The Texas Department of Public Safety resumes processing non-domiciled credentials for temporary agricultural workers, but removes the Spanish option for CDL knowledge tests.
The Texas Department of Public Safety resumed on June 1 the issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver licenses and commercial learner permits for people with H-2A status, used by temporary agricultural workers. The change allows eligible applicants to reapply for a CDL in Texas, provided they meet the new federal requirements and appear in person at a DPS office.
The decision came on the same day the DPS changed another part of the process: starting June 1, all knowledge tests for the commercial driver license (CDL) and commercial learner permit (CLP) are administered only in English. The Spanish option, which had previously been available for these tests, is no longer offered.
The CDL License in Texas Returns for Applicants with H-2A Status
According to the DPS, the resumption applies to people with H-2A status, a visa category for temporary agricultural workers. The agency reported that it received approval from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to resume processing these non-domiciled credentials.
Non-domiciled licenses and permits are commercial credentials for individuals who do not have a permanent address in the United States but who may operate commercial vehicles if they meet applicable immigration, identification, training, and evaluation rules.
The federal framework in effect since March 16 limits eligibility for these credentials to people in the H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 categories. The H-2B category covers temporary non-agricultural workers, while E-2 covers treaty investors. In Texas, however, the DPS stated that for now only processing for H-2A is approved. The agency said that the resumption for H-2B and E-2 will be announced later.
Applicants Must Visit in Person with Specific Documents
Eligible H-2A workers must complete the process in person at a DPS driver license office. The agency noted that in-office card services visits are handled by appointment.
For the process, the applicant must bring a valid foreign passport, a valid or expired visa, and the Form I-94 or I-797A that clearly indicates H-2A status. Under federal rules, non-domiciled licenses will have a maximum validity of one year or less.
The DPS also clarified that drivers who already hold a valid non-domiciled CDL or CLP may continue using their credential until its printed expiration date. The immediate action only applies if the driver needs to renew, transfer out of state, or update their license.
The agency noted that individuals whose previous credentials were issued based on Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) are no longer eligible to renew a CDL when it expires. In that group, the DPS included DACA beneficiaries, Temporary Protected Status recipients, refugees, and asylum seekers.
CDL Knowledge Tests Are No Longer Administered in Spanish
The second change affects all CDL license applicants in Texas. As of June 1, knowledge tests for CDL and CLP are administered exclusively in English, the DPS reported.
The measure covers both written and computerized tests. Applicants with tests scheduled from that date must be prepared to complete the evaluation in English. The use of interpreters is prohibited on those examinations, according to the agency.
The DPS explained that the practical skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and driving test, had already been conducted only in English prior to this change. The modification removes the Spanish option from the knowledge portion, not from the practical test.
The agency linked the change to FMCSA’s English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. The DPS indicated that updated study materials and the Texas Commercial Driver Handbook are available free on its website.
English Proficiency Evaluations Will Continue on Roads and at Weigh Stations
The DPS stated that its personnel on Texas roads and other certified commercial vehicle inspectors will continue performing English-language proficiency evaluations during routine traffic stops and at weigh stations.
The agency noted that any commercial driver who does not meet the English proficiency standard will be placed out of service. That measure may prevent the driver from continuing to operate the commercial vehicle until they meet the applicable requirements.
For temporary agricultural workers, employers, and commercial driving schools, the changes leave two practical points: the H-2A process is back available for non-domiciled credentials in Texas, but knowledge tests for CDL must now be completed in English.
