commercial driver license; English proficiency

Plain English Breakdown

The official text confirms the requirement applies specifically to 'original applicants' but does not define a grace period for current holders who might need to renew soon.

HB2443: English Test for New Commercial Driver Licenses

This bill requires people applying for a new Class A, B, or C commercial driver license in Arizona to pass an exam that tests their ability to read, speak, write, and listen in English.

What This Bill Does

• Adds an English proficiency examination to the list of required knowledge exams for original CDL applicants.
• Requires the English test to include parts on reading, speaking, writing, and listening.
• Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 28-3223 to include this new requirement.

Who It Names or Affects

• People applying for a brand-new Class A, B, or C commercial driver license in Arizona who do not currently hold one.
• The state agency that issues driver licenses and administers the tests.

Terms To Know

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

A special type of driver's license needed to operate large trucks, buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

Original applicant

Someone who is applying for a CDL for the first time and does not currently hold one in Arizona.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill text states it becomes effective on the general effective date but does not list a specific calendar date.
• The source material does not describe how people can prepare for or retake the English exam if they fail it.
• There is no information in the provided text about whether existing CDL holders must take this new test.

Official Summary Text

HB2443 - 572R - Senate Fact Sheet

Assigned to
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COMMITTEE

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Seventh
Legislature, Second Regular Session

FACT SHEET FOR
H.B. 2443

commercial driver
license; English proficiency

Purpose

Modifies the
list of additional knowledge examinations that an original applicant for a
commercial driver license (CDL) must take by including an English proficiency
examination.

Background

An original
applicant for a CDL must meet specified requirements in addition to prescribed
requirements that are applicable to all driver license applicants, including
that the CDL applicant must take additional knowledge examinations to
demonstrate understanding of: 1) safety operation rules; 2) commercial motor
vehicle safety control systems; 3) safe vehicle control and the relationship of
cargo to vehicle control; 4) basic hazardous material knowledge and emergency
procedures; 5) the objectives and proper procedures for performing vehicle
safety inspections;

6) air brake systems; and 7) legal requirements for size, weight and vehicle
configurations (
A.R.S.
� 28-3223
).

There is no
anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.

Provisions

1.

Adds an English proficiency examination to the list of additional
knowledge examinations that an original applicant for a CDL must take.

2.

Requires the English proficiency examination to include components of
reading, speaking, writing and listening.

3.

Becomes effective on the general effective date.

House Action

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Prepared by Senate Research

March 13, 2026

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Current Bill Text

HB2443 - 572R - H Ver

House Engrossed

commercial driver
license; English proficiency

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-seventh Legislature

Second Regular Session

2026

HOUSE BILL 2443

AN
ACT

Amending section 28-3223, Arizona Revised
Statutes; relating to commercial driver licenses.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it
enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Section 28-3223, Arizona Revised
Statutes, is amended to read:

START_STATUTE
28-3223.

Original applicant; requirements; expiration; renewal examination

A. In addition to the requirements applicable to all
driver license applicants, an original applicant for a class A, B or C license
is subject to the following requirements:

1. The applicant shall submit evidence of compliance
with medical standards and requirements that the department adopts by rule.

2. The applicant must have held a driver license for
at least one year either in this state, any other state or a foreign country.

3. The applicant shall take additional knowledge
examinations to demonstrate understanding of the following:

(a) Safety operation rules.

(b) Commercial motor vehicle safety control systems.

(c) Safe vehicle control.

(d) The relationship of cargo to vehicle control.

(e) Basic hazardous materials knowledge.

(f) The objectives and proper procedures for
performing vehicle safety inspections.

(g) Air brake systems.

(h) Legal requirements for size, weight and vehicle
configurations.

(i) Emergency procedures.

(
j
) English
proficiency. The english proficiency examination must include
COMPONENTS of reading, speaking, WRITING and listening.

4. In addition to the other requirements of this
section, an applicant for a class A driver license shall demonstrate a
knowledge and understanding of:

(a) Vehicle coupling and uncoupling.

(b) Unique combination vehicle inspections.

5. The applicant shall take a driving test in a
vehicle or vehicle combination that at least meets the minimum size
requirements for the class of driver license sought. The driving
test shall include a demonstration of familiarity with pretrip inspection
procedures.

B. A person possessing a commercial driver license
on or before June 30, 2005 shall renew the license within eight years according
to procedures established by the department.

C. Notwithstanding section 28-3171, the holder
of a class A, B or C driver license shall renew the license every eight years
in a manner prescribed by the department.

D. The department may
administer an examination to a renewal applicant for a class A, B or C driver
license. This examination on renewal shall include the following:

1. Evidence of
compliance with medical standards adopted by the department.

2. Administration of knowledge tests or road tests,
or both, as required of an original applicant.
END_STATUTE