Illegal migrant failed CDL test 10 times before fatal Florida crash

Harjinder Singh, an undocumented truck driver who illegally crossed into the U.S. in 2018, failed his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) knowledge exam 10 times and his air brakes knowledge exam twice in Washington state before finally obtaining his CDL in 2023. Despite struggling with English proficiency and failing English and road sign tests, Singh was certified by a Washington-based training company as able to speak English and was granted licenses by both Washington and California. Singh is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide after a fatal crash in Florida caused by an illegal U-turn he made with his 18-wheeler, which resulted in three deaths. Bodycam footage from July 2023 in New Mexico shows Singh having difficulty communicating in English during a speeding stop, highlighting ongoing concerns about language proficiency among big rig drivers. The Florida Attorney General’s office has sued the states of California and Washington in the Supreme Court, accusing them of issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants without complying with federal safety and immigration standards, and threatening to withhold funding over enforcement failures. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has emphasized the importance of enforcing English language requirements for commercial drivers, citing safety concerns and specifically criticizing California’s refusal to comply.