SD SB83

Commercial driver license (CDL) applicants in South Dakota must demonstrate English language proficiency as required by federal regulations (49 C.F.R. § 391.11), verified through English-only knowledge/skills tests and an oral interview using standardized questions about traffic signs, officer inquiries, and vehicle operation records.

Applicants who pass knowledge and driving tests but fail the oral English proficiency interview may retry after 14 days; existing CDL holders who have not demonstrated proficiency must complete the oral interview at renewal.

Law enforcement officers may assess English proficiency of out-of-state CDL holders during traffic stops or accidents using the standardized question list.

Operating a commercial motor vehicle without sufficient English proficiency is a Class 2 misdemeanor for first offense and Class 1 misdemeanor for subsequent offenses.

The bill restructures CDL/commercial learner's permit requirements to align with updated federal standards (49 C.F.R. references dated January 1, 2026), including state residency, federal knowledge/skills tests, and entry-level driver training from federally compliant providers.