New CDL Rules Mandate English-Only Testing and Proficiency Proof Starting in Two Years

The Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act is straightforward: it tightens the rules for who can get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) by making English proficiency a hard requirement for testing. Starting two years after the bill becomes law, anyone seeking a CDL must prove they understand the basic English needed to drive safely and communicate with officials. Crucially, the CDL knowledge test—whether it’s written, spoken, or automated—will only be available in English, eliminating the current practice of offering tests in other languages.

The Language Barrier on the Open Road

This change is all about communication and safety, particularly for interactions with law enforcement and regulatory agencies. The bill requires applicants to demonstrate they can read and understand English traffic signs, and communicate effectively with safety officers, border patrol agents, and personnel at cargo weight stations. The idea is to standardize communication across the board, ensuring that in an emergency or during a routine inspection, there are no language barriers that could compromise safety or efficiency. This directly amends Section 31305(a) of title 49, U.S. Code, by adding this mandatory English proficiency assessment to the certification of fitness requirement.

Who Gets Screened Out?

While the goal of ensuring clear communication is understandable, the practical impact of the English-only testing rule is significant. Right now, many states offer CDL knowledge tests in languages other than English to accommodate a diverse workforce. By eliminating these options and mandating English-only testing two years out, the bill creates a major barrier for prospective drivers who are otherwise qualified but whose primary language is not English. Think about a skilled mechanic or a long-time delivery driver from a non-English speaking background who wants to upgrade to a CDL to drive a semi-truck; this rule now forces them to master a new language before they can even take the test, regardless of their driving skill.

The Real-World Workforce Impact

The trucking industry already faces chronic driver shortages, and this law could tighten the labor pool even further. The restriction could disproportionately affect small trucking companies and agricultural operations that rely on multilingual workers. The Secretary of Transportation has two years to update the regulations in part 383 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to define exactly what “basic English needed to drive safely and communicate” means. That definition is key, because if the standard is too high, it could exclude thousands of experienced drivers. If it’s too vague, it could lead to inconsistent application across different states and testing centers, creating confusion and uncertainty for applicants trying to navigate the licensing process.