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Texas CDL Exam Now English-Only, Sparking Industry Concern

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. -now-english-only-sparking-industry-concern.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 20:11 GMT by abc13
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

HOUSTON, TX - February 21st, 2026 - A significant shift in Texas commercial driver's licensing is now in effect. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has confirmed that as of today, the commercial driver's license (CDL) exam will be administered exclusively in English. This change, spurred by a recent court ruling that invalidated the previously offered Spanish-language testing option, is already causing ripples of concern throughout the state's trucking and logistics industry.

The DPS announced the immediate implementation of the policy, impacting both prospective new CDL applicants and those seeking to renew their existing licenses. The agency maintains the decision is a direct response to ensure adherence to federal regulations and to standardize testing procedures across the board. While the DPS states this move aligns with federal guidelines, critics argue the sudden shift fails to account for the substantial number of commercial drivers for whom English is not their first language.

"We understand this change may present challenges for some applicants," a DPS spokesperson stated. "However, compliance with federal requirements is paramount. We encourage all applicants to utilize available resources to prepare for the exam." The DPS directs those seeking further information to its official website, though currently, detailed guidance for non-English speakers is limited.

The decision stems from a legal challenge filed earlier this year by a coalition advocating for standardized testing. They argued that offering the exam in multiple languages created an uneven playing field and potentially compromised the rigor of the assessment. The court agreed, siding with the coalition and mandating that all CDL testing be conducted in English to ensure consistent evaluation of driving knowledge and safety standards.

However, the trucking industry is voicing strong objections. The Texas Trucking Association estimates that a significant percentage - potentially upwards of 15-20% - of the state's commercial drivers have limited English proficiency. These drivers, many of whom are long-haul truckers vital to the state's supply chain, may now face substantial difficulties in maintaining their licenses.

"It's going to be a big challenge for many of our drivers who aren't proficient in English," said Marcus Bellwether, owner of Bellwether Logistics, a Houston-based trucking company. "We're talking about experienced, safe drivers who have been on the road for years, and now they're potentially being put in a position where they can't legally operate a vehicle simply because of a language barrier. This isn't about their driving skill; it's about test-taking ability."

The implications extend beyond individual drivers. Analysts predict the policy could exacerbate the already existing driver shortage plaguing the industry. If a substantial number of drivers are unable to pass the English-only exam, it could significantly disrupt the movement of goods across the state and potentially increase transportation costs. Some fear the policy will force experienced drivers to retire early, further shrinking the labor pool.

Several advocacy groups are now calling for the DPS to implement support programs to assist drivers with limited English proficiency. Suggestions include offering intensive English language courses specifically tailored to the CDL exam, providing translated study materials, and allowing reasonable accommodations during the testing process, such as extended time. However, the DPS has not yet indicated whether it plans to implement any such programs.

The situation echoes similar debates surrounding standardized testing in other sectors, raising questions about accessibility and fairness. While ensuring rigorous testing standards is crucial for public safety, industry experts emphasize the need to balance those concerns with the practical realities of a diverse workforce. The coming months will be critical in determining the long-term impact of this new policy on Texas's trucking industry and the broader economy. Many are watching closely to see how the DPS responds to the growing pressure to provide support for drivers navigating this significant change. A lack of support could prove detrimental to the industry and potentially impact the state's economic stability. The question remains: will standardized testing come at the cost of experienced, valuable drivers?