What are English language requirements for truckers?

Short answer

To qualify as a truck driver, there are several requirements, including:

1. Being at least 21 years old

2. Being 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

3. Having a currently valid commercial motor vehicle operator's license

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

The English language requirement for truckers is about being able to communicate effectively with the public, understand traffic signs, and respond to official inquiries. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has clarified that this requirement does not 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 as required
• Ensure that your hiring process includes language proficiency tests
• Review FMCSA guidance on the English language requirement for drivers
• Train your staff on the importance of language proficiency for truckers