Tuberville, Cotton Introduce Bill Requiring English-Only CDL Testing

WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 2025 - U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) have introduced the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act, a new bill aimed at tightening safety standards for commercial drivers by mandating English-only testing for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs).

The legislation would require all CDL exams-including those for non-domiciled drivers-to be administered exclusively in English. It also grants the Secretary of Transportation authority to suspend or revoke a state's ability to issue non-domiciled CDLs if found non-compliant with federal standards.

"Safety and Common Sense"

"If you drive a truck in the United States, you should be able to speak English fluently," said Sen. Tuberville. "This protects our law enforcement officers and the general public. Whether taking their kids to school, driving to work, or going to the grocery store, Americans shouldn't feel in danger every time they get on the road."

Sen. Cotton echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of language comprehension for road safety:

Industry Concerns and Broader Safety Issues

Mark Colson, CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association, voiced strong support for the bill while highlighting additional concerns in the trucking industry. These include:

• B-1 Visa drivers illegally hauling domestic freight (cabotage violations).

• Fraudulent CDL training providers.

• Abuse of USDOT and motor carrier (MC) numbers by criminal operators.

• Electronic log device fraud and enforcement challenges.

Colson stressed the need for collaboration between federal agencies, state officials, and law enforcement to uphold safety and integrity in commercial transportation:

Companion Legislation in the House

Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY-06) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, signaling bipartisan momentum behind the proposal.

Key Provisions of the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act

• All CDL testing must be conducted in English.

• The Transportation Secretary can suspend or revoke a state's authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs if non-compliant.

• Applicants must hold a standard driver's license for at least one year before applying for a CDL.

Senator Tuberville, who serves on several Senate committees including Armed Services and Agriculture, has positioned the bill as a commonsense measure to protect American roadways and ensure accountability in commercial licensing.