TDOS Sets Moratorium On New Commercial Driver Training, Handgun Safety Schools

Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety is placing a temporary moratorium on the approval of new commercial driver training or handgun safety schools and instructors.

Interim Commissioner Gerald Nicely said, "We want to do the best job possible in monitoring these schools according to state laws and rules.  At this time, we're obtaining new automation resources that will help us do that more efficiently.  The moratorium will be lifted when these resources are in place."

A recent Comptroller's audit recommended that the department enhance its system because of the large numbers of applications, school audits, reviews, approvals and certifications for both schools and instructors.  Currently, there are 15 commercial driving enterprises and more than 160 commercial handgun schools in the state. 

A review of the department's policies on commercial driving and handgun schools is underway.  Reviewers are checking for changes that may be needed to strengthen those policies.  During the moratorium, the department will also conduct training sessions on state rules and laws for existing school officials and instructors. 

"These schools provide an important service," said Nicely.  "But it's the state's responsibility to see that the consumers get training that meets state standards and is comprehensive in nature.  We've simply decided not to add new schools to the system until we're satisfied that our system of checks and balances is as good as it can be."

The Tennessee Department of Safety (www.tennessee.gov/safety) is responsible for ensuring the safety and general welfare of the traveling public.  The department's general areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education and motorist services including the issuance of driver licenses.  The department and its highly trained staff of Troopers are responsible for safety on more than 15,000 miles of state and federal highways.