SUBJECT: Strengthening Highway Safety Through English-Only Driver Licensing Examinations In the near future, we intend to introduce legislation amending Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to require that all driver licensing examinations in the Commonwealth—both noncommercial and commercial—be administered in the English language only.

This legislation would establish a uniform statewide standard providing that the knowledge examinations and skills tests required for a learner’s permit, driver’s license, or commercial driver’s license must be conducted exclusively in English. In addition, the bill prohibits the use of interpreters, translators, or other third-party assistance during the administration of these examinations to help applicants understand, answer, or respond to test content.

The primary purpose of this legislation is to improve public safety on Pennsylvania’s highways and roadways. Driving is a privilege that carries significant responsibility, and motorists must be able to demonstrate the ability to understand and respond to critical English-language traffic and safety information. This includes, but is not limited to:
 

• Traffic control signs and signals
• Construction zone warnings and detours
• Emergency notifications and roadway hazard alerts
• Instructions from law enforcement officers
• Directions from highway workers and first responders

In many highway situations, particularly those involving accidents, traffic stops, severe weather, or emergency evacuations, the ability to quickly comprehend English safety instructions is essential. Misunderstanding roadway warnings or law enforcement commands can lead to dangerous delays, confusion, and preventable crashes.

This legislation also strengthens safety standards for commercial motor vehicle operators. Commercial drivers operate large and heavy vehicles on Pennsylvania interstates and major freight corridors, where immediate communication and comprehension are vital. Ensuring that CDL applicants can successfully complete licensing examinations in English helps protect the motoring public and supports consistent safety practices across state and federal transportation systems.

Additionally, establishing an English-only examination requirement promotes uniformity and integrity in the driver testing process statewide. It provides clear guidance to PennDOT, third-party testing providers, and enforcement agencies such as the Pennsylvania State Police, ensuring that licensing standards are applied consistently and fairly.

Importantly, the bill includes language clarifying that PennDOT may continue to provide any auxiliary aids, services, or reasonable modifications required under federal law or constitutional standards to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, while still preserving the integrity and uniformity of the examinations.

I hope you will join us in supporting this important highway safety initiative. Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation to help ensure that all licensed drivers in Pennsylvania are equipped with the language comprehension necessary to operate vehicles safely and lawfully on our roadways.

For further information or questions, please contact either Don Beishl (dbeishl@pasen.gov), Aaron Bashir (abashir@pasen.gov) or Mike Stephens (mstephens@pasen.gov).