Which States Give the CDL Knowledge Test in English Only?
TL;DR
As of October 2026, Texas (from June 1, 2026), Florida (from February 6, 2026), Utah, Oregon and Washington, D.C. have English-only CDL knowledge testing. Utah, Oregon and DC say so on their agency sites; Texas and Florida are listed from agency announcements, so confirm with the agency. Federal rules do not require this, so other states still offer other languages.
What federal rules require
49 CFR 383.133(b)(3) says a knowledge test can be given in a foreign language as long as no interpreter is used. As of October 2026 we found no final federal rule that makes every state's CDL knowledge test English only. In February 2026 the Transportation Secretary said the department would pursue one, but we have not found a published rule with an effective date. So language is decided state by state, and it is changing. Treat the list below as a snapshot, not a permanent answer.
States confirmed from an official source
These states have announced English-only CDL knowledge testing. Utah, Oregon and Washington, D.C. state it on their own agency sites. Texas and Florida are listed from their agencies' announcements as reported in the press and by secondary sources, so confirm the details with the agency before you book. Dates are given where the agency published one. Checked in October 2026.
- Texas: Texas DPS announced that CDL and CLP knowledge tests would move to English only on June 1, 2026. The tests had been offered in English and Spanish, and interpreters are not allowed. Confirm with Texas DPS.
- Florida: FLHSMV announced on January 30, 2026 that driver license exams would be English only from February 6, 2026, with translation and interpreters no longer permitted. Reports say this includes commercial classes. Confirm with FLHSMV.
- Utah: the Driver License Division states that all CDL tests are given in English only and that translation materials are strictly prohibited.
- Oregon: Oregon DMV states that the CDL general knowledge test is offered in English only and that translators are not permitted.
- Washington, D.C.: DC DMV states that all CDL knowledge tests are in English only.
If your state is not listed
Absence from the list does not mean a state still offers other languages. It means we could not confirm its position from an agency source, so we left it out rather than guess. Some states plainly still do offer another language: New Jersey MVC says CDL knowledge tests are available in English and Spanish, and its Hazmat test is English only. Before you book, check your own state's CDL page or call the licensing office, and check again if your test is weeks away, because policies are being updated.
What English only means for applicants
In the states above you take the written test in English with no interpreter and no translated version. Texas DPS says its skills test was already English only, so the change is on the written side. The practical steps: study from the English CDL manual, learn the technical terms (air brakes, combination vehicles, pre-trip parts, placards), and take practice tests with the same wording the real test uses. If reading English slows you down, build vocabulary from the manual rather than waiting for the test to change. Taking the test in English also lines up with the roadside rule that drivers must read and speak English, which is covered on a separate page.
Free CDL English test and road signs test →How to keep this current
We update this page when we can confirm a change from a state agency. The quickest check for any state is its DMV or licensing page for commercial drivers, which usually states the languages offered and whether translators are allowed. Our news section tracks federal rule changes too.