The Department of Transportation announced Friday that all commercial truck and bus drivers will be required to take their commercial driver’s license (CDL) exams in English, reinforcing existing federal English proficiency standards and ending the practice in some states of offering CDL knowledge tests in other languages.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the policy is intended to ensure that drivers can read road signs, understand traffic signals, and communicate effectively with law enforcement and safety officials — all in English.
Federal regulations have long required CDL holders to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency. However, some states previously allowed written knowledge tests in multiple languages. The new directive standardizes English-language testing nationwide.
The policy is part of a broader federal safety initiative that includes increased scrutiny of CDL schools, stricter oversight of carriers, and enforcement against fraudulent licensing practices. Officials argue that language proficiency directly affects roadway safety and accident prevention.
Transportation regulators are also increasing inspections and tightening compliance and registration requirements for commercial carriers.
Existing federal rules require CDL drivers to “read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals,” and to respond appropriately to official inquiries.
An executive order issued in April 2025 directed the Department of Transportation to strengthen enforcement of English-proficiency requirements, rescinding prior guidance that had limited certain enforcement actions.
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It’s about time, too many accidents.
It’s about time.