August 2026 Texas Driving News: CDL, AVs, Work Zones

August brings several important updates for Texas drivers — from new CDL testing rules to tighter oversight of self-driving cars and upcoming changes to driver education courses. Here is what you need to know.

CDL Tests Now Offered Only in English

Effective June 1, 2026, all Texas commercial driver license (CDL) and commercial learner permit (CLP) knowledge tests are now administered in English only. Previously, CDL knowledge tests were offered in both English and Spanish.

DPS said the change aligns Texas testing with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) English language proficiency requirements and is intended to ensure drivers can communicate safely on Texas roads.

Key points:

• Applicants scheduled for CDL or CLP tests on or after June 1, 2026, must take the exam in English
  
• Interpreters are not permitted during the exam
  
• Study materials, including the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver's Handbook, are available free on the DPS website
  
• DPS and other commercial vehicle inspectors will continue conducting English proficiency checks during routine stops and at weigh stations statewide
  
• Drivers who do not meet federal standards will be placed out of service

The change follows an FMCSA rule implemented on March 16, 2026, that restricts which non-U.S. citizens are eligible to obtain a CDL.

New Oversight for Self-Driving Cars in Texas

Starting May 28, 2026, any company operating commercial self-driving cars in Texas must hold authorization from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).

The state can now issue, revoke, or restrict a company from operating unless they certify each vehicle can:

• Comply with all traffic and motor vehicle laws

• Have an on-board recording device

• Have a federally-compliant automated driving system

• Get into a minimal-risk condition during a glitch or system failure

• Maintain proper title, registration, and motor vehicle insurance

As part of the new law, each company must submit an emergency response plan detailing how first responders should interact with its vehicles during emergencies. Anyone with safety concerns regarding commercial AVs can now report those to TxDMV.

According to the City of Austin, AV companies with vehicles currently deployed include Waymo, Zoox, and Tesla Robotaxi.

DPS Urges Move Over or Slow Down Compliance

The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to emphasize the state's Move Over or Slow Down law. The law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching any stopped vehicle with emergency or warning lights flashing, including police, fire, EMS, TxDOT crews, and tow trucks.

Penalties remain strict:

• First-time violators can face up to a $1,250 fine
  
• Violators who cause bodily injury can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine
  

DPS reported 6,989 Move Over violations so far in 2026. In a July enforcement operation, troopers noted that 142 crashes involving stationary DPS units have been reported since 2017, with 46 troopers hurt and two killed.

"We all want to make it home to our families." — DPS Trooper Karen Treto

Work Zone Safety Coming to Driver Education

Construction work zone safety is a growing issue in Texas. There were approximately 27,900 crashes and 215 fatalities in construction work zones on Texas roads in 2024.

Senate Bill 1366 (89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session) requires each driver education course or driving safety course completed on or after September 1, 2026 to include information about construction or maintenance work zones.

What students will learn:

• How to safely drive through construction or maintenance work zones
  
• How to identify construction zone flaggers and traffic signs
  
• The penalties, fines, and dangers — including bodily injury, death, and property damage — associated with violating traffic laws in work zones

Provider deadline: Driver education providers must update their curriculum and submit a new outline to TDLR by August 1, 2026.

Important License Renewal Rule for Seniors

Texas drivers age 79 and older must renew their driver's license in person at a local license office. Online renewal is not available for drivers 79 and older.

Renewal frequency by age:

• Ages 79–84: renew every 8 years
  
• Age 85 and older: renew every 2 years