Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act: A New CDL Bill

Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act Targets English Testing and Illegal Licensing

Lawmakers Introduce New Commercial Driver Legislation

A new bill in Congress aims to tighten federal rules for Commercial Driver licensing. The measure focuses on English-only testing and preventing licenses from going to people who are not legally in the United States.

The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025 was introduced by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN). Representative Andy Barr (R-KY) plans to introduce the same bill in the House of Representatives.

Lawmakers say the goal is to make sure all Commercial Driver testing across the country follows the same standards and that only qualified drivers can operate commercial trucks.

Bill Responds to Commercial Driver Safety Concerns

This proposal follows growing discussions about highway safety and how Commercial Driver licenses are issued. Sponsors say it responds to concerns that some states may be granting CDLs to drivers who are not legally in the country.

The lawmakers behind the bill say they want to close gaps in state licensing and improve accountability. They also say that uniform testing will help prevent accidents and protect the public.

“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.”

Senator Cotton said English proficiency is vital for road safety. “For everyone’s safety, you must be able to read and understand English road signs when operating a commercial vehicle,” he said.

Senator Tuberville added that drivers must be able to speak English to communicate clearly with officers and other motorists. “If you drive a truck in the United States, you should be able to speak English fluently,” he said. “This protects our law enforcement officers and the general public. This is not only about safety and efficiency – it’s just commonsense.”

What the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act Would Do

The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act would make three major changes to federal CDL regulations.

1. English-Only Commercial Driver Testing
   The bill would require all CDL testing to be done only in English. This includes written exams, driving tests, and any training or testing given by third-party training providers. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation would have 180 days after the law takes effect to update or issue new regulations to make sure all states comply.
2. One-Year Standard License Requirement
   The bill would require a driver to hold a regular state driver’s license for at least one year before applying for a CDL. This rule would not apply to anyone who already has a CDL when the law is enacted.
3. State Oversight for Commercial Driver Licensing
   The proposal gives the Secretary of Transportation the power to revoke a state’s authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs or learner’s permits if the state fails to follow federal CDL rules.

This change is designed to ensure that states issue Commercial Driver licenses only to individuals who meet all federal safety and eligibility requirements.

How Non-Domiciled CDLs Work

Under current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, a state can issue a “non-domiciled CDL” to a Commercial Driver who is not a permanent resident but is legally allowed to work in the United States.

These licenses are often used by foreign drivers working in seasonal agricultural hauling or cross-border operations.

Supporters of the new bill say that some states have allowed this process to expand beyond its intended purpose. They believe stronger federal oversight is needed to make sure these licenses are not issued to individuals without proper legal status.

If passed, the new law would give the Secretary of Transportation the power to suspend or revoke a state’s ability to issue these licenses if it is found to be out of compliance.

English Proficiency and Commercial Driver Safety

English proficiency has long been a key topic in the trucking industry.

Federal law already requires every Commercial Driver to “read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the general public and understand highway traffic signs.” This standard appears in 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) under the FMCSA’s driver qualification rules.

However, some states still allow CDL tests to be taken in multiple languages. Supporters of the new legislation say this leads to inconsistency and can create safety risks if drivers cannot communicate effectively in English during inspections or emergencies.

Senator Cotton’s office said the English-only testing requirement is meant to create one clear national standard for Commercial Driver licensing.

Impact on States and CDL Training Programs

If the bill becomes law, states that currently offer CDL exams in languages other than English would have to make major changes.

Licensing agencies would need to rewrite test materials, retrain staff, and update their systems. CDL training schools and third-party providers would also have to adjust their courses to follow the English-only rule.

The proposal could also affect the driver pipeline for companies that employ non-U.S. residents or bilingual drivers. Training providers may face new costs as they update programs and testing to meet the new standard for Commercial Driver applicants.

Industry groups have not yet issued formal statements on the bill, though English proficiency and driver qualification standards have been ongoing discussion points in previous FMCSA rulemakings.

Next Steps in Congress for Commercial Driver Reform

The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025 was introduced in the U.S. Senate on October 16, 2025, and will be reviewed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Representative Barr’s companion bill is expected to follow soon in the House.

If approved by both chambers, the Secretary of Transportation would have six months to issue regulations requiring English-only testing and establishing compliance procedures for states.

This proposal joins several other efforts in Congress focused on Commercial Driver safety, English proficiency, and CDL oversight. Lawmakers say the act will help create consistent national standards and strengthen public safety.

Key Takeaways

The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025 aims to strengthen how states issue and test commercial driver’s licenses nationwide.

It would:

• Require all Commercial Driver testing to be done in English.
• Require a driver to hold a regular license for one year before applying for a CDL.
• Allow the Secretary of Transportation to suspend or revoke a state’s authority if it fails to follow federal rules.

Supporters believe these updates would make roads safer and ensure that all Commercial Driver applicants meet consistent national standards.

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