Bill would forbid administration of CDL tests in any language except English
This week, a group of lawmakers introduced a bill meant to tighten Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) standards and punish states that refuse to enforce federal requirements for CDL holders.
The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025 was introduced in the U.S. Senate on October 16, with a companion version to be introduced in the House on October 17.
Lawmakers say that the bill was written in response to a fatal crash that occurred in August 2025 on the Florida Turnpike involving truck driver Harjinder Singh.
The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025 would:
- Require all testing related to the issuance or renewal of a commercial driver’s license (CDL), including non-domiciled CDLs, to be conducted only in English
- Empower the Secretary of Transportation to suspend or revoke a state’s authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs if found non-compliant with federal standards
- Require individuals to hold a standard driver’s license for one year before obtaining a CDL
Lawmakers introducing the bill include U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN).
“By issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants, states like California are undermining federal law and endangering public safety,” said Congressman Barr. “Our bill restores accountability by strengthening President Trump’s authority to hold liberal states in check when they defy federal law and recklessly grant CDLs to illegal immigrants.”
“For everyone’s safety, you must be able to read and understand English road signs when operating a commercial vehicle. Our bill would require commercial drivers to pass the test given in English,” said Senator Cotton.
“If you drive a truck in the United States, you should be able to speak English fluently. This protects our law enforcement officers and the general public. This is not only about safety and efficiency – it’s just commonsense. Whether taking their kids to school, driving to work, or going to the grocery store, Americans shouldn’t feel in danger every time they get on the road,” said Senator Tuberville.