All Truckers and Bus Drivers Required to Take CDL Tests in English

New federal rules aim to improve safety and weed out unqualified drivers

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Trump administration is expanding requirements for all truckers and bus drivers to take their commercial driver's license (CDL) tests in English, rather than allowing tests in other languages. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cited concerns about unqualified drivers and fraudulent trucking companies as the impetus for the new policy, which will also strengthen registration requirements and increase inspections of trucks and CDL schools.

Why it matters

This policy change is intended to ensure that all commercial drivers have sufficient English proficiency to read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and safely operate large vehicles. It comes in response to concerns about fatal crashes involving drivers who may have obtained CDLs without meeting the proper qualifications.

The details

Currently, many states allow CDL tests to be taken in languages other than English, even though drivers are required to demonstrate English proficiency. The new federal rules will mandate English-only testing nationwide. The administration will also crack down on fraudulent trucking companies that register under different names to avoid consequences, and will increase audits and inspections of CDL schools and trucks.

  • The new English-only CDL testing requirement will go into effect nationwide in 2026.
  • Earlier this week, the Transportation Department said 557 driving schools should close for failing to meet safety standards.

The players

Sean Duffy

U.S. Transportation Secretary, who announced the new English-only CDL testing policy.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The agency that will be conducting more spot checks of trucks and CDL schools, and taking action against fraudulent trucking companies.

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What they’re saying

“Every American wants drivers who get behind the wheel of a big rig to be well-qualified to handle those vehicles.”

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary (Breitbart)

“When we get on the road, we should expect that we should be safe. And that those who drive those 80,000-pound big rigs, that they are well-trained, they're well-qualified, and they're going to be safe.”

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary (Breitbart)

What’s next

The new English-only CDL testing requirement will go into effect nationwide in 2026.

The takeaway

This policy change aims to improve safety on the roads by ensuring all commercial drivers have the necessary English proficiency to operate large vehicles safely, while also cracking down on fraudulent trucking companies and unqualified drivers.