Why Some in Trucking Believe English Tests Could Make Roads Safer

Safety is important in trucking, and it’s one of the reasons that one trucking organization is pushing for higher standards in English proficiency tests.

Many argue that the push for newer and better technology to improve safety for truckers ignores how important it is for truckers to read road signs. They believe that not only do they need to read road signs, but they also need to be able to communicate effectively with law enforcement officials.

For that reason, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has shown support for a proposal to strengthen existing regulations around English language proficiency tests.

What’s Currently Happening?

The FMCSA recently published a notice of a proposed rule that would force law enforcement officials to place violators of the English-proficiency laws out of service. The reason they support this is that no one takes trucking safety more seriously than qualified and responsible truckers.

OOIDA President Todd Spencer spoke on how OOIDA has applauded the USDOT’s new push to place drivers who can’t understand English out of service, effectively strengthening the English proficiency laws.

While it may sound like a popular trend, OOIDA has actively spoken against this problem for close to two decades. You can, in fact, see them talking in comments filed back in 2008, when late President of OOIDA Jim Johnston was serving.

In 2014, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance stopped placing vehicles out of service for English-proficiency violators. In 2025, OOIDA petitioned the CVSA to resume placing violators out of service.

One of the things about strengthening these rules at the federal level is that it increases the likelihood that the rule will stay in effect for years to come. They will not be able to reverse Trump’s rules in this area as soon as he leaves office.

How Many Drivers Already Lost Their License?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has already placed 26,000 truckers out of service for failing to pass the English proficiency tests since the Trump administration reinstated them. Sean P. Duffy, the Secretary for DOT, said that the rules are clear, and this rule strengthens a dangerous loophole because anyone who fails to speak English well enough is putting American lives at risk.

Under the new law, it would strengthen a federal standard so that it ensures a clear practice across the board for all states. Some states have followed these guidelines better than others.

One area where this could have a particular impact is on cross-border trucking with Mexico. Before truckers can travel beyond the commercial border zone, they need to pass an English language evaluation or be placed out of service. Drivers within the border zone are safe.

What are Your Thoughts?

Even under the new laws, perfect and native-level English isn’t required, but what is required is functional English so that they can operate independently on American highways safely. At Trucker Social, we would love to hear what you think about the new rules and if you belong to the group that applauds the new English proficiency tests in trucking.

Do you think putting non-English speakers behind 18-wheelers in America will lead to more accidents? Why do you think that way? Let us know in the comments for an active discussion.