English Proficiency Requirements for Commercial Truck Drivers: What Employers Need to Know

On April 28, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at enforcing existing English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers. This rule could significantly affect employers who hire non-citizen drivers.

At Seso, we’re committed to helping you navigate regulatory changes that impact your workforce. Here's what you need to know to prepare yourself and your team.

1. What the Executive Order Says About English Proficiency for Truck Drivers

The executive order reinforces a federal requirement that commercial truck drivers must be proficient in English. Under this law, drivers are required to:

• Read and speak English to engage with the public.

• Understand highway signs and signals.

• Respond to inquiries from law enforcement and other authorities.

• Accurately complete necessary documentation and reports.

2. Strengthening Enforcement Measures

The order directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to strengthen the enforcement of these requirements. Notably, it rescinds a 2016 FMCSA guidance that had relaxed the enforcement of English language proficiency standards.

This action means that your drivers—regardless of citizenship—must be prepared to meet the enhanced communication standards to ensure compliance and safety.

3. Non-Compliant Drivers May Be Placed Out of Service

A significant aspect of the executive order is the potential consequences for drivers who can’t demonstrate sufficient English proficiency. If a truck driver doesn’t meet the language requirements, they may be placed "out-of-service," which would prevent them from operating commercial vehicles until they can prove their proficiency.

Additionally, the order calls for a review of state-issued non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses to identify any irregularities, ensuring that only qualified drivers are permitted on the roads.

4. Steps You Can Take

The enforcement of the new English proficiency requirements will begin in 60 days, so here are some steps you can take now to prepare: 

Identify Impacted Workers:

Assess which drivers may struggle with English-language requirements. Consider using screening tools, like the one here, to measure the English proficiency of your team and identify any problems in advance. This will help you focus your efforts where they are most needed.

Communicate with Your Employees:

Inform all workers who operate trucks requiring Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) about these changes. Encourage them to keep their paperwork organized and easily accessible in their vehicles at all times. These documents should include:

• A valid state CDL;

• If using a foreign CDL from Mexico or Canada, a copy of the linked MOU and their valid CDL;

• An employment verification letter that includes the employer’s contact information;

• A passport with a visa stamp, if applicable; and

• A valid I-94 record, if applicable.

Conduct Trainings and Mock Traffic Stops

Organize training sessions and mock traffic stops for your drivers. Help drivers understand what might be asked during inspections and practice responding in English. You can provide resources such as your state’s driver handbook, which is often available in both English and Spanish. 

We’re here to help!

Work closely with your Customer Success Manager and Case Manager to review any driving contracts that will begin in the next 60 days. We can help ensure compliance and identify any potential issues ahead of time.

What’s Next?

Our team is closely monitoring this situation and will provide updates to our community once there is more information regarding the scope of the order, if there are any exemptions for agriculture, or if there are legal actions that could delay enforcement. Please contact us if you have any questions about the order or how it could affect your team.