DETROIT – Peoples lives and futures have been put on hold as the state of Michigan investigates the Detroit Training Center and finds “multiple violations.”
The Investigators at Local 4 started working on this story when a student in the CDL Class A training program reached out to us through the ClickOnDetroit Help Center. The student we spoke to for this story has requested to remain anonymous.
According to its website, the Detroit Training Center offers several training programs including blight removal, CDL Class A and B, drywall finishing, diesel mechanic, heavy equipment operator, and welding MIG production worker training.
The student said that there are around 25 students who have been in a CDL Class A class since December 29, 2025. The class was supposed to be a seven-week class, but now it’s late April and they still haven’t been able to test out.
“We feel that the owner and the counselors there just aren’t being very clear with us, aren’t transparent on what’s going on with the state. We were shut down for like two, about two weeks last month and ever since then . . . It’s just been, I feel everything has been going downhill . . .”
The course isn’t cheap either. According to the Detroit Training Center’s website, the CDL Class A class costs $6,000, and that prices includes the testing and licensing fees. The student who spoke with us said they received grant funding to take the class, but told us that some students did pay out of pocket.
“It’s just super frustrating because our lives, and our work is relying on this. And, you know, a lot of us show up every day just to be, you know, met with nothing. So, yeah, it is again, incredibly frustrating,” they said.
If you need something investigated you can reach out to the Investigators at Local 4 through the ClickOnDetroit Help Desk or by emailing us directly at Local4Investigators@wdiv.com.
Investigators at Local 4 demand answers from CEO
The Investigators at Local 4 called the Detroit Training Center asking if someone would speak to us about this story.
We were told to email CEO Patrick Beal, so we did. Twice. He did not respond to our requests for comment or answer our questions.
The Detroit Training Center is located on Loraine Street in Detroit, in the area of I-94 and Grand River Avenue. Karen Drew went there on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, and found Beal.
- Karen: “You’re Patrick -- Karen Drew, Channel 4 -- I need to find out why kids, I should say students, aren’t able to take their tests. They’ve been waiting and we reached out to you to get an answer.”
- Beal: “We’re working with the state of Michigan right now to make sure everyone has testing availability.”
- Karen: “You’re actually not working with the state.”
- Karen: “Why are students waiting so long to take the tests?”
- Beal: “I do have to leave.”
- Karen: “I understand you have to leave, but we’ve got 20 students that are trying to move on with their careers -- and they feel they have been scammed.”
- Beal: “We have worked with them every single day and we’ve continued to provide training throughout as we’re waiting availability to test with the state of Michigan,” Patrick said.
The Local 4 Investigators reached out to the Michigan Department of State who confirmed an investigation is ongoing.
“An inspection by the Michigan Department of State Driver Education Unit found the Detroit Testing [sic] Center to have multiple violations. Due to lack of curriculum (not using any curriculum at all), their entry level driver training does not meet federal standards which prevents students from testing.”
Michigan Department of State
What the Detroit Training Center says on its website
As of April 29, 2026, the Detroit Training Center’s website lists both CDL A and CDL B training programs. The prices for the programs are said to include testing and licensing fees.
The Michigan Department of State made it clear to the Local 4 investigators that the Detroit Training Center was not a Driver Testing Business and did not have a DTB agreement on file.
- Their CDL A program costs $6,000. That price includes testing and licensing fees, according to the training center’s website. The day program takes place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. for seven weeks.
- Their CDL B program costs $5,500. That price includes testing and licensing fees, according to the training center’s website. The day program is Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for four to five weeks.
What is a CDL?
A CDL is a commercial driver’s license. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers are required to have a CDL to drive certain commercial motor vehicles.
- CDL Class A: Any combination of vehicles which has a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) whichever is greater.
- CDL Class B: Any single vehicle which has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 11,794 or more kilograms (26,001 pounds or more), or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight that does not exceed 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds).
Local 4 Investigator’s questions to the Michigan Department of State
Will students need to repeat hours?
Local 4’s Question: Does this mean students who believed they were receiving training (from the Detroit Training Center) would need to repeat all those hours?
MDOS Answer: The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) is currently reviewing student records. If Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements were not satisfied, the students will need to receive training from a Training Provider whose curriculum meets federal regulations.
Is the Detroit Training Center working with the state to fix this?
Local 4’s Question: Has the Detroit Training Center been working with the state to get back in compliance?
MDOS Answer: This is part of the department’s active investigation so we’re not able to share further details at this time.
Are any former students at risk of losing their license?
Local 4’s Question: Does the violation work retroactively, are there any students who are at risk of losing a license if they got their education through the Detroit Training Center?
MDOS Answer: This matter remains an active investigation, and we cannot give information on specific individuals or potential outcomes at this time.
Generally, the Department evaluates these situations on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on ensuring that all required training and testing standards are met. If any action is required, the Department will directly contact any student or former student who is affected and give guidance on next steps.
What to look out for when getting CDL
Here’s what the MDOS told us people should consider before choosing a driver education course:
Students should confirm that a training provider is properly certified by MDOS and, for commercial driver training, listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR). However, listing alone does not guarantee ongoing compliance. MDOS conducts inspections and investigations to ensure providers meet all state and federal standards to protect the integrity of driver training and testing in Michigan.
Consumers should review provider materials carefully, ask questions about the curriculum and training being offered, and report any concerns to MDOS.
Do not rely solely on what a prospective Training Provider has on their website. Ask the following questions:
- “Are you on the TPR, and can you submit my results?” The school must be able to electronically submit your training completion record to the FMCSA.
- “Does your curriculum cover both Theory and Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training?” ELDT requires both, each with its own separate assessment.
- “What is your student-to-instructor ratio for range and road training?”
- “Are your instructors qualified?” Instructors must have at least two years of experience and hold the proper class of CDL.
Consumers should also verify the following:
- Comprehensive Training: The program must cover all 30 federally required core curriculum areas, including basic vehicle control, backing, and advanced operating procedures.
- Assessment Proficiency: The school must require a score of 80% or higher on theory assessments before reporting ELDT theory completion.
- Documented Records: The school must document all required ELDT skills, including proof of student practice and proficiency assessments.
- Does the violation work retroactively, are there any students who are at risk of losing a license if they got their education through the Detroit Training Center?