Pennsylvania is the latest state to join the push for stricter licensing rules for truck drivers and motorists.
The proposal comes after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration could withhold $75 million in funding if the state doesn’t quickly fix issues with non-domiciled CDLs.
Two Republican Pennsylvania state representatives have announced their plan to introduce a bill that would require new driver’s license applicants to pass an English proficiency test.
Reps. Marla Brown of New Castle and Joe Hamm of Cogan Station also want all driver’s license tests in the state given only in English.
In a memo, the lawmakers said that the recent increase in immigration has led to more crashes involving drivers who cannot speak or understand English. They argue this is a major safety concern because truck drivers and others need to understand signs, alerts, road closures and speed limits, as well as be able to communicate with other drivers and law enforcement.
“We cannot allow drivers who do not understand the English language to obtain a driver’s license within Pennsylvania,” the memo reads.
Proposed changes
The state currently provides the commercial driver’s and personal driver’s license behind-the-wheel tests only in English.
The proposal would require that written and driving tests for truck drivers and others be given only in English.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation would also have to create an English proficiency test to make sure all new drivers can read and speak English.
People who already have a driver’s license or are renewing one wouldn’t need to take the test. However, legal immigrants who already have a license would need to pass the English test to renew it.
PennDOT would also have to offer the driver’s manual only in English.
Another change would ban the use of an interpreter at any point during the licensing tests.
Action at other statehouses
Arkansas and Oklahoma passed new laws this year to improve English skills among truck drivers.
Illinois and Wyoming plan to take similar steps in the coming year. New Hampshire is now joining them.
A New Hampshire bill targets CDL testing.
HB1252 would require the state Department of Motor Vehicles to give the CDL skills test only in English. Interpreters would be banned.
Bill sponsors say this simply puts into state law the federal rule that CDL skills tests must already be done in English.
The bill is in the House Transportation Committee. It can be reviewed when the regular session begins on Jan. 7. LL
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