LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) has suspended the operations of a Marquette truck driving education provider.
According to MDOS, the suspension is due to multiple violations of the Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act (DEPIA), including providing behind-the-wheel instruction to students without first verifying that they held valid commercial learner’s permits.
The MDOS Driver Education Unit issued a summary suspension to Northern Michigan University (NMU) Truck Driving School on August 5, after an initial investigation by found the provider failed to maintain records required by law, failed to 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.
The investigation is ongoing. No classroom or range instruction can be held during the suspension period.
WZMQ 19 reached out to NMU for comment on the suspension and received the following 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.”
Northern Michigan University
Students or families affected by the suspension may contact the MDOS Driver Education Unit at drivered@michigan.gov or 517-241-6850 for assistance.
