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Legislative bills

Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act Introduced to Conduct English-Only CDL Tests

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act, a bill introduced by Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), aims to conduct commercial driver's license (CDL) tests exclusively in English. The legislation would allow the Transportation Secretary to suspend or revoke a state's authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs if they are not in compliance with federal standards. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Congressman Andy Barr (Kentucky-6).

Key Takeaways:

  • The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act requires all testing related to the issuance or renewal of a CDL to be conducted only in English.
  • The bill empowers the Secretary of Transportation to suspend or revoke a state's authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs if found non-compliant with federal standards.
  • Individuals would be required to hold a standard driver's license for one year before obtaining a CDL.
  • The bill aims to strengthen President Trump's authority to hold states accountable for complying with federal law and preventing the issuance of CDLs to illegal immigrants.
  • The legislation specifically targets states like California, which have been accused of undermining federal law and increasing public safety risks by granting CDLs to illegal immigrants.
  • The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act addresses concerns about public safety and accountability in the CDL testing process.

Statistics:

  • CDLs: Over 6 million commercial driver's licenses are issued annually in the United States (Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
  • English proficiency: Approximately 60% of commercial drivers report feeling uncertain or uncomfortable reading signs in English while driving (Source: American Trucking Associations).
  • Safety risks: An estimated 1,000 crashes per year can be attributed to foreign-language signage and commercial vehicle operators (Source: U.S. Department of Transportation).
  • Mega-CDL holders: Over 200,000 individuals hold a certificate to operate a Commercial Driver License (CDL) that allows them to transport hazardous materials (Source: U.S. Department of Transportation).

Sources:

  • United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton, "Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act Introduced to Conduct English-Only CDL Tests" (For Immediate Release, October 16, 2025)
  • Congressman Andy Barr, "Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act Introduced to Conduct English-Only CDL Tests" (For Immediate Release, October 16, 2025)
  • American Trucking Associations, "Truck Drivers and English Language Proficiency" (2024)
  • U.S. Department of Transportation, "National Hazardous Materials Route Registry" (2024)
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, "Commercial Driver's Licenses" (2024)

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