CDL Test Language by State: Where to Take It in Spanish

It depends on your state. No federal rule requires English-only CDL knowledge tests, so each state decides. Texas and Florida went English only in 2026, while Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Washington and Wisconsin list Spanish. Skills tests are in English everywhere.

Federal rule: 49 CFR 383.133(c)(3) lets states give CDL knowledge tests in a foreign language if no interpreter is used. Skills tests must be in English. See the rule text. Your state sets the test language, so the answer depends on where you test.

Checked 2026-10-25. Rules change, so check the date in the last column and the state link before you book. Every state row below was read on the state's own site on October 22, 2026.

The 2026 change: Texas and Florida are English only

• Florida: February 6, 2026. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department says all driver license knowledge and skills exams are given only in English. That includes CLP and CDL tests and oral tests. Translation services are no longer allowed. Source: Florida HSMV.
• Texas: June 1, 2026. Texas DPS gives all CDL and CLP knowledge exams in English only. Spanish versions are no longer offered and interpreters are not allowed. Source: Texas DPS news release, June 1, 2026.

Oregon, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah and North Dakota also say English only in the table below.

CDL knowledge test language by state

The first column is the state. Read the rule, then tap the source to see the agency's own words. Hazmat is English only in several states that offer other languages, so read the whole row.

What this table does not cover

• Skills tests. The pre-trip, basic control and road test are in English in the states that publish a rule. California says so and bans interpreters.
• The road. English is also a federal rule for drivers on duty. We explain it in CDL English proficiency rules. We link the rule and do not give legal advice.
• States we left out. Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wyoming. We could not confirm a language rule on the official page today. Call your DMV.

How to use this if English is your second language

1. Find your state in the table and open the source link.
2. If your language is listed, ask the DMV how to pick it when you book.
3. If your state is English only, use audio or oral testing if it is offered. Ask the office first.
4. Study the manual in English. Use your first language only to understand why an answer is right.
5. Plan your costs and trips. See CDL permit cost by state and what to bring to the CDL permit test.

Not sure how hard the test is? Read is the CDL written test hard. Ready to study? Try the CDL practice tests. For the pass mark and retake wait by state, see the CDL permit test facts by state.

Try 10 exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, in English.