English language proficiency has been a requirement for CDL holders on America’s roads for decades under CFR 391.11(b)(2), but recent developments will change how this regulation is enforced and will likely have implications for carriers who rely on English as a second language speakers to drive their trucks.
To help carriers prepare for this change, Tenstreet will be offering all clients a free practice tool to help assess the English proficiency of their fleet. Read on to learn what changes are coming and how you’ll be affected.
Changing Enforcement of English Language Proficiency in 2025
On April 28, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order, Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers, that rescinds a 2016 policy that eased enforcement of the English language proficiency requirement. The 2016 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) policy told inspectors not to place drivers out of service solely for failing to meet the requirement as long as they were otherwise fit to operate. Under this new Executive Order, “violation of the English language proficiency requirement results in the driver being placed out-of-service.“
CFR 391.11(b)(2), the regulation in question, states that drivers must “Read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.”
In short, while previous violations were not in danger of immediately pulling a driver out of service, enforcement is being standardized out of a desire for greater safety, ensuring drivers on American roads can read basic signs and communicate during regular interactions like inspections and enforcement stops, as well as emergencies.
President Trump’s executive order gives the FMCSA 60 days to begin enforcement of the new policy, but many carriers have already reported seeing changes in how English Language Proficiency is enforced. Carriers should proceed as though English Language Proficiency is already part of the Out of Service Criteria and prepare their fleets as soon as possible.
How Carriers Can Prepare with Tenstreet
Tenstreet’s new English Language Practice module is a FREE resource, built within our interactive Training Content Library, that tests drivers on their English proficiency, letting carriers know which of their employees might be at risk.
This module helps drivers exercise key safety knowledge and communication skills that are part of their daily job tasks. Designed with real-world situations in mind, this module focuses on drivers understanding important safety terms, recognizing road signs, responding to instructions, and reacting to scenarios.
The module uses multiple question formats including multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, and more to keep drivers engaged while still checking for important knowledge. Written and audio-based questions test both reading and speaking comprehension.
This practice module does not guarantee proficiency or ensure compliance, but it’s a powerful diagnostic tool in helping you identify which drivers might need extra assistance or be at risk. Unlike other Tenstreet training classes, which can be retaken until the driver gets their desired score, drivers can only take the English Language Practice once, giving you an accurate benchmark of their comprehension. You will see each driver’s score and be able to determine whether the driver has sufficient proficiency to meet the regulation.
An added benefit of assigning this module is that in the event of an incident or audit, your company can demonstrate a commitment to following regulations by having assigned proficiency practice module to evaluate your drivers.
Getting Started and Getting Ahead
English Language Practice can be assigned to any subset of your drivers, but we personally recommend taking the following steps as soon as possible:
- Add the module to your onboarding checklist for all new hires to identify any drivers who might need extra help.
- Assign the module to your entire fleet of hired drivers and require them to complete assessment as soon as possible to evaluate the proficiency of your current hires.
- Follow up with any drivers who score less than 80% on the practice and discuss what kind of help your company can provide in getting drivers more practice or education.
Assigning practice to drivers as soon as possible is a good way to get a picture of your situation and demonstrate efforts at compliance, but it doesn’t just benefit your company – it helps drivers understand what kinds of questions may be coming their way and what they need to know to keep driving, making them more confident and secure on the road.
If you’re already a Tenstreet client and want to get started using English Language Practice, contact your account manager directly or email [email protected].
If you’re not yet a Tenstreet client and are ready to see how we can help you with driver safety and compliance, click the button below to request a custom demo!
