Trump’s English-language rule for truckers sparks exodus of foreign-born drivers

[rangerrebew]

Trump’s English-language rule for truckers sparks exodus of foreign-born drivers
05/04/2025 // Laura Harris // 1K Views


President Donald Trump signed an order enforcing existing federal rules requiring commercial truck drivers to prove English proficiency, leading to an exodus of foreign-born drivers, many with green cards, from the industry.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) will now implement standardized language tests, revoking commercial licenses for drivers who fail to demonstrate adequate English skills for understanding traffic signs and safety regulations.

Spanish-speaking truckers, particularly Cuban-Americans in Florida, criticized the policy, with some selling their rigs in protest. Drivers like Hermes Duran and Miguel Campos argue the rule unfairly targets them and may not improve safety.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) praised the decision, stating that English proficiency is critical for road safety, emergency communication and compliance with law enforcement.

Reports indicate that lax vetting and loopholes (such as non-domicile CDLs) have allowed unqualified foreign drivers, including asylum seekers, to operate trucks, contributing to rising accidents. The Trump administration is reversing these policies to prioritize safety and stricter standards.

https://www.naturalnews.com/2025-05-04-english-proficiency-rule-truckers-sparks-industry-exodus.html

[Bigun]

No problem as truck drivers will soon be a thing of the past anyway. Already underway here in Texas.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/fully-driverless-trucks-are-coming-to-i-45-in-texas/ar-AA1DymhB?ocid=BingNewsVerp

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

No problem as truck drivers will soon be a thing of the past anyway. Already underway here in Texas.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/fully-driverless-trucks-are-coming-to-i-45-in-texas/ar-AA1DymhB?ocid=BingNewsVerp

They've been saying this for a while now, still hasn't happened.

[Smokin Joe]

No problem as truck drivers will soon be a thing of the past anyway. Already underway here in Texas.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/fully-driverless-trucks-are-coming-to-i-45-in-texas/ar-AA1DymhB?ocid=BingNewsVerp

I reckon those trucks will handle snow like most Texans, too...

[berdie]

I reckon those trucks will handle snow like most Texans, too...

*chuckle* Probably true because road conditions will be the same. It's really not the snow that causes the problem. We usually get ice. One of the scariest times I ever had coming home from work was during an ice storm and decided to take the interstate because there were fewer bridges. Heavily trafficced by truckers. There is nothing like the fear of seeing multiple semis coming up in the back and on either side fish tailing and trying to hold the road. And one of the funniest things I ever saw was a neighbor from up north that said "they could drive on this". Then couldn't get out of the driveway.

I try to be honest...and I can't drive on ice. Thankfully those days are behind me.

[Bigun]

I reckon those trucks will handle snow like most Texans, too...

I reckon there are a whole host of things those trucks will handle about as well as Texans do snow. I-45 runs less than 10 miles from my front door, so I'll let you know.

[rustynail]

The flip-flop ban was the last straw.