In 2025, US federal authorities once again focused on two sensitive topics for the trucking industry: English proficiency for CDL drivers and the issuance of non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Initiatives come directly from the White House, the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and Congress.
These steps are already causing debates in the industry — from arguments about increased safety to concerns about worsening 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 standards. The document states that road safety directly depends on the 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 road 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 rectified.
The second key topic is non-domiciled CDL, which are commercial driver’s licenses issued to individuals without permanent residency 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 eliminate abuses and non-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 validity of CDL to the duration of stay in the country;
- additional requirements for states issuing such licenses.
Simultaneously, the US Congress is considering several bills that could make these measures permanent. Legislators propose:
- establishing the requirement to take CDL exams exclusively in English;
- limiting states' authority to issue non-domiciled CDL if federal standards are not met.
As noted by a transportation policy publication, the issue has remained a focus for lawmakers for several sessions in a row, and in 2025, the likelihood of adopting new standards has significantly increased (Land Line Media analysis).
For carriers and drivers, the changes bring both direct and indirect effects. On one hand, reform supporters talk about reducing accident risks and improving road communication. On the other hand, industry representatives warn of a potential reduction in the available driver pool, especially among immigrants and non-domiciled specialists.
In the short term, companies will have to:
- more carefully check drivers' language training;
- monitor non-domiciled CDL status compliance with new requirements;
- consider regulatory risks when hiring and planning fleets.
The tightening of control over English proficiency and non-domiciled CDL is not a one-time initiative but part of a broader federal policy in transportation safety. 2025 could be a turning point after which the requirements will not just be formal but practically enforced. For market participants, this is a signal to prepare for new rules now.