Miami, Fla. — Edward Chaparro, a former tow‑truck operator, was expelled from a Class A CDL‑A training program after he filmed his instructor nodding off behind the wheel and showed the footage to the school owners.
The incident shines a light on a growing concern in the trucking industry: the quality of behind‑the‑wheel instruction for aspiring OTR truck drivers. With FMCSA regulations tightening entry standards, many hopeful drivers invest thousands of dollars in accredited schools, hoping to earn a CDL‑A and secure steady truck driver jobs. When that training fails, the financial and familial stakes rise sharply.
Chaparro paid $5,250 to enroll in the program, a price point typical for private schools that promise hands‑on experience and a direct path to a commercial license. During several sessions, he observed the instructor drifting into sleep, a breach of safety that prompted him to record the moments on his phone. When the video was presented to the school’s owners, the instructor confronted Chaparro, and the school terminated his enrollment. The owners declined a full refund but issued an $800 check so he could sit for the CDL‑A test at another facility. The episode was reported by WSVN and has sparked discussion about liability and oversight in driver education.
What This Means for Drivers
Current and future CDL‑A drivers must vet training providers more rigorously, confirming that instructors hold valid FMCSA‑approved certifications and maintain a spotless safety record. A dismissed student like Chaparro may face delayed entry into the labor market, jeopardizing his ability to secure a truck driver job in a tight hiring climate. Fleet managers and owner‑operators should demand proof of instructor competence before sending employees to external schools, as lapses in supervision can translate into costly legal exposure.
Drivers who have already invested in costly programs should request written policies on instructor conduct and video recording permissions. In states where training schools are licensed, complaints can be filed with the state department of transportation, potentially triggering audits that protect other CDL‑A candidates.
Industry Reaction
Trucking associations and driver advocacy groups have long warned that not all CDL‑A schools meet the rigorous standards expected under FMCSA regulations. While the source article did not cite specific statements, the broader industry consensus emphasizes the need for transparent oversight, especially as trucking companies hiring now scramble to fill OTR truck driver vacancies. Carriers are urging schools to adopt stricter monitoring of instructor performance to avoid incidents that could jeopardize driver safety and the reputation of the profession.
Key Points
- Edward Chaparro spent $5,250 on a Class A CDL‑A training program.
- He recorded his instructor falling asleep multiple times during behind‑the‑wheel sessions.
- The school dismissed Chaparro after the video was shown to owners.
- The school offered an $800 check for Chaparro to take the CDL‑A test elsewhere, not a full refund.
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