The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced that all CDL knowledge testing will be administered in English moving forward. For some, this feels like a new development. From a regulatory standpoint, however, it reinforces a long-standing federal requirement.

Under 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2), a commercial motor vehicle driver must be able to:

• Read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public
• Understand highway traffic signs and signals in English
• Respond to official inquiries
• Make entries on reports and records

This is not a cultural standard. It is a safety standard.

And in our industry, safety standards exist for one reason: risk reduction.

Why Language Proficiency Matters Operationally

In trucking, communication is not optional. It is embedded into nearly every safety-sensitive function.

1. Road Sign Comprehension

Work zones. Detours. Hazmat route restrictions. Dynamic message boards. Emergency alerts.
A driver must interpret these accurately and instantly. Misinterpretation is not an inconvenience-it is a hazard exposure.

2. Roadside Inspection Interaction

During a North American Standard Level I Inspection, enforcement may review:

• Driver qualifications
• Hours-of-service records
• Medical certification
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse status
• Vehicle defects

Clear communication is necessary to ensure accurate understanding of both the driver’s responsibilities and the inspector’s directives.

3. Emergency Situations

Mechanical failure. Crash involvement. Cargo incident. Medical emergency.
The ability to communicate clearly with law enforcement, emergency responders, or dispatch directly affects response time and incident containment.

4. Compliance Documentation

Carrier safety systems rely on:

• Written policies
• Post-accident procedures
• Maintenance reporting
• Drug and alcohol testing instructions
• Corrective action documentation

If a driver cannot understand or complete required records, the integrity of the safety system is compromised.

What This Means for Carriers

For motor carriers, this is not a political development. It is a compliance confirmation.

Carriers should ensure:

• Hiring practices verify English proficiency consistent with federal regulation
• Training programs reinforce comprehension of safety policies and procedures
• Supervisors are prepared to assess communication competency during onboarding
• Documentation and qualification files reflect regulatory compliance

This is part of maintaining an audit-ready, defensible safety culture.

The Bigger Picture

Safety standards in our industry are uniform. They apply to every driver, every carrier, every operation. English proficiency is not about identity. It is about functional safety communication within a highly regulated, high-risk environment.

The objective remains the same as it has always been:

• Prevent crashes
• Protect drivers
• Protect the motoring public
• Maintain compliance

As enforcement expectations evolve, our responsibility remains unchanged-understand the regulation, implement it correctly, and ensure our operations reflect it consistently.

Safety is rarely complicated. It is disciplined execution of established standards.

Make it Safe. Make it Personal. Make it Home.