The Texas Department of Public Safety announced a change that affects immigrant workers and the state’s commercial driving rules. Under the update, people holding H-2A temporary agricultural visas are again eligible for Texas commercial driver licenses (CDLs), and the agency will offer written CDL knowledge tests only in English. Officials link the actions to new federal guidance and directives from state leadership.

This development reverses part of a pause earlier in the year that impacted various immigrant groups, including refugees, asylum seekers and recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The DPS clarified that currently valid commercial licenses held by eligible H-2A workers remain usable until their expiration, and those with expired credentials may apply to renew them.

Why the reversal and what the federal guidance says

State officials attributed the change to a mid-March update from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which broadened the classes of nonimmigrant visas allowed to hold CDLs. The FMCSA guidance specifically permits H-2A visa holders to obtain commercial credentials alongside other categories such as H-2B and E-2. For now, Texas says it has received approval only to process CDLs for H-2A applicants; the agency indicated that eligibility for H-2B and E-2 holders will be announced later.

The state framing for limiting eligibility emphasized safety concerns. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has argued that restricting the pool of visa holders who can obtain CDLs helps prevent what he described as misuse by dangerous actors. In a separate public commentary, Duffy underscored the role of language and comprehension standards as part of those safety measures.

Change to English-only testing and skills test background

Alongside the eligibility update, DPS said it will administer the CDL knowledge tests exclusively in English, removing the Spanish language option that had been available. The agency also noted that the practical portion of the CDL exam — the hands-on skills test covering driving and vehicle control — has long been conducted only in English. Applicants have historically been required to understand and follow examiner instructions in English, and interpreters were not permitted on that portion of the exam.

What this means for test-takers

Prospective drivers who relied on the Spanish written test will need to prepare in English or seek other approved resources. The state asserts the change aligns testing standards with federal language proficiency expectations. Critics warn that removing a Spanish option could create barriers for otherwise qualified candidates and may have downstream effects on trucking capacity and agricultural supply chains.

State actions, investigations and related rules

These policy shifts come after months of state-level activity aimed at tightening commercial driving rules. In September, Governor Greg Abbott instructed DPS to rigorously enforce the federal English requirements and ordered agency reviews of commercial license holders’ language proficiency. More recently, the Texas attorney general, Ken Paxton, announced probes into several trucking schools over alleged failures to follow English-language rules when administering CDL tests.

Separately, Texas’ Department of Motor Vehicles implemented new requirements for photo identification during vehicle registrations and renewals. Officials framed that step as intended to limit access to certain services by undocumented individuals, while representatives from the auto industry and some county offices warned the policy could hamper safety and economic participation for affected residents.

Broader implications and next steps

For now, the combination of restored access for H-2A workers and the shift to English-only written exams reflects both federal guidance and state policy priorities. The DPS has committed to announcing whether H-2B and E-2 visa holders will be cleared to obtain CDLs in Texas at a future date. Meanwhile, enforcement actions and regulatory changes in related agencies suggest continued scrutiny of how language proficiency and identification rules will shape driving access in the state.

Stakeholders — including workforce advocates, trucking schools and local officials — are expected to monitor how these changes affect recruitment, safety oversight and the mobility of immigrant workers who fill critical roles in agriculture and freight. As the state and federal agencies finalize implementation details, affected individuals should consult DPS guidance for instructions on renewal, testing and eligibility.