BATON ROUGE, La. — Effective truck driver training begins well before a driver gets behind the wheel. This commitment to quality was evident during the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) recent visit to Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) member Diesel Driving Academy (DDA) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
These school visits allow FMCSA to connect directly with training providers, observe programs firsthand and better understand the daily work involved in preparing safe, qualified commercial drivers. This visit also underscores the essential role that professional CDL schools play in promoting highway safety and workforce development nationwide.
Established in 1972, Diesel Driving Academy (DDA) is known for its high-quality instruction, hands-on training and focus on preparing students for long-term success. Like many CVTA member schools, DDA understands that effective driver training is not defined by simply passing a test or earning a CDL. It is built through professionalism, accountability and the development of safe driving habits that prepare students for the real demands of the road.
Strong training creates more than licensed drivers. It produces skilled professionals equipped for long-term success and a safer industry overall.
These visits reinforce CVTA’s longstanding position that strong relationships between regulators and training providers lead to better outcomes for all. Direct engagement by the FMCSA fosters valuable dialogue on training standards, industry needs and the daily challenges schools face.
CVTA is proud to see member schools like DDA recognized in these important conversations. Schools that invest in high-quality training, experienced instructors, modern equipment and student success are not simply meeting expectations; they are setting the benchmark for professional driver education. These programs strengthen the workforce, support reputable motor carriers and directly improve safety across the trucking industry.
As the industry continues to focus on safety, compliance and workforce growth, collaboration between the FMCSA and trusted training providers remains essential. Visits like the one in Louisiana demonstrate that the best results come when all parties work toward the shared goal of safer roads and better-prepared drivers.
This story was originally published on CVTA’s blog page on April 29, 2026. Republished with permission.
Andrew Poliakoff is the executive director of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA), the largest association of professional truck driver training programs.
He has played a central role in advancing the organization’s priorities, including greater enforcement of FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry, expansion of 529 savings for training and improvement of the WIOA program.
Poliakoff works closely with federal and state officials, industry partners, and CVTA member schools to ensure that training programs meet rigorous standards and reflect the evolving needs of the transportation sector. Under his leadership, CVTA has become a trusted voice on Capitol Hill and a driving force behind regulatory improvements that promote safety, accountability and access to opportunity in the trucking industry.
A graduate of Georgetown University, Poliakoff joined CVTA in 2019 as the director of government affairs, after attending Catholic University Law School.
