Recent policy moves reinforce a previous requirement that truck drivers in the U.S. must be able to communicate in English. This has sparked debate across the trucking community. Owner-operators—especially immigrant drivers and those hauling cross-border from Mexico or Canada—are weighing how the “English test” mandate affects their livelihoods. Below, we break down the origin of this requirement, what it entails, drivers’ concerns and support, and how drivers are adapting.

Origin and Purpose of the English-Language Requirement

The requirement for truckers to know English is not new. Specifically, 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) says a commercial driver must be able to “read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in English, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.” This rule dates back to 1936 and was meant to ensure safety and uniform communication on U.S. roads.

Why the renewed focus now? In late April 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing officials to crack down on English proficiency enforcement for truck drivers, citing it as a “non-negotiable safety requirement”. It reversed an Obama-era policy from 2016 that had instructed officers not to put drivers out of service solely for lack of English. Now, federal regulators are tasked with restoring strict enforcement. Within 60 days of the order, the Department of Transportation must reinstate English testing guidance and empower officers to sideline drivers who can’t meet the standard. The claimed rationale is straightforward – prevent accidents and improve highway safety. How it will be enforced has yet to be seen. 

What Does an “English Test” Entail?

Despite the buzz about an “English test,” there isn’t a new written exam like a CDL test – it’s more about demonstrating basic language ability on the job. In practice, drivers must be able to read road signs, understand directions, fill out paperwork, and talk with enforcement officers in English. For example, at a roadside inspection or weigh station, an officer might speak with the driver in English or ask them to read something (like a hazmat placard or trip report) to gauge comprehension. A driver who “cannot demonstrate proficiency in reading and speaking English” could be placed out of service under the new mandate. This means the truck would be sidelined until a qualified English-proficient driver can take over.

What kind of language skills are required? According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the recent executive order, a trucker should be able to do all of the following in English: read and understand highway signs, converse with traffic safety officials (police, DOT, border agents, etc.), respond to questions, and write reports. In short, if an officer asks where someone is headed or tells them to pull around back for an inspection, they need to understand and respond appropriately. If a bridge strikes warning says “Low clearance 12’6" ahead,” drivers need to catch that. If an accident happens, they must communicate with first responders.

How will this be tested? This is the big question many drivers are asking. The rule doesn’t lay out a single standardized exam (and currently, “no national standardized English test” exists, as drivers on forums have noted. Instead, enforcement may rely on officer discretion during inspections. This uncertainty worries drivers like those who frequent the U.S.-Mexico border. “The aggressive way they’re doing it from one day to the next is something too strict and worrisome,” says one driver, arguing that one’s ability to drive safely isn’t necessarily tied to English fluency. He also pointed out the lack of clarity on how tests will be administered – it might come down to the subjective judgment of whoever stops the driver. There is some reassurance that FMCSA will issue guidance to ensure consistency across different officers and states. We may see a checklist or standard procedure rolled out: for instance, officers might ask a few simple questions (destination, cargo, etc.) and have drivers read a sentence or two in English.

It’s worth noting that translation aids are not a substitute. Using a phone translator app or having a co-driver translate isn’t likely to satisfy the requirement. The rule expects the driver themselves to understand and respond in English. 

Why Many Drivers Are Concerned

Not everyone in trucking is on board with this push. For many immigrant and bilingual drivers, the crackdown feels abrupt and unsettling. In many cases, these drivers have been operating safely for years, sometimes aided by routine routes or bilingual dispatchers. Now they worry: Will a thick accent or a nervous mispronunciation cost me my job?

Drivers like Kelvin say you don’t need perfect English to drive a truck safely. Many colleagues share that belief, noting that skill, experience, and safe driving habits shouldn’t be overshadowed by language ability. As one commentator on Reddit’s r/Truckers said, “I’ve met guys who speak little English but can maneuver a rig better than most natives. Are we going to sideline them over a language test?”

Another major concern is the potential loss of jobs and income. If enforcement is strict, drivers who struggle with English could be taken off the road. Insurance experts estimate that about 10% of U.S. CDL holders today lack strong English proficiency, a significant portion in an industry already short on drivers. “We already have a 60k driver shortage… It’s like they want to make it worse,” one driver remarked on a forum. Owner-operators who contract immigrant drivers or run team operations with a non-English-speaking partner are also worried – they could see their business disrupted if those drivers are disqualified. “A very large portion of our industry are individuals that speak languages other than English. So it’s going to have an impact,” notes Adam Grill, a trucking school president in Montana. “It’s hard to tell what that long-term economic impact will be.”

Many truckers say they support having some English ability, but they distrust how officers will enforce it. Stories (and rumors) have already spread: for instance, TikTok stories swirled around Arkansas law enforcement stopping every trucker on the road with tests. These reports were exaggerated – what happened is Arkansas passed a law (Act 604) actively imposing hefty fines (up to $5,000 for a driver, $10,000 for a carrier) if a driver can’t speak English or lacks proper work papers. Still, such tales put immigrant drivers on edge. On Reddit’s r/DACA forum, one user recounted seeing truckers in handcuffs at a weigh station, speculating they failed an English test. In reality, they may have been detained for other issues, but the perception persists that “failing English = you go to jail.” This kind of fear, grounded and not, is causing stress.

Finally, drivers from Quebec and other non-English-speaking regions wonder how they fit in. Canadian truckers generally must know English or French (Canada’s official languages). The Canadian Trucking Alliance acknowledged the U.S. English rule isn’t new and that they’ve long been aware of it. CTA’s president, Stephen Laskowski, emphasized that consistent enforcement will be key so drivers know what to expect. Many French-Canadian drivers do speak some English. However, Canadian fleets will be watching to ensure their francophone drivers or recent immigrants aren’t unfairly targeted at U.S. scales.

Those in Support of the Regulation

Industry organizations have largely come out in favor of the reinforced language requirements. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which represents 150,000+ independent truckers, “has always advocated for the [English] regulation in the name of safety.” OOIDA actually petitioned earlier this year to restore the English proficiency out-of-service criteria, citing concerns that some carriers were exploiting loopholes to put non-English-speaking (and often under-trained) drivers on the road as cheap labor. The group's stance is that the rule helps weed out unscrupulous companies that might otherwise hire unqualified drivers (for instance, some carriers have recruited drivers from abroad quickly via non-domiciled CDLs, skirting language and skills requirements). By enforcing English, those companies can’t ignore the law just to save a buck on wages. This, OOIDA argues, ultimately protects the working conditions and safety of all drivers on the road.

Adam Grill, the Montana Trucking Academy president who acknowledges the enormous contributions of immigrant drivers, sees the value in this requirement if it is implemented reasonably. He says this shouldn’t be about excluding foreign-born drivers, but about encouraging them to gain the language skills that will set them up for success. He actively recruits drivers from overseas to help with the driver shortage, and he notes that learning from other countries’ best practices is useful. Still, a common language on the road is essential to implement those practices safely.

How Drivers Are Preparing and Adapting

With the clock ticking (the enforcement was given a 60-day window, putting implementation around late June 2025, drivers and companies are taking action. Owner-operators, in particular, are proactive by nature, so many are treating this like any new regulation – by getting ready for it.

Brush up on English: This means hitting the books (or apps) for drivers whose English isn't strong. Some truck stops have started carrying pocket English-Spanish dictionaries again, and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes are a great option for truckers seeking a refresh. Some truckers recommend listening to English audiobooks or podcasts while driving. We recommend focusing on trucking terminology (words like “bill of lading,” “detour,” “inspection station,” etc.). Also, include common road signs and climate-specific terminology. 

Preparing for inspections: Many owner-operators are adding an “English check” to their mental pre-trip checklist. Just as you’d ensure your logbook and permits are in order, now there’s a thought of, “Am I ready to communicate if I get pulled in?” Know the details of that load and journey ahead of time to ensure you’re ready under pressure. 

Seeking legal and professional guidance: Groups like OOIDA are informing their members about what to expect. OOIDA’s channels have been buzzing with Q&A on this topic – they advise that drivers should not refuse to attempt communication (remaining silent could be seen as non-compliance). Instead, do your best, and if you feel you were treated unfairly, document the incident and let OOIDA or your company know. Having that support network is crucial, especially for independent owner-ops who might otherwise have no one in their corner if they’re put out of service far from home.

On the flip side, some drivers are making tough choices. A few who know their English is poor have decided to stay local or avoid U.S. runs for now. These cases aren’t widespread, but they show that some are adjusting their operations until they can improve their language skills or until enforcement details become clearer.

Conclusion: Navigating the Road Ahead

For owner-operators, the key takeaway is that the rule is real and will be enforced, so it’s wise to take it seriously and take steps to comply. Here’s a balanced outlook and some actionable advice:

• Knowledge is power: First, understand exactly what’s required. You don’t need to be translating Shakespeare or debating politics in English – you just need to be able to do your day-to-day trucking tasks in English. That means reading road signs, understanding basic instructions and questions, and communicating information about your load or trip. If you can do that, you should be fine. If you’re unsure, start practicing now. Even native English speakers might review odd road signage or industry terms, because sometimes regional slang or unusual phrasing can throw anyone off.
• Use available resources: If you’re an immigrant driver still building confidence in English, know that resources and communities are ready to help. Consider reaching out to organizations like OOIDA, which can provide guidance (OOIDA has been a champion of this rule for safety reasons, but they also want to help drivers meet the standard). Other groups representing immigrant drivers are offering support as well – they can point you to language classes or possibly even legal aid if you face unjust treatment. Many community colleges and adult education centers offer ESL classes tailored to vocational needs, sometimes even focusing on trucking or technical vocabulary. 
• Stay informed and involved: The situation is still evolving. FMCSA and CVSA will be rolling out guidance and possibly standardized procedures for enforcement. Keep an eye on trucking news for updates on how the policy is being applied. It’s also a good idea to connect with fellow drivers – on Reddit’s r/Truckers, TruckersReport forums, or Facebook groups – to share experiences. If roadside inspections for language start ramping up in certain states, drivers will be the first to alert others about what to expect.

• Embrace the positive, mitigate the negative: Try to see the opportunity here. Improving your English can open doors – perhaps enabling you to work with a wider range of brokers or navigate new routes confidently. Many owner-operators are self-made entrepreneurs, and communication is a huge part of business. Being more comfortable in English can help with negotiations, networking, and compliance in other areas, too. On the flip side, be aware of your rights. You should not be mistreated or harassed under the guise of a language test. Enforcement should be professional and consistent. If you feel you were singled out unfairly, document the encounter (time, place, badge number if possible) and report it to authorities or industry associations. The intent is to improve safety, not to discriminate or degrade drivers, and any abuse of the rules should be challenged.

The English-language requirement for truckers is here to stay – it’s rooted in law and now being strongly enforced, at least for this presidential term. Owner-operators can best navigate this by being prepared: enhance your language skills if needed, stay connected with the trucking community for updates, and use support systems available. As an owner-operator, you’ve overcome plenty of challenges on the road; with a bit of effort, this one is manageable too. After all, trucking is all about keeping the wheels moving safely and efficiently. With the proper preparation, you can keep on trucking and continue to thrive in your business.