LINDEN, New Jersey (AP) — Inside a bustling trucking school in New Jersey, aspiring drivers are navigating large 18-wheelers through obstacle courses while others lean over hoods, performing essential safety checks. Among them is Manuel Castillo, a native Spanish speaker, who is being guided by an instructor proficient in both Spanish and English as he learns to inspect a school bus, using printed scripts to prepare for real-world roadside inspections.

The urgency around English proficiency for truck drivers has intensified following President Donald Trump’s recent executive order mandating that drivers who lack adequate English skills may be deemed unfit to operate commercial vehicles. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, “A driver who can’t understand English will not drive a commercial vehicle in this country. Period.” A set of enforcement guidelines related to this order will come into effect on Wednesday.

Enhanced Inspection Procedures

The updated guidelines from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) aim to elevate road safety standards by ensuring that commercial operators can effectively communicate during roadside checks. This includes their ability to respond to inquiries in English and comprehend traffic signs and electronic messages.

Many truckers who are non-native English speakers fear job loss if they misinterpret questions or struggle with heavy accents. To alleviate these concerns, many are taking proactive steps, such as enrolling in language classes, practicing with scripts, and watching instructional videos. Jerry Maldonado, chairman of the Laredo Motor Carriers Association, commented, “If it’s not the language that you prefer to use daily, you may get a little nervous.”

A Historical Perspective on Language Requirements

The requirement for truck drivers to understand and communicate in English is not unprecedented, but the consequences for those who do not meet this standard are becoming more severe. While a commercial driver’s license has always necessitated passing an English proficiency test, recent changes have reversed prior guidance that allowed non-compliant drivers to continue working without penalties. This change has raised concerns, particularly among those who feel unfairly targeted based on language skills.

Community Initiatives to Support Language Learning

In Laredo, the trucker’s association is taking steps to help ease this new pressure by offering free English classes on weekends, aiming to bolster confidence among drivers. “Everybody knows what a stop sign looks like,” Maldonado noted, “but understanding additional instructions like ‘Caution, must exit now’ could prevent safety issues.”

At Driving Academy in Linden, instructors teach vehicle inspections in students’ native languages before transitioning to English. The school also encourages students to practice at home through various multimedia resources. Paul Cuartas, an instructor, expressed concern that inspectors may now expect impeccable English communication from drivers.

Implementing Roadside Inspection Changes

Roadside inspections can arise from routine checks or observable vehicle issues, often taking place at weigh stations. The new guidelines direct inspectors to gauge a driver’s English skills, including their ability to converse and recognize significant traffic signs. Translators and other aids will no longer be permitted during these inspections, placing additional pressure on non-native speakers.

Concerns About Fairness and Discrimination

Uncertainties loom over how inspectors will assess language proficiency, notably as some directives remain undisclosed. Advocacy groups, such as the Sikh Coalition, are raising alarms about potential discrimination stemming from subjective assessments of English fluency. Mannirmal Kaur of the coalition remarked, “Are they then going to be designated out-of-service, which could result in unemployment?”

As various stakeholders navigate these significant regulatory changes, the trucking community is at a crossroads, balancing roadway safety initiatives with the rights and livelihoods of non-English-speaking drivers.