California is struggling to regulate trucking schools, with nearly 200 operating without licenses. A CalMatters analysis reveals that these schools often avoid oversight by charging $2,500 or less, exploiting a loophole in state law. Attempts to discipline these schools have been largely ineffective. Industry experts warn that this lack of regulation could mean drivers are unprepared to safely operate large trucks. A proposed bill aimed to close this loophole but failed to pass during the 2025 legislative session. The Legislature is considering the bill again this year. Critics argue that unlicensed schools offer inadequate training, posing risks to public safety on the roads.
