hubs such as Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, areas critical to Texas trucking operations. Professional drivers in these regions often share highways with new entrants, making compliance with training standards a direct concern for road safety.
Allegations include advertising accelerated training programs of about 20 days, which fall short of the typical three- to seven-week industry standard for CDL preparation. Some schools are also accused of falsely claiming certification status and failing to ensure students can safely operate commercial motor vehicles in line with all applicable safety standards.
Texas law requires CDL training providers to prepare students adequately for safe operation. The investigation also examines potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, aimed at protecting consumers from illegitimate businesses.
Paxton’s office stated it will pursue all necessary actions to shield CDL students from fraudulent schools and safeguard the public from unqualified drivers. The probe underscores longstanding federal mandates under 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2), which have required English proficiency for CDL holders since the 1980s to ensure clear communication on the road.
For professional drivers, these requirements matter daily. Miscommunication due to language barriers can lead to misunderstandings at shippers, with law enforcement, or in emergencies. Inadequate training raises risks during maneuvers like backing, coupling trailers, or handling hazmat loads, where precise skills are essential.
Texas trucking schools serve as entry points for many drivers into the industry. With the state’s vast freight network—handling over 20% of U.S. truck tonnage—ensuring new drivers meet standards helps maintain the safety record that experienced O/O operators and fleet drivers rely on.
Some schools named in the investigation have responded to the Attorney General’s release, though details of their statements are covered in separate reporting. The investigation remains ongoing, with the state committed to enforcing compliance.
Professional drivers monitoring this development should note the locations involved, as they may encounter graduates from these programs on routes through West Texas oilfields, I-35 corridors, or Gulf Coast ports. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules, effective since 2022, further emphasize minimum training hours, providing context for scrutiny of shorter programs.
The Texas Trucking Association has not issued a direct statement on this probe, but industry groups continue advocating for supply chain security, as evidenced by a separate April 28 letter from the American Trucking Associations and others to the Department of Justice on cargo theft issues.