Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) announced on Mar. 13 that he has joined Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) in supporting the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025, which aims to strengthen requirements for obtaining a commercial driver’s license in the United States.
The proposed legislation would require all testing related to the issuance or renewal of a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to be conducted exclusively in English. It would also mandate that applicants hold a traditional driver’s license for at least one year before applying for a CDL. Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) has introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Husted said, “The ability to read and navigate directions and road signs is a matter of life and death. Over the past year, we have seen too many examples of commercial vehicle operators cause American deaths on the road because of an inability to operate the vehicle or understand directions. Enough is enough.”
He added, “Ohio is America’s hub for commercial shipping with 60% of American and Canadian customers being within a day’s drive of our state. Every day, thousands of truckers travel through Ohio. If the men and women operating commercial vehicles through Ohio cannot speak or read basic English, lives are at risk. This bill would impose safety on American roadways.”
Cotton said, “For everyone’s safety, you must be able to read and understand English road signs when operating a commercial vehicle. Our bill would require commercial drivers to pass the test given in English.” Tuberville stated, “If you drive a truck in the United States, you should be able to speak English fluently. This protects our law enforcement officers and the general public. This is not only about safety and efficiency – it’s just commonsense. 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.”
Barr commented on another aspect of the legislation: “By issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants, states like California are undermining federal law and endangering public safety. Our bill restores accountability by strengthening President Trump’s authority to hold liberal states in check when they defy federal law and recklessly grant CDLs to illegal immigrants.”
The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act specifies that all tests associated with entry-level driver training programs, knowledge tests for issuing or renewing CDLs, as well as any tests administered by third-party training providers included in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration programs must be conducted only in English.
Supporters say these measures are intended to improve roadway safety across America by ensuring that all commercial drivers can effectively communicate and comprehend critical information while operating large vehicles.
