Commercial truck drivers in Iowa must pass English test

The Iowa House passed a bill Tuesday to require commercial truck drivers take an English proficiency test to get their license. It passed 68-24 and adds a new requirement for applicants seeking or renewing a Commercial Driver’s License to meet English proficiency standards through a computer-based exam. The test must only be passed once and can be retaken if necessary. Drivers who are found to not be proficient in English while operating a commercial vehicle are subject to a serious misdemeanor charge and a civil penalty of $1,000. The proposed legislation would also penalize the trucking companies for employing these drivers.