Trump’s Directive to Disqualify Non-English Speaking Truck Drivers Officially Implemented by DOT

Kevin Jean, a Haitian immigrant and truck driver, remembers feeling uneasy during his commercial driver’s license exam. Despite speaking English, he worried about mispronouncing words. “I didn’t want people to laugh at me,” Jean shared. He noticed classmates from Iran, who struggled with English, still managed to pass their exams.

Recently, the U.S. government implemented new English proficiency tests for truck drivers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that drivers could be taken off the road if their English skills are insufficient. This is part of an executive order signed by former President Trump, which aims to enforce stricter language requirements for commercial drivers.

Historically, the language requirement has been enforced with varying degrees of stringency. Under the Obama administration, penalties were eased, allowing drivers to receive citations instead of being removed from their vehicles if they couldn’t communicate in English. Duffy’s new directive marks a significant shift back to stricter enforcement, prioritizing safety on the roads.

"We want to ensure that everyone on the road can communicate effectively," Duffy said at a press conference. He emphasized the importance of understanding traffic signs and responding to officials. For the trucking industry, safety is crucial. The American Trucking Association has supported the change, claiming it will enhance highway safety.

However, there’s pushback from some drivers. Concerns have been raised about how the English proficiency tests will be enforced, particularly regarding potential discrimination. Mannirmal Kur from the Sikh Coalition highlighted that many drivers from diverse backgrounds may face challenges. Recent data indicates that around 3.8% of the commercial driver workforce has limited proficiency in English.

In the past few years, more foreign-born drivers have entered the industry. Yet, the workforce still lacks diversity, remaining predominantly white and male. Despite new policies, there’s a genuine concern that these changes will deter aspiring drivers. Kevin Jean voiced his worry, stating that the increased barrier will make it even harder for people to secure jobs in trucking.

To add context, in 2024, the number of large truck accidents and related fatalities decreased compared to previous years. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported ongoing improvements in road safety. Meanwhile, a study by FTR Intelligence found that Texas recorded the highest percentage of English proficiency violations among states.

Navigating the challenges ahead will be essential for ensuring both safety and inclusivity in the trucking industry. For further detailed statistics and analysis, you can refer to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

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