Transportation Chief Takes Action on English Test for Truck Drivers

On April 28, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order enforcing the federal requirement that professional drivers be proficient in English. The President says that under Federal law, in order to operate a commercial vehicle, a driver must “read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.”

Since then, and following a deadly crash in Florida, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has pointed out significant failures by states like California, Washington, and New Mexico in enforcing the English-proficiency rule. Duffy said that if these states do not comply, they could risk losing money from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program, which provides assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies to increase commercial motor vehicle enforcement and safety.

Many organizations support these English tests because they promote safe driving for the public at-large. Todd Spencer, the president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association “strongly supports” Duffy’s requirements. Spencer stated that basic English skills are critical for safe operation of motor vehicles; being able to read road signs, follow emergency instructions, and communicate with law enforcement are not optional.

If you have questions about the executive order, English tests for truck drivers, or their implications, contact the qualified attorneys at Rock Fusco & Connelly, LLC.