Truckers Face New English Test: SAFE Drivers Act Mandates Proficiency for All CDL Renewals and New Licenses

The newly introduced SAFE Drivers Act (Standardized Assessment for Fluency in English for Drivers Act) is straightforward: it mandates that anyone applying for a new Commercial Driver's License (CDL), a learner’s permit, or renewing their existing CDL must pass a standardized English proficiency test. This isn't just about reading a few road signs; the test, which must be approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), will check if drivers can read, write, and understand English well enough to handle safety instructions, communicate during emergencies, and complete necessary paperwork like driver logs (SEC. 2).

The New Hurdle for Commercial Drivers

Starting one year after the bill becomes law (SEC. 6), this new English test becomes a non-negotiable requirement for licensure (SEC. 3). For the millions of people who rely on their CDL to earn a living—whether they're hauling goods across state lines or driving a local bus—this represents a significant new hurdle. While the stated goal is to enhance safety by ensuring clear communication on the road, the requirement applies not just to new drivers entering the industry but also to every single person renewing their license. Imagine being a veteran truck driver who has been safely transporting freight for 20 years, only to face a potential job loss because you can’t pass a standardized language exam during your renewal process. This could disproportionately impact non-native English speakers who are already experienced, safe drivers.

States Get the Tab and the Threat

The implementation falls squarely on the states. State motor vehicle departments are now responsible for administering the FMCSA-approved test and confirming that applicants pass. They also have to report annually to the FMCSA on the number of people tested and the pass rates (SEC. 4(c)). This creates an immediate administrative and cost burden for state agencies, who now have to figure out the logistics of rolling out a new, mandatory federal testing requirement.

But here’s the kicker: the Secretary of Transportation, through the FMCSA, gets to monitor state compliance. If the Secretary decides a state isn’t “substantially following the law,” they gain the power to withhold specific federal highway funding—money designated under sections 104(b)(4) and 31313 of Title 49 (SEC. 4(e)). This is a huge financial hammer. Losing highway funding is a massive blow to state infrastructure projects, meaning every state will be highly incentivized to comply, even if the new testing requirements strain their resources or workforce pipeline. The vagueness of “substantially following the law” also gives the federal government significant leverage over state policies.

Real-World Impact: Access vs. Safety

On one hand, ensuring commercial drivers can communicate effectively is a clear safety benefit. If a driver can’t read a critical road closure sign or understand an emergency dispatcher, that poses a risk to everyone. On the other hand, the requirement for renewal potentially creates a major economic barrier for experienced drivers. The trucking industry already faces labor shortages, and adding a mandatory test that could disqualify experienced professionals—especially those who have demonstrated safe driving records for years—might tighten the labor market even further. This bill trades immediate access to employment for a standardized, federally mandated definition of safety, and the burden of that trade-off will be felt most acutely by individual drivers and the state agencies tasked with implementing the change.