by New rules for obtaining Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) have come into effect in Texas. The changes, implemented by the local Department of Public Safety (DPS), affect both the language of the exams and the categories of individuals eligible to apply for the document.
Cancellation of Spanish-language exams
The most notable change is the discontinuation of written and computerized knowledge tests for obtaining a CDL and a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) in Spanish. Starting June 1st, all exams are conducted exclusively in English. The DPS explains this decision as a necessity to align state procedures with federal English proficiency requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Previously, written tests could be taken in two languages, while the practical portion was always conducted only in English.
From now on, anyone wishing to obtain a CDL or CLP must take the tests in English without the assistance of interpreters. Additionally, highway patrol officers and law enforcement will continue to assess English proficiency during roadside checks. Drivers who fail such an assessment may be removed from duty.
Resumption of license issuance for H-2A workers
At the same time, Texas has reinstated the program for issuing non-resident CDLs and CLPs to holders of H-2A visas, which are used for temporary agricultural labor. This became possible after receiving approval from the FMCSA. To obtain a license, applicants must provide a foreign passport, visa documents, and proof of H-2A status.
Changes for other immigrant categories
It is worth noting that not everyone who was previously eligible to obtain a CDL has retained this opportunity. Individuals who received their licenses through the DACA program, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), refugee status, or asylee status will no longer be able to renew their CDL upon its expiration.
Thus, the new rules simultaneously make obtaining a CDL more difficult for some categories of drivers and significantly easier for others.
These changes reflect a general trend towards tightening requirements for truck drivers in the US, which has been observed recently. On one hand, the requirement to take exams only in English could improve road safety, as drivers must understand road signs and communicate with dispatchers and inspectors. On the other hand, this could create additional barriers to entering the labor market for immigrants who are not native speakers. The reinstatement of the program for H-2A workers, however, indicates recognition of the importance of seasonal labor for Texas agriculture, which is heavily dependent on foreign workers. Overall, these steps are part of a broader debate about the balance between safety, economic needs, and immigration policy in the transportation sector.
