Sponsors (31)
The bill standardizes English proficiency testing for CDL applicants to improve safety and consistency across states, but it raises significant barriers for limited-English drivers, imposes administrative and funding costs on states and taxpayers, and grants broad regulatory authority to DOT.
Commercial drivers and CDL applicants will face a clear, standardized federal definition of English proficiency for obtaining and renewing CDLs, reducing variation across states.
CDL applicants and permittees who meet the English standard will be better able to understand road signs, safety instructions, and emergency communications, improving roadway safety.
Withholding federal highway funds from noncompliant States creates a financial incentive for states to adopt and enforce uniform safety and testing standards.
CDL applicants with limited English proficiency (including many immigrants and low-income individuals) will face higher barriers to obtaining or renewing licenses, risking job loss, reduced labor mobility, and potential driver shortages.
State motor vehicle agencies will incur additional administrative costs and workload to implement, proctor, adjudicate, and annually report on the new English proficiency tests.
Withholding federal highway funds from states deemed noncompliant could reduce infrastructure funding and services for residents if disputes arise over compliance.
Based on analysis of 6 sections of legislative text.
Requires applicants for new or renewed CDLs and learner’s permits to pass a federally approved English proficiency test and directs FMCSA to develop and monitor the test.
Requires anyone applying for a new or renewed commercial driver’s license (CDL) or CDL learner’s permit to pass a federally approved English language proficiency test before issuance. Directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to develop and approve the test, give states guidance for administering it, collect annual state reports, monitor compliance, and withhold certain federal highway funds from states that do not substantially comply. The law takes effect 12 months after enactment.
Introduced October 21, 2025 by Pat Harrigan · Last progress October 21, 2025