Are CDL Drivers Required to Speak English?
In a renewed push for stricter safety standards on U.S. highways, Congressman Josh Brecheen (R-OK) has called on the DOT to withdraw a 2010 guidance that he believes weakens federal requirements for English proficiency among commercial truck drivers.
At the heart of the issue is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) memo issued during the Obama administration. The memo provided states with more flexibility in how they test English-language skills during the commercial driver’s license (CDL) process. While federal law requires drivers to “read and speak the English language sufficiently” to ensure safety and compliance, the guidance permitted the use of interpreters or translated tests in some parts of the process, as long as drivers could respond to basic English commands during the road test.
A MATTER OF SAFETY
Brecheen, who serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, argues that the guidance compromises public safety and contradicts the original intent of federal regulations. In a formal letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Brecheen urged the DOT to rescind the memo and restore a consistent, nationwide standard for English proficiency in commercial driving.
“Being able to read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and respond effectively in emergency situations is essential for safety on our highways,” Brecheen stated. “Allowing commercial drivers to bypass English requirements puts everyone at risk.”
The congressman’s stance is rooted in a broader concern about regulatory overreach and the perceived watering down of safety rules in the name of workforce flexibility.
Supporters of Brecheen’s request say that language proficiency is not just a matter of regulation, but of common-sense safety. They argue that allowing drivers on the road who can’t fully understand warning signs or instructions from officials increases the likelihood of miscommunication and accidents.
However, critics of Brecheen’s position view the 2010 guidance as a practical adaptation to a diverse and evolving workforce. Immigrants make up a significant portion of the trucking industry, and many are highly capable drivers who learn essential job-related English while on the job. Labor advocates argue that rolling back the memo could worsen driver shortages and disproportionately affect non-native speakers who are otherwise qualified to drive safely.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The DOT has not yet responded publicly to Brecheen’s letter, and it remains unclear whether the agency plans to revisit the 2010 guidance. However, the debate touches on broader national issues…immigration, workforce shortages, regulatory flexibility, and highway safety.
For now, the memo remains in effect, but Brecheen’s request adds fuel to a growing conversation about how best to balance inclusivity, practicality, and safety on America’s roads.