Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 1, 2025
Bottom line
The bill establishes new federal requirements for commercial driver licensing, mandating English-only testing and a prior driving experience period, aiming to enhance safety and standardize qualifications.
What it actually does
This bill mandates that all testing for the issuance or renewal of a commercial driver's license (CDL) must be conducted exclusively in English. It also requires that an individual must have held a standard driver's license for at least one year before being eligible to obtain a CDL, with an exemption for current CDL holders. The Secretary of Transportation is granted authority to revoke a state's ability to issue non-domiciled CDLs if they fail to comply with these new federal standards.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that requiring English-only testing for commercial drivers is essential for public safety, ensuring that drivers can understand road signs, communicate effectively with law enforcement and emergency personnel, and comprehend critical safety instructions. The requirement for a year of prior driving experience is seen as a measure to ensure foundational driving competence before operating large commercial vehicles.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that the English-only testing mandate creates an unnecessary and discriminatory barrier for qualified non-English speaking drivers, potentially exacerbating existing commercial driver shortages and increasing costs for the trucking industry. They also argue that the one-year prior license requirement could unduly delay entry into the profession without a clear safety benefit that isn't already covered by rigorous CDL training and testing.
The bill is short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension of its core provisions.
Section 3
English-Only Commercial Driver's License Testing
This provision amends federal law (49 U.S.C. 31305(a)) to require that all tests related to the issuance or renewal of a commercial driver's license (CDL) must be administered only in English. It further mandates that the Secretary of Transportation promulgate or revise regulations within 180 days to ensure this applies to all entry-level driver training programs, knowledge tests, and tests administered by third-party training providers.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision enhances safety by ensuring all commercial drivers can understand road signs, communicate effectively with law enforcement and emergency services, and comprehend critical safety instructions in English, which is the common language of federal transportation regulations.
Critics contend
Critics contend this provision creates an unnecessary and potentially discriminatory barrier for otherwise qualified drivers who may be proficient in driving but not fluent in English, potentially worsening driver shortages and limiting opportunities for immigrant workers.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the perceived safety benefits of universal English proficiency among commercial drivers against concerns about accessibility, potential discrimination, and the economic impact on the trucking industry's workforce.
Section 4
Prior Driver's License Holding Period for CDL Issuance
This section establishes a new requirement that, starting from the date of enactment, a commercial driver's license (CDL) cannot be issued to an individual unless they have held a standard driver's license for a minimum of one year prior to the CDL issuance date. This requirement includes an exemption for individuals who already hold a CDL as of the enactment date.
Section 5
State Authority Revocation for Non-Compliance
This section grants the Secretary of Transportation the authority to revoke a State's or other jurisdiction's ability to issue non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) or commercial learner's permits (CLPs) if the Secretary determines that the State or jurisdiction is not in compliance with all applicable federal standards, including the provisions of this Act and any regulations promulgated under it.