Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias recently announced that Illinois residents applying for a CDL can now access a Spanish study guide and take the written test in Spanish.

“This change will help qualified individuals whose primary language is Spanish to become licensed drivers and will help us address school bus and truck driver shortages across the state while maintaining stringent testing standards,” Giannoulias said. “Offering the CDL test in Spanish is one of the many steps our office is taking to ensure our services are as accessible and inclusive as possible.”

This initiative aims to boost the number of school bus drivers and agricultural workers who rely on temporary labor. It also makes it easier for non-English speakers to understand the technical details included in the CDL test, without changing the core testing standards.

“Applicants must still complete their road test and pre-trip inspection in English as applicants must understand basic verbal instructions to comply with federal guidelines from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,” according to the Illinois secretary of state’s office. “All CDL applicants must have U.S. citizenship, legal permanent residency status or be a nondomiciled driver.”

Brian Duncan, President of the Illinois Farm Bureau, commented on the ongoing challenges earlier this year. “From locating qualified truck drivers to haul grain, to sourcing enough hands to pick vegetables or manage livestock, the shortage of links in the transportation and agricultural supply chains continues to undermine food access and threaten the financial health of farms in Illinois and nationwide.”

In July 2024, Illinois had 378,500 licensed CDL drivers. This move follows Maryland’s decision in May to offer CDL testing in Spanish, joining over 20 states like Virginia, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) began offering the CDL knowledge test in Spanish to better serve its diverse population. State Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld mentioned, “to be more inclusive, accessible and convenient for Maryland’s diverse population.” By May, Maryland had 114,000 valid CDL holders.

Christine Nizer, Motor Vehicle Administrator, explained the reasoning behind this change. “We recognize that individuals may feel more comfortable reading in their native language, especially when those materials include technical information,” she said. “Offering the CDL knowledge test in Spanish removes potential barriers to obtaining a CDL which supports the critical needs in moving goods throughout Maryland and our country and enhancing safety on our roadways.”

Maryland State Delegate Deni Taveras initiated this change by approaching the MVA at the start of the year. The MVA then collaborated with its software vendor to add the Spanish language option and began the implementation process.

Taveras highlighted the importance of addressing income disparities in Maryland. “In Prince George’s County and across Maryland, we must address the income disparity where new Americans earn $17,000 less than the average U.S.-born citizen. This wage gap is evident not only in Prince George’s County but also statewide. We need to bridge this divide,” Taveras remarked. “Individuals with CDL licenses are more likely to be making a living wage for themselves and for their families. We also have a shortage of school bus drivers, and this industry is always in need of new drivers. Therefore, these licenses will address this transportation need as well.”

This initiative is a significant step towards making CDL testing more inclusive, addressing the growing demand for licensed drivers, and supporting the broader community in both Illinois and Maryland.

Source: Transport Topics

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In December, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) submitted a request to FMCSA, proposing that the three-part CDL skills test be conducted and completed in a different order: starting with the pre-trip inspection, followed by basic vehicle control skills, and concluding with on-road skills.

FLHSMV’s proposal aimed to grant testers the discretion to continue assessing an applicant who failed either the pre-trip inspection or basic vehicle control skills portions of the test. Subsequently, applicants could return at a later date solely to retake the failed segment(s). FLHSMV argued that this exemption would optimize compliance staff’s time and resources by streamlining the monitoring of third-party testers.

Support for the exemption was voiced by the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) during the public comment period.

In its denial the FMCSA “believes that conducting the elements of the CDL skills test in the required order (i.e., pre-trip inspection, vehicle control skills test, on-road skills test) is the best practice for the safety of the CDL applicant, the examiner, and any motorists who must share the public roadway with the CDL applicant during the on-road portion of the CDL skills test.”

However, FMCSA countered by highlighting the existing flexibility within current regulations regarding retesting. The regulations already accommodate retesting based on the specific stage at which a candidate fails the three-part CDL skills test. If an applicant fails the pre-trip inspection, they are required to retake the entire test.

If they pass the pre-trip but fail the vehicle control portion, they must return to repeat only the vehicle control segment before proceeding to the on-road test. Finally, if a candidate passes both the pre-trip and vehicle control segments but fails the on-road test, they are only obligated to retake the on-road test.

By denying the exemption request, FMCSA maintains adherence to existing regulations while ensuring consistency and standardization in CDL skills testing procedures.

“The sequence of the skills test ensures that an applicant has demonstrated sufficient knowledge and skills to safely attempt the next step in the testing process,” FMCSA said. “The current regulations also provide flexibility, in that generally, applicants are not required to retake portions of the test which have been successfully completed. Moreover, with the implementation of the federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, the agency believes [states] should see a reduction in the percentage of applicants who fail portions of the CDL skills test.”

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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“The agency grants this exemption because the islands of Lanai and Molokai do not have the highway infrastructure to support a demonstration of certain on-road safe driving skills required by the CDL skills test requirements,” FMCSA wrote.

Last year, Hawaii formally requested these exemptions, underscoring the need for a tailored approach due to the distinct characteristics of the islands’ roadways. Standard regulations mandate that CDL applicants must demonstrate specific on-road safe-driving skills, such as choosing safe gaps for changing lanes, passing vehicles, and entering traffic. However, recognizing the unique challenges presented by the highway infrastructure on Lanai and Molokai, Hawaii proposed a restricted CDL that focuses on essential skills, excluding certain on-road maneuvers.

“The state of Hawaii maintains that the islands of Lanai and Molokai do not have at least 2 miles of a straight section of urban business street and at least 2 miles of an expressway or highway section with multiple lanes going in each direction to allow the ability to legally change lanes,” FMCSA wrote.

Under the granted exemption, drivers who pass a limited skills test would receive a restricted CDL. Notably, these drivers would be excused from demonstrating on-road skills such as changing lanes, passing, and signaling appropriately when changing direction in traffic. The exemption applies exclusively to CDL applicants undergoing the skills test on the islands of Lanai and Molokai, confining the drivers to operate commercial motor vehicles solely on these two islands.

“The information provided by the state supports the state’s assertion that the islands of Lanai and Molokai lack the highway infrastructure to permit CDL applicants to demonstrate their ability to signal appropriately when changing direction in traffic, and the ability to choose a safe gap for changing lanes, passing other vehicles and crossing or entering traffic,” FMCSA wrote. “Therefore, CDL applicants who drive a CMV only on the islands of Lanai and Molokai do not need to demonstrate those skills to obtain their restricted CDL.”

The exemption period began on Tuesday, Feb. 20, and is slated to continue through Feb. 20, 2026. During this time, the FMCSA received no opposition to the proposed exemption, signifying a general acceptance of the need for a nuanced approach to CDL testing in the unique driving conditions presented by the Hawaiian Islands.

Source: Land Line

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Understanding the Initial Disappointment

It’s natural to feel a sense of disappointment and frustration after failing the CDL test. Acknowledge those emotions; they are a testament to your passion for this profession. Remember, many successful truckers faced initial setbacks but came out the other side better for the experience.

Reflecting on the Test Experience

The first step to overcoming this hurdle is reflecting on your test experience. Were there specific areas where you struggled? Whether it was the pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers, or road driving, pinpointing your weaknesses is crucial for improvement.

Seeking Feedback

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructors or examiners for feedback. They can provide valuable insights into what went wrong and offer guidance on areas that need improvement. Constructive criticism is a powerful tool for growth.

Continuous Learning and Practice

Now armed with feedback, focus on continuous learning and practice. Invest time in honing the skills where you fell short. Utilize resources such as online tutorials, simulator sessions, or additional driving lessons. The road to success is often paved with persistence and dedicated effort.

Developing a Study Plan

Create a comprehensive study plan that covers all aspects of the CDL test. Break down your practice sessions into manageable chunks, allocating specific time for pre-trip inspections, backing maneuvers, and road driving. Consistency is key, and a well-organized plan will keep you on track.

Reassessing Test Anxiety

Sometimes, the fear of failure can contribute to test anxiety. Work on managing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or even seeking professional guidance. A calm mind is better equipped to handle the challenges of the CDL test.

Retaking the CDL Test

Be sure to check your state’s laws as you may be limited to how many times you can test in a given period of time. When your state allows it and you feel adequately prepared and confident, schedule a retake of the CDL test. Remember, this is your chance for redemption. Approach the test with the lessons learned from your previous attempt and the newfound skills you’ve acquired.

Failing the CDL test is a temporary setback, not a roadblock. The path to becoming a truck driver is filled with challenges, but it’s the resilience to overcome them that defines success. Embrace the opportunity to learn from failure, refine your skills, and emerge stronger than ever. The road to a CDL may have its twists and turns, but each obstacle is a stepping stone toward a rewarding career on the open road. Stay focused, stay determined, and success will undoubtedly follow.

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