Senate panel approves changes tying noncitizen CDLs to visa status and transfer testing

Senate Bill 442, presented by Senator Dickerson, would change how commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) are treated for noncitizen holders in Georgia. The bill sets CDL expiration for noncitizens to align with visa expiration or five years, whichever is sooner, and requires retesting when a noncitizen transfers a CDL from another state to Georgia.

Sen. Dickerson told the committee the measure addresses safety concerns and ensures drivers can read and operate commercial vehicles. He acknowledged federal requirements for CDLs and said the change aims to make sure noncitizen holders meet Georgia's testing expectations. Committee members asked whether the written tests are English‑only (Sen. Beard) and whether retesting applies on renewal or only on transfer; Sen. Dickerson confirmed the written test is in English and that the substitute language requires retesting only when transferring from another state, not at routine renewal.

No members of the public signed up to testify for or against SB 442. Senator Payne moved and Senator Bearden seconded the motion; the committee passed the bill unanimously by voice vote.