The Critical Importance of English Proficiency for Truck Drivers

Decades of experience in training truck drivers have shown me the grave importance of highway safety. The U.S. economy heavily depends on an efficient freight network that transports goods throughout states and highways into various communities. When safety standards for commercial vehicle drivers are compromised, there can be national repercussions, affecting not just drivers but also motorists and supply chains.

Recently, remarks made by Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett during a House Judiciary Committee hearing highlighted the issue of whether English proficiency is necessary for commercial vehicle operation. She compared it to a renter driving a car in a foreign country where they may not speak the language. However, this comparison is misleading and undermines the professionalism essential to truck driving in America.

Operating a commercial truck — which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds — is vastly different from driving a passenger car. Commercial drivers must navigate intricate highway routes, respond to emergencies, comply with law enforcement, interpret signage, comprehend weather advisories, and coordinate with dispatchers and first responders, all often under considerable stress. Proficiency in English is crucial for executing these responsibilities effectively.

Throughout the nation, commercial trucks transport agricultural produce from rural regions, consumer goods via major highways, and critical items to places like ports, factories, hospitals, and distribution centers. Hence, maintaining stringent and uniform safety standards is not just a localized concern but one of national importance.

“Federal law has long required commercial drivers to demonstrate English language proficiency for good reason,” said Jeffrey Burkhardt, chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA). “It is a promise to the public, ensuring that drivers are trained, evaluated, and held to the highest safety standards.”

There are broader challenges facing the trucking industry, including unscrupulous operators who circumvent training requirements, falsify documents, or exploit loopholes, allowing unqualified drivers on the roads. These so-called “CDL mills” not only compromise safety but also devalue legitimate drivers and trustworthy training programs.

As the chairman of CVTA, I witness daily the distinction between rigorous and genuine driver training versus fraudulent schemes that assure “fast” licenses. Genuine training involves classroom learning, practical skills development, supervised behind-the-wheel practice, and effective communication between instructors and trainees — none of which can occur without a shared language.

It’s important to clarify that this stance isn’t about exclusion. The trucking profession has long been an avenue of opportunity for diverse populations. CVTA supports workforce expansion, but not at the expense of safety. Lowering standards does not address labor shortages but leads to increased accidents, fatalities, regulatory scrutiny, and ultimately, diminishes job quality.

Our dedicated drivers, who take immense pride in their skilled and demanding work, deserve better than to have their expertise minimized. English proficiency is a crucial component of their professionalism.

The solution isn’t new legislation or political rhetoric. Instead, it lies in consistently enforcing current safety regulations across the country. Authorities must enforce entry-level driver training requirements, conduct thorough audits, and eliminate fraudulent operators. Partnering with federal bodies, states must ensure each commercial driver’s license signifies proper training, accountability, and competency.

When you see a truck next to you on the highway, you should trust that its driver can read important signs, understand emergency commands, and properly respond in a crisis. That trust is built on maintaining and enforcing standards prioritizing safety.

It is essential that we uphold these standards for both our drivers and the traveling public at large.

Jeffrey Burkhardt is chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association, the largest association of professional truck driver training programs in the United States.