MARQUETTE, MI— The Michigan Department of State has suspended operations at Northern Michigan University’s Truck Driving School for violations of the Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act.
The MDOS Driver Education Unit issued the suspension Wednesday. It says the school failed to maintain records required by law, didn’t maintain required student financial records, did not utilize required student written agreements prior to instruction, kept records somewhere other than its established office location, and allowed students to sign blank instructional documents that were later completed. Officials also allege the school provided behind-the-wheel instruction to students without first verifying that they held valid commercial learner’s permits.
Northern Michigan University responded to the allegations on Friday with this statement: "NMU is aware of the order issued by the Michigan Secretary of State to cease operations of our Truck Driving program. While we have complied with the order, we respectfully disagree with the findings and will challenge this action through all available channels. This order is based on disagreements over the record-keeping practices specific to the trucking program. NMU’s CDL Truck Driving program is a high-quality trades program that has graduated hundreds of well-qualified graduates who have gone on to productive careers as truck drivers."
Investigation into NMU’s Truck Driving School continues. No classroom or range instruction may be held during the suspension period.
