Texas mandates that all CDL knowledge testing must be administered in English

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) announced new language requirements for the state’s commercial driver license (CDL) testing process.

Effective June 1, 2026, all CDL and commercial learner permit (CLP) knowledge examinations administered in Texas will be offered only in English.

All applicants with a CDL or CLP test scheduled on or after June 1 should be prepared to take the test in English, TXDPS said.

Interpreters will not be allowed in the testing process.

Previously, the knowledge tests were also offered in Spanish. The skills portion of the CDL and CLP test has always been conducted in English.

Officials said the change was made in order to align with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) English Language Proficiency standards.

TXDPS also said that offering the test only in English “will help ensure that all newly licensed commercial drivers have the communication skills necessary to operate these vehicles safely on Texas roads.”

In addition to the testing changes, TXDPS said that law enforcement personnel will continue to conduct English language proficiency evaluations for commercial vehicle drivers at roadside traffic stops and weigh stations.

“These evaluations are a critical measure to ensure drivers possess the necessary communication skills for on-road safety and compliance with federal regulations, and any commercial vehicle driver who does not meet the proficiency standard will be placed out-of-service,” the agency said.

In February 2026, Florida also made the move to offer the CDL and CLP knowledge tests in English only.

Also in February 2026, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans to move forward with new federal rulemaking to require that states administer CDL testing in English only.