What is English language proficiency for truckers?

Short answer

Truckers must be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.

The rule says

"Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records" (49 CFR 391.11(b)(2))

In plain English

This means that truckers need to have a good enough grasp of English to communicate with people they meet on the job, understand traffic signs and signals, answer questions from authorities, and fill out paperwork. It's not about being fluent, but about being able to get by in everyday situations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has clarified that this rule doesn't prohibit hearing-impaired drivers who can read and write in English from operating commercial vehicles.

What to do

• Verify that your drivers can read and speak English sufficiently during the hiring process
• Conduct language proficiency tests as part of the qualification process
• Ensure that drivers can understand highway traffic signs and signals, and respond to official inquiries
• Review the FMCSA guidance on the English language requirement for drivers who do not meet the hearing standard