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Tracy Today
By the People, for the People
All Truckers and Bus Drivers Must Take CDL Tests in English
New federal rules aim to improve safety and weed out unqualified drivers
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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The Trump administration is expanding its efforts to improve safety in the trucking and bus industries by requiring all commercial driver's license (CDL) tests to be taken in English, even in states that previously allowed tests in other languages. The Transportation Department is also cracking down on fraudulent trucking companies, closing hundreds of driving schools that fail to meet safety standards, and ensuring states comply with regulations for issuing CDLs.
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 operate their vehicles safely. It comes in response to several fatal crashes involving drivers who were not authorized to be in the U.S. or did not meet qualifications for a CDL.
The details
Under the new rules, truckers and bus drivers will no longer be able to take their CDL tests in languages other than English, even if they can demonstrate English proficiency. The Transportation Department is also strengthening registration requirements for trucking companies, conducting more spot checks, and cracking down on "chameleon carriers" that repeatedly change names to avoid consequences after crashes or violations.
- The policy change was announced on February 20, 2026 by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
- Florida has already started administering CDL tests in English only.
The players
Sean Duffy
The U.S. Transportation Secretary who announced the new policy requiring all commercial driver's license tests to be taken in English.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The agency that will be conducting more spot checks of trucks and commercial driver's license schools to enforce the new rules.
What they’re saying
“We must ensure that drivers understand English well enough to read road signs and communicate with law enforcement officers.”
— Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary
What’s next
The Transportation Department plans to strengthen the registration system and requirements for trucking companies, while also conducting more spot checks of trucks and CDL schools to ensure compliance with the new English testing mandate.
The takeaway
This policy change is part of the Trump administration's broader effort to improve safety in the trucking and bus industries by weeding out unqualified drivers and cracking down on fraudulent companies. It reflects growing concerns about fatal crashes involving drivers who may not have the necessary skills or authorization to operate commercial vehicles.
