In 2025, US federal authorities once again emphasized two sensitive topics for the trucking industry: English proficiency for CDL drivers and the issuance of non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The initiatives come directly from the White House, Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and Congress.
These steps are already sparking debates in the industry—from arguments about increased safety to concerns about exacerbating the driver shortage.
The requirement for English proficiency for commercial drivers is not new. It has been enshrined in federal regulations for decades. However, in 2025, authorities moved from a formal requirement to strict enforcement.
In April 2025, the White House issued a directive emphasizing the need for strict adherence to language norms. The document states that road safety directly depends on a driver's ability to "read and understand road signs, as well as effectively communicate with inspectors and emergency services" (official White House statement).
FMCSA, in turn, confirmed that roadside inspectors have the right to check English proficiency during stops. A driver unable to demonstrate basic understanding may be temporarily put out of service until the violation is remedied.
The second key topic is non-domiciled CDL, meaning commercial driver’s licenses issued to individuals without permanent residence in the US.
In the fall of 2024, FMCSA published an interim final rule aimed at tightening the issuance of such licenses. The goal is to prevent abuse and ensure compliance with the immigration status of applicants. The agency's official statement emphasizes that the measure is aimed at "restoring the integrity of the non-domiciled CDL issuance process" (FMCSA: Interim Final Rule).
Key changes include:
- stricter verification of legal immigration status;
- limiting the CDL validity period to the duration of stay authorization in the country;
- additional requirements for states issuing such licenses.
Simultaneously, the US Congress is considering several bills that could make these measures permanent. Lawmakers propose:
- mandating that CDL exams be conducted exclusively in English;
- restricting states' authority to issue non-domiciled CDL if federal standards are not met.
As noted by a transportation policy publication, the issue has remained in lawmakers' focus for several sessions, and in 2025, the likelihood of new norms being adopted has significantly increased (Land Line Media analysis).
For carriers and drivers, the changes bring both direct and indirect effects. On one hand, reform advocates speak of reducing accident risks and improving road communication. On the other hand, industry representatives warn of a potential reduction in the available pool of drivers, especially among immigrants and non-domiciled specialists.
In the short term, companies will need to:
- more carefully assess drivers' language skills;
- monitor non-domiciled CDL status compliance with new requirements;
- consider regulatory risks in hiring and fleet planning.
The tightening of control over English proficiency and non-domiciled CDL is not a one-time initiative but part of a broader federal policy on transportation safety. The year 2025 may become a turning point, after which the requirements will not just be formal but practically enforceable. For market participants, this is a signal to prepare for new rules now.