Indiana trucking businesses face compliance signal as new English requirement leaves CDL testing unchanged
A law enacted in March requires commercial driver’s license applicants to be proficient in English, but Indiana’s BMV says it will not add a separate English exam and will continue giving CDL and permit tests in English. State and federal officials have increased enforcement activity tied to English proficiency.
House Enrolled Act 1200, signed in March, adds an English proficiency requirement for anyone seeking a commercial driver’s license and includes other measures aimed at semitruck drivers who are in the country illegally. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles told WISH-TV the state will not adopt a new English test because CDL and permit exams are already administered in English. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the recent closure of 110 truck-driving schools after thousands of applicants failed federal English-proficiency screening.
State Rep. Jim Pressel, R-La Porte, said the law bars Indiana from offering the CDL skills exam in languages other than English, a change he framed as raising standards. Indianapolis trainer C1 Truck Driver Training — which serves more than 500 prospective drivers annually — says instructors emphasize reading road signs and expects schools to verify applicants’ understanding. Supporters say the requirement improves communication with law enforcement and on-road safety, though federal data cited in the article shows non-domiciled CDL holders were linked to 17 of 3,728 fatal large truck and bus crashes in 2025, indicating such crashes are uncommon.
BusinessIndy examines this development and its implications for Indiana businesses and communities using the linked sources.