Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025
Summary
The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025 mandates that all commercial driver's license (CDL) testing be conducted exclusively in English. It also requires individuals to hold a standard driver's license for at least one year before obtaining a CDL, with exceptions for current CDL holders. The Act empowers the Secretary of Transportation to revoke a state's authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs/CLPs for non-compliance.
Expected Effects
This act will standardize CDL testing across the US, ensuring a uniform understanding of safety regulations among commercial drivers. It may also reduce accidents caused by language barriers. The one-year driver's license requirement could potentially improve driver experience before operating commercial vehicles.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced safety on roads due to improved understanding of regulations.
- Standardized testing process for CDL acquisition.
- Potential reduction in accidents involving commercial vehicles.
- Increased accountability for states issuing non-domiciled CDLs/CLPs.
- Improved driver experience before obtaining a CDL.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential discrimination against non-English speakers seeking CDLs.
- Possible shortage of commercial drivers due to stricter requirements.
- Increased costs for translation services if accommodations are not made.
- Potential legal challenges based on discrimination claims.
- May disproportionately affect immigrant communities.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's requirement for English-only testing could be challenged under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment if it's proven to disproportionately affect a specific group without a compelling government interest. The federal government's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) provides a basis for setting national standards for commercial driver licensing. The balance between these considerations determines the constitutional alignment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).