DOT Announces English-Only CDL Tests and Expanded Safety Crackdown
FMCSA is enacting changes to strengthen oversight of CDL education with the intent of improving highway safety
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a series of new safety initiatives aimed at strengthening oversight of commercial motor vehicle drivers and training programs. The measures include a proposal requiring that all Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) tests be administered only in English, along with increased scrutiny of driver training schools, trucking companies, and electronic logging device providers.
At a recent press conference, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will begin rulemaking to require state driver licensing agencies to conduct CDL testing exclusively in English. Duffy noted that in some states—such as California—applicants can currently take CDL exams in as many as 20 different languages.
According to the Secretary, the change is intended to improve highway safety and ensure that drivers can properly understand road signs, safety instructions, and federal regulations.
Crackdown on Driver Training Programs
The announcement is part of a broader DOT effort to tighten regulations surrounding commercial driver qualifications.
Duffy raised concerns about the self-certification process used by entry-level driver training schools, claiming many programs lack adequate curricula. Some schools, he said, reportedly do not even have trucks or buses available for hands-on training.
DOT officials said enforcement efforts have already led to significant action. The department has closed or threatened to close approximately 7,000 entry-level driver training schools for fraud or failure to comply with federal regulations.
Oversight of CDL Testing and Third-Party Providers
The Secretary also highlighted issues with third-party CDL testing services. While many states allow private companies to administer CDL exams, Duffy said oversight and auditing of these services are often insufficient.
“We need to ensure the testing process is credible and consistent nationwide,” Duffy said.
Targeting “Chameleon Carriers”
Another major focus of the initiative is cracking down on so-called “chameleon carriers.” These are trucking companies that repeatedly change their USDOT numbers to evade enforcement actions or safety violations.
DOT plans to strengthen procedures to ensure that DOT numbers are linked to legitimate business operations and cannot easily be used to bypass regulations.
The department also intends to increase enforcement against the illegal use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) by commercial drivers.
FMCSA: New Systems and Stronger Vetting
At the same press conference, FMCSA Administrator Derrick Barrs cited several recent fatal truck crashes involving carriers that had repeatedly changed their USDOT numbers to avoid regulatory scrutiny.
Barrs said the FMCSA will enforce stricter requirements regarding a carrier’s principal place of business, which must be tied to its DOT registration. The agency also plans to use its upcoming MOTUS registration system to improve the vetting process for new carriers.
“We are working to close the loopholes that allow unsafe carriers to continue operating,” Barrs said.
