In Linden, New Jersey, trucking school students are navigating massive 18-wheelers around cones, while others meticulously inspect vehicle hoods to ensure safety, all under the watchful guidance of their instructors. A bilingual teacher assists Manuel Castillo, a Spanish-speaking trainee, in mastering school bus inspections by utilizing an English script to simulate roadside examinations.
The urgency to improve English proficiency among truck drivers has escalated since former President Donald Trump enacted an executive order declaring that drivers lacking command of the English language would be deemed unqualified to operate commercial vehicles in the United States. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the importance of English fluency, stating that non-compliance could lead to the disqualification of drivers.
New procedures implemented by the U.S. Department of Transportation have intensified inspections to ascertain whether drivers can comprehend and respond in English, alongside recognizing highway signs and electronic warnings. The policy shift poses a threat to non-native English-speaking drivers, who fear job insecurity due to accent-driven or language-related errors during evaluations. Efforts to improve English skills include classes, script rehearsals, and learning via videos.
Chairman of Laredo Motor Carriers Association, Jerry Maldonado, noted that nervousness arises among drivers due to potential misunderstandings in communication. With regulations targeting interstate truck and bus drivers, the initiative aims to enhance safety after incidents indicated language barriers might have contributed to accidents.
Although the necessity for English proficiency isn’t novel, the repercussions for non-compliance are growing stricter. Obtaining a commercial driving license entails undergoing a test and articulating vehicle components in English amid inspections. The recent policy change negates a previous Obama-era guideline which allowed leniency for drivers lacking English capabilities without impacting employment status.
Todd Spencer, representing the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, expressed concerns over traffic incidents caused by driver misunderstandings due to language issues. To support drivers, Maldonado’s association offers free English lessons, addressing the reality that comprehending road signs and instructions is crucial for safety.
At the New Jersey-based Driving Academy, founder Jonathan Marques illustrates how multilingual educators assist trainees in identifying vehicle parts first in their native language, then in English, aided by scripted exercises in preparation for English-only encounters during inspections.
Students supplement learning through videos, while seasoned truckers are encouraged to use English language applications for continuous improvement. Instructor Paul Cuartas remains cautious, fearing heightened expectations for linguistic perfection from inspectors might disproportionately affect Spanish-speaking individuals.
Manuel Castillo, who emigrated from Ecuador, feels comfortable with English but studies industry-specific terms through multimedia resources, finding it essential to adapt despite occasional disagreements with Trump’s policies that potentially impact Hispanics.
Meanwhile, in Detroit, GTR Trucking School co-owner Al Myftiu emphasizes clarity in communication for ESL students, advising patience in dialogue to ensure understanding. The move to bolster language skills coincides with enforcement practices where roadside inspection protocols incorporate English tests based on conversational and traffic sign recognition abilities.
The updated policy rejects the use of translation aids during these inspections, promoting direct English interaction. Some truckers support the directive, citing concerns over dependency on translation tools, suggesting it undermines the ability to comprehend critical signage.
There is yet uncertainty on how inspectors will gauge English proficiency, as precise instructions remain undisclosed by the Transportation Department. Criteria may include clarification of shipping details and trip itineraries. Drivers found lacking may face an “out-of-service” status, pressuring companies to rectify linguistic shortcomings timely.
The Sikh Coalition warns against potential biases faced by Sikh truckers regarding language proficiency assessments. Differences in accent or terminology could unfairly trigger non-compliance labels, leading to unemployment risks and amplified discrimination within the industry.
Video journalist contributions supplemented this report from Carneys Point Township, New Jersey.