Trump’s Executive Order on Truck Driver English Proficiency

President Donald Trump has announced an executive order aimed at improving safety on American roads.

The order, released on Monday, mandates that truck drivers in the U.S. must pass an English literacy test before receiving a commercial driver’s license. The White House contends that this measure is critical in light of the rising number of traffic-related fatalities and injuries involving English-speaking truck drivers.

According to Trump’s executive order, “English proficiency should be a safety requirement that professional drivers cannot negotiate.” It emphasizes that drivers must be capable of reading and understanding traffic signs, as well as communicating with officials from various safety and regulatory agencies. They should also be able to provide relevant feedback to their employers and follow instructions in English, which seems like common sense.

Furthermore, the order points out that federal law already requires commercial drivers to read and speak English for effective public interaction, understanding traffic signs, responding to officials, and documenting reports.

This initiative has received strong support from U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, who recently engaged with members of the Alabama Trucking Association during their annual conference. Tuberville expressed his appreciation, stating, “The trucking industry is crucial to our economy, and I am grateful to each and every one of Alabama’s over 125,000 truck drivers.”

He added, “If you’re driving a truck in the U.S., you should be able to speak English fluently. This choice enhances public safety, and it seems like common sense. Everyone should feel secure on the road, whether taking kids to school or going to work.”

Tuberville praised Trump’s efforts to enforce stricter regulations on commercial drivers who can’t read or speak English, enhancing inspection processes and ultimately aiming for safer roads during daily commutes.

Mark Colson, president and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association, also voiced his approval for the executive order, noting that a standard for English proficiency has existed since 1936 but has not been enforced under the Biden administration. He considers Trump’s decision a timely move.

Colson pointed out further challenges, including B-1 visa drivers overstaying cross-border permissions to transport domestic cargo—activities classified as illegal cabotage. He added that fraudulent or non-compliant CDL training providers are undermining established standards, allowing them to exploit loopholes.

He expressed commitment from the Alabama Trucking Association to advocate for improved safety on the roads, collaborating with federal officials, the governor’s office, and law enforcement to uphold the highest standards for professional drivers.

Following the new executive order, truck drivers who cannot demonstrate English proficiency will be put “on-work.”