Officials in Texas are showing truckers they mean business when it comes to commercial drivers and English-language proficiency.
On Monday, June 1, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced that, effective immediately, all CDL and commercial learner permit knowledge exams will be administered in English only.
“This change aligns Texas’ testing procedures with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s English language proficiency requirements and will help ensure that all newly licensed commercial drivers have the communication skills necessary to operate these vehicles safely on Texas roads,” the department said in a statement.
The department said that all CDL and CLP knowledge tests administered after June 1 will be solely in English, and the use of a translator is prohibited.
The department added that DPS personnel and other certified commercial vehicle inspectors will continue to conduct English-language proficiency evaluations during routine traffic stops and at weigh stations.
“These evaluations are a critical measure to ensure drivers possess the necessary communication skills for on-road safety and compliance with federal regulations, and any commercial vehicle driver who does not meet the proficiency standard will be placed out of service,” the department said.
In addition to moving to an English-only knowledge test, the department announced this week that it had obtained FMCSA approval to resume issuing non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs to temporary agricultural workers with valid H-2A status.
Eligible H-2A applicants must complete their transactions in person at a DPS Driver License Office, and will need to present the following documentation:
- An unexpired foreign passport
- An unexpired or expired visa
- Form I-94 or I-797A that clearly indicates H-2A status
Under updated federal guidelines, all non-domiciled licenses are limited to a maximum term of one year or less.
Drivers currently holding a valid non-domiciled CDL or CLP can continue to use their license until the printed expiration date. LL
Credit: Source link
