Thousands of truck drivers across the United States are off the road after failing new English proficiency tests introduced by the Trump administration.
According to a Washington Post analysis of federal data, roughly 6,000 commercial drivers have been barred from driving since the policy took effect in May. The rule, implemented by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy under President Trump’s executive order, was introduced in the name of highway safety.
Administration officials argue that truckers must be able to read road signs and communicate with law enforcement officers during inspections or emergencies. However, transportation analysts note there is no clear data linking English proficiency to accident rates among commercial drivers.
Industry leaders point out that most trucking accidents stem from driver fatigue or impairment, not language barriers. They warn that the new testing requirements could disproportionately affect Latino drivers—who represent more than 15% of the trucking workforce—as well as older drivers who may struggle to meet the new standards.
Critics also question the fairness and transparency of the program. The tests are administered by roadside officers, and the Department of Transportation has not released the specific questions or sample materials. Trucking schools across the country are rushing to prepare their students, while some companies are now offering English language classes to help their drivers comply.
Industry groups fear the rule could worsen existing driver shortages and strain supply chains already under pressure.
Transportation Secretary Duffy this week announced that he is withholding over $40 million in highway safety funding from California, accusing the state of refusing to enforce the new regulation. “It’s the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big-rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement,” Duffy said.
A spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom pushed back, noting that California’s crash rate among commercial truck drivers remains lower than the national average, according to The Hill.
David Sanchez, a 28-year-old driver born in California and raised in Mexico, said many Latino drivers are now worried about their livelihoods. “There are a lot of older drivers who’ve been trucking for decades who are probably going to lose their jobs,” Sanchez said.