New Legislation Aims to Make English Proficiency Mandatory for CDL Applicants

The debate over English language proficiency (ELP) for truck drivers is gaining renewed attention as the U.S. Senate introduces new legislation aimed at codifying and tightening federal ELP mandates.  The Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act, spearheaded by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), seeks to enforce standardized English testing for all new CDL applicants and prohibit the use of any other languages during the testing process.

While proponents argue the move enhances road safety and national cohesion, critics warn that it could sideline thousands of capable drivers at a time when the industry is already grappling with driver shortages. 

What the Bill Proposes

Senator Marshall’s bill would require that all CDL applicants demonstrate their ability to: 

  • Read and understand road signs in English
  • Communicate effectively with law enforcement officers
  • Give and receive instructions in English

It also specifies that the test cannot be administered in any language other than English.  According to the bill's sponsors, this measure is rooted in safety.  “Kansans deserve to know that commercial operators are held to the highest safety standards,” Marshall said.  Co-sponsors Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) echoed that sentiment, stating English proficiency is a matter of life and death on the road. 

Building on Recent Federal Action

This legislation follows recent moves by the Trump administration aimed at ramping up enforcement of English proficiency among CDL holders: 

  • In April, President Trump signed an executive order mandating stronger enforcement.
  • In May, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued official ELP enforcement guidelines for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Now, this new Senate bill aims to make these temporary measures a permanent legal requirement. 

How Many Drivers Could Be Affected?

That’s the million-dollar question—and no one seems to have a definitive answer.

The FMCSA’s Women in Trucking Advisory Board reported in August 2023 that 3.8% of commercial drivers demonstrate limited English proficiency.  However, recent Overdrive surveys suggest the number could be far higher:

  • 40% of respondents estimated that over 25% of drivers they encounter do not meet ELP standards.
  • Multiple stories from drivers during 2024 Roadcheck inspections back up the claim that limited English communication is a regular challenge. 

If even a portion of these estimates are accurate, tens of thousands of current drivers could be at risk of being placed out of service under the proposed legislation.

Industry Reactions: A Divided Highway 

The trucking industry is deeply divided on this issue.

Supporters argue: 

  • English proficiency is vital for public safety and emergency response.
  • Miscommunication with law enforcement or inability to read road signs can lead to deadly consequences.
  • It helps standardize training and accountability nationwide.

Opponents counter: 

  • The legislation could disproportionately affect immigrant drivers, many of whom contribute heavily to freight movement.
  • The industry is already facing a severe driver shortage, and removing capable drivers over language barriers could worsen service delays.
  • Many carriers and training programs already address ELP in their hiring and onboarding processes.

What Carriers Should Do Now 

With potential enforcement looming, carriers must prepare for the possibility that this bill becomes law. Here’s how:

  • Evaluate your driver pool’s language proficiency levels.
  • Provide voluntary English training support, especially for non-native speakers.
  • Stay informed about FMCSA enforcement updates and Senate progress on the bill.
  • Ensure documentation and driver instructions are aligned with ELP compliance requirements. 

Whether viewed as a safety enhancement or a regulatory overreach, the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act marks a significant shift in CDL qualification standards.  Carriers and drivers alike must remain agile as these changes unfold.  In the meantime, fostering a culture of support and learning within fleets could be the key to navigating this evolving landscape without losing valuable talent.

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