State Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Chambersburg, is pictured.

State Republicans are eyeing legislation that would require all driver license tests in Pennsylvania to be offered only in English.

State Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Chambersburg, issued a co-sponsorship memorandum for legislation he is drafting. It comes a couple of months after House Republicans announced legislation that would require PennDOT to periodically verify the immigration status of legal immigrants holding Pennsylvania driver’s licenses and photo identification cards.

Mastriano’s bill also comes amid federal scrutiny of driver’s licenses given to immigrants. Sean Duffy, federal transportation secretary, made it a priority in November to scrutinize how driver’s licenses are issued by states to immigrants since August 2025, when a tractor-trailer driver not authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people.

Mastriano’s bill will 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,” Mastriano wrote in his co-sponsorship memorandum. “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.”

Transportation rule changes as well as congressional legislation has been proposed related to English language proficiency for CDLs. Similar legislation has also been introduced in Tennessee, though that bill includes a one-time limited exemption as well as a requirement that anyone who registers a vehicle in Tennessee provide proof of citizenship or lawful status as a U.S. citizen.

Mastriano said 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.

“This legislation also strengthens safety standards for commercial motor vehicle operators,” Mastriano said. “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.”