Texas DPS Restricts CDL Knowledge Exams to English Only
On June 1, 2026 the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced a significant change to how future commercial truck and bus drivers will earn their credentials. To align with requirements from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – the agency that sets standards for commercial drivers nationwide – DPS will now administer all written knowledge exams for commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner permits (CLPs) exclusively in English【772461170847326†L70-L95】.
Texas DPS officials explained that the shift stems from a federal rule requiring commercial drivers to be able to read and understand English well enough to read road signs, understand hazard warnings, respond to official inquiries, and communicate with enforcement officers. For years, the state offered many of its knowledge exams in Spanish, and bilingual examiners often assisted Spanish-speaking applicants. Beginning June 1, only the English version of the CDL and CLP tests will be available, while the hands‑on skills test, which has always been conducted in English, remains unchanged【772461170847326†L70-L95】. The agency emphasised that interpreters are not permitted f
The rule change is narrow in scope. It does not affect the Class C or D driver license tests that most Texans take when they obtain a regular driver license; those examinations will continue to be offered in multiple languages. The new policy applies only to commercial credential applicants, such as truck drivers, bus drivers, and those seeking to operate vehicles with hazardous materials endorsements.
In its announcement, DPS stressed that the updated policy is about safety and compliance. Commercial drivers travel long distances and operate large vehicles that can cause significant damage if mishandled. Ensuring that drivers can read highway signs, detour notices, weather warnings and other critical information directly, without relying on translation, is essential for safe operation. The FMCSA requires states to certify that commercial drivers can speak and read English; the Texas policy brings the state fully into compliance with that federal requirement.
Applicants planning to take the CDL knowledge exam after June 1 should prepare by studying the English version of the Texas Commercial Driver License Handbook, available on DPS’s website. Community organisations and vocational schools that offer CDL training are encouraged to adjust their curricula to emphasise English comprehension and to provide language assistance before students attempt the state examination.
DPS officials acknowledged that the change may be challenging for some applicants but said the overall benefits outweigh the drawbacks. By ensuring that all commercial drivers have a baseline level of English proficiency, Texas aims to enhance road safety and comply with federal law. The agency encourages prospective drivers who are less comfortable in English to begin studying early and to seek language resources well ahead of their exam date.