HB5767, titled the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025, would change federal rules governing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner’s permits (CLPs). The bill requires that all testing related to the issuance or renewal of a CDL be administered only in English. That requirement would apply to entry-level driver training tests, knowledge tests, and tests given by third-party training providers on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s training registry.
The bill also adds a new federal requirement that, beginning on enactment, a person must have held a driver’s license for at least one year before receiving a CDL, with an exemption for individuals who already hold a CDL when the law takes effect. In addition, it authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to revoke a state’s authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs or CLPs if the state is found out of compliance with applicable federal standards, including the new requirements created by the bill.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend title 49 of the U.S. Code and require the Department of Transportation to update regulations and guidance within 180 days. It would affect state driver licensing agencies, CDL training providers, and applicants for commercial driving credentials, especially non-domiciled CDL/CLP programs. The measure would likely tighten federal oversight of state licensing practices and could lead to loss of authority for states that do not comply.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or bipartisan support in the available record. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be framed as a safety and compliance bill, emphasizing English-language testing, licensing experience, and federal enforcement. The lack of recorded votes or hearing discussion means the overall sentiment cannot be measured from the provided materials.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the English-only testing requirement, the one-year prior driver’s license requirement, and the threat of revoking state authority over non-domiciled CDL and CLP issuance. Supporters would likely view these provisions as improving road safety, testing consistency, and regulatory integrity. Opponents may argue that the bill could create barriers for non-English-speaking applicants, limit workforce access in the trucking industry, and reduce state flexibility in administering licensing programs.
In commercial drivers, further providing for purpose and construction of chapter, for definitions and for commercial driver's license qualification standards, providing for English proficiency standard, further providing for nonresident CDL, for application for commercial driver's license and for disqualification and providing for annual report; and imposing penalties.
Requires MVC to verify certain information concerning commercial learner's permit and commercial driver license applicants and holders to ensure persons illegally in the State do not obtain or hold such permits and licenses.