The Texas Department of Public Safety has ended Spanish-language testing for commercial driver’s license applicants, a move that comes just over a month after Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into trucking schools accused of certifying non-English-speaking drivers.
Effective June 1, all commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner permit (CLP) knowledge examinations in Texas must now be administered in English only, according to DPS.
The change aligns Texas testing procedures with federal English language proficiency requirements and is intended to ensure commercial drivers possess the communication skills necessary to safely operate large vehicles on public roads.
Previously, CDL knowledge tests were offered in both English and Spanish.
“This change aligns Texas’ testing procedures with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s English language proficiency requirements and will help ensure that all newly licensed commercial drivers have the communication skills necessary to operate these vehicles safely on Texas roads,” DPS stated.
The department noted that the hands-on CDL skills test—including pre-trip inspections, basic control skills, and road tests—has always been administered in English.
The policy change follows growing scrutiny of commercial driver licensing standards in Texas.
In April, Paxton announced an investigation into several trucking schools accused of certifying unqualified commercial drivers, including individuals who allegedly lacked sufficient English proficiency. His office alleged some schools told prospective students that English proficiency was not required and advertised services aimed at helping applicants bypass language barriers.
“Putting non-English speakers behind the wheel of 18-wheelers in America can pose serious threats to public safety,” Paxton said at the time.
The issue has also drawn attention from state lawmakers. Both the Texas House and Senate transportation committees have been directed to examine commercial driver licensing standards, including English proficiency requirements and oversight of third-party CDL training schools.
The move also builds on action taken by Gov. Greg Abbott last year. After reports that Texas was not fully complying with a federal executive order strengthening English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers, Abbott directed DPS to adopt a “zero-tolerance” enforcement policy.
“Every commercial driver license operator on Texas roadways must be able to communicate clearly in English to ensure compliance with traffic laws, follow safety directions, and prevent accidents,” Abbott said.
DPS said roadside English language proficiency evaluations will continue during routine traffic stops and inspections at weigh stations. Commercial drivers who fail to meet federal standards can be placed out of service.
