Lawmakers Seek to Prohibit Foreign-Language Truck Driver Examinations Following Deadly Florida Collision | Carscoops
This is one of several provisions aimed at pushing undocumented workers out of the trucking sector.
17 hours ago
by Stephen Rivers
A new bill proposes to prohibit issuing CDLs to undocumented immigrants and mandates English-only tests.
This follows a tragic truck crash in Florida involving a driver at the center of the discussion.
Federal entities might revoke states' licensing powers if they violate regulations.
The trucking industry is currently a contentious issue, caught in a mix of politics, safety concerns, and immigration controversies. A few months ago, a fatal incident in Florida brought national focus to a driver who had entered the U.S. illegally. This driver somehow possessed a commercial driver’s license (CDL) despite not being legally qualified for one.
More: Texas Suddenly Decides Some Truck Driver Licenses Are Now Worthless If You’re A Non-Citizen
A new bill being considered could restrict testing to English only. It would also include other provisions and grant the federal government greater authority to enforce these regulations.
Called the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025, this proposal was put forth in the Senate by Representatives Tom Cotton (R-AR), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Bill Hagerty (R-TN), with Congressman Andy Barr from Kentucky introducing a companion measure in the House.
Who Gets To Test?
The bill consists of three key elements. First, it stipulates that all CDL testing, including renewals, must be conducted solely in English. Second, individuals seeking a CDL must have held a regular driver's license for at least one year to be eligible.
Lastly, it empowers the Secretary of Transportation to revoke a state’s authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs if that state fails to comply with federal standards.
“By granting CDLs to illegal immigrants, states like California undermine federal law and jeopardize public safety,” Barr stated.
“Our bill reinstates accountability by enhancing President Trump’s ability to ensure liberal states abide by federal law.”
Illegal immigrants should not be operating any vehicles, especially the largest ones on the road. @SecDuffy is working to mandate English tests for CDL applicants and to hold liberal states like California responsible for issuing CDLs to undocumented individuals. I am collaborating with @SenTomCotton,…— Congressman Andy Barr (@RepAndyBarr) October 16, 2025
How Far Will It Go?
This proposal is part of a rising trend of Republican-backed legislation aimed at tightening commercial licensing criteria and associating them with immigration enforcement.
A similar bill, noted by Trucker News, named Connor’s Law, was introduced by Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) earlier this year, aimed at enforcing English-language testing for CDL applicants nationwide.
The trucking sector is experiencing turmoil regardless of this proposed legislation. Industry leaders frequently mention significant driver shortages, while drivers argue that employers do not provide adequate compensation to make the work worthwhile. Turnover, while complex, is reportedly high according to multiple sources.
However, if this new bill is enacted, it could further intensify the strain on an industry already facing a shortage of drivers.
For everyone’s safety, it’s essential to be able to read and understand English road signs when driving a commercial vehicle. This sensible bill mandates that commercial drivers pass an English-only examination. https://t.co/i5Z8ItMnlE— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) October 16, 2025
My team has contacted the trucker who filmed this alarming video. He acted appropriately by alerting authorities about the trucker driving the wrong way. This could have led to a disaster. Foreign truck drivers lacking understanding of our road rules is a… pic.twitter.com/SwiwdRQL1z— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) October 19, 2025
Credit: MACK Trucks
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Lawmakers Seek to Prohibit Foreign-Language Truck Driver Examinations Following Deadly Florida Collision | Carscoops
That is just one of several conditions aimed at pushing undocumented workers out of the trucking industry.