by Fort Pierce, Florida: A truck driver accused of causing a fatal crash that killed three people in Florida had reportedly failed his commercial driver’s license (CDL) exam ten times in just two months before finally obtaining his license in Washington state, according to the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
The driver, identified as Harjinder Singh, allegedly crossed the southern U.S. border illegally in 2018 and later became involved in the deadly August crash in Fort Pierce, Florida. Investigators say Singh’s poor driving record, repeated test failures, and limited English proficiency have now become central to a growing legal and political controversy.
Multiple Test Failures Raise Questions About Licensing Standards
Records obtained by investigators show Singh failed his CDL knowledge exam ten times between March 10 and May 5, 2023, in Washington state. He also failed his air brakes knowledge exam twice during the same period.
Despite these repeated failures, Singh ultimately received his CDL after a Washington-based truck driving school attested that he could speak English proficiently, according to a senior Florida official.
The Washington State Department of Licensing later issued him his first CDL, and California subsequently approved a second one — decisions that are now under scrutiny as federal and state authorities examine whether proper testing standards were upheld.
Bodycam Footage Shows Language Struggles
In bodycam footage released earlier this year, Singh appeared to struggle with basic English communication during a traffic stop in New Mexico, just weeks before the fatal crash.
The video, recorded on July 3, shows a New Mexico State Police officer pulling Singh over for driving 60 mph in a 45 mph zone. Although Singh appeared apologetic, he had difficulty understanding some of the officer’s instructions and responding clearly in English.
Officials later confirmed that Singh failed English and road sign comprehension tests during his CDL exam process — raising serious concerns about how he managed to obtain certification to operate an 18-wheeler.
Fatal Crash in Fort Pierce
On August 2024, Singh allegedly attempted an illegal U-turn in his semi-truck on a Florida highway, causing a van to collide with the side of the trailer. The impact killed three people instantly.
Investigators said the crash scene revealed clear signs of driver error and poor situational awareness. The truck had reportedly jackknifed across multiple lanes, leaving little time for other motorists to react.
The Florida Attorney General’s Office confirmed that Singh is facing multiple charges, and federal agencies are assisting in the investigation given his immigration status and out-of-state CDL issuance.
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States Sued Over Issuing CDLs to Illegal Immigrants
In response to the fatal crash, the Florida Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Supreme Court last week against California and Washington, accusing both states of violating federal safety and immigration laws by issuing CDLs to individuals who are in the U.S. illegally.
The lawsuit argues that both states failed to comply with federal requirements mandating verification of lawful presence and English-language proficiency for commercial drivers.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the issue on October 15, saying that the federal government is cracking down on states that fail to uphold CDL testing standards.
“California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement,” Duffy said. “This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s roads.”
A Tragic Wake-Up Call for Trucking Oversight
The deadly crash has reignited debate over federal oversight in the commercial trucking industry, particularly concerning background checks, licensing verification, and the English-language requirements for commercial drivers.
For families affected by the Fort Pierce tragedy, the case is a devastating reminder of what can happen when safety regulations are not enforced. As investigations continue, both Washington and California face mounting pressure to review their CDL procedures and ensure all licensed drivers meet national safety standards.
Do you think states should face stricter penalties for issuing CDLs to unqualified or undocumented drivers? Share your opinion and join the discussion now on race-day-live.com.
