FMCSA to Implement Two-Step Test in English Proficiency
As we established in a previous article, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order explicitly requiring the enforcement of a prior regulation saying that CDL-holders must understand English. To fulfill that Executive Order, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is planning to implement a test to make sure those who are questioned about their English fluency are able to talk the talk, so to speak.
Details
The process will involve two different steps: an interview to test speaking ability, and a highway traffic sign recognition assessment to test reading.
First is the interview. Based on the information currently granted by the FMCSA, the interview can range in topics not just about trucking (the locations of rest areas and available parking spots), but also normal everyday topics (what the driver plans to have for dinner and where they will go to obtain it). Assistance such as AI-generated translations via a phone application will be disbarred from the interview so as to better imitate real-life scenarios.
Next is the sign recognition test, which is exactly what it sounds like: the driver is given a variety of examples of permanent (I-85 Junction 1 mile) and temporary (I-85 closure due to snow use detour road) signs.
If a driver proves beyond doubt that he or she is proficient in English, any additional sections of inspection can be conducted in another language, according to a statement made by the FMCSA:
“If the inspector determines that the driver is in compliance with the regulation’s requirements to have the ability to respond to official inquiries and to understand highway traffic signs and signals, the inspector may elect to conduct the remainder of the inspection using the communication methods and techniques best suited to facilitate the safe and effective completion of the inspection.”
Conclusion
While the FMCSA put this notice out at the end of May, there is currently no timeline as to when this testing will go into effect (it may even be in effect by the time you read this!) Regardless, if you were able to read and understand this article from top to bottom, we rate your chances of passing any English proficiency exam given to you as fairly high.
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