Iowa requires English tests for commercial license applicants and drivers

The Iowa Department of Transportation examines applicants for commercial driver’s licenses and learner’s permits for English proficiency. The test applies to people applying for or renewing a commercial driver’s license or learner’s permit. It is computer based and uses the English standard in federal regulations. Applicants who provide proof that they previously passed the required test do not take it again. The department must not follow this section if doing so would violate federal law or cause the loss of federal funds or services. This section applies on or after March 1, 2027, or earlier if the transportation director files a statement that the relevant phase of the department’s new records system is in place.

A person who cannot meet the federal English standard must not drive a commercial vehicle. The restriction applies to anyone driving a commercial motor vehicle who cannot meet the English standard in federal regulations. A driver who violates the rule faces a $1,000 fine and may face up to one year in jail. Instead of that criminal penalty, an officer must issue an out-of-service order if the driver has an unexpired Iowa license or permit issued after passing the required English test. Enforcement must stop if it would violate federal law or cause the loss of federal funds or services.

A commercial motor carrier must not employ or hire a driver who cannot meet the federal English standard. The rule covers commercial motor carriers that employ or engage drivers, including independent contractors. Each driver employed or hired in violation counts as a separate offense, with a $10,000 fine for each violation. An officer must issue an out-of-service order if an investigation, safety audit, or normal business activity finds that the carrier is allowing, or allowed within the previous 12 months, a driver who cannot meet the standard to drive, or if another state or the federal motor carrier safety agency issued such an order. The Iowa order bars the carrier and its workers from operating vehicles it owns, leases, or controls in Iowa until the violation is corrected or the fine is paid, as applicable.