Duffy cracks down on English standards for truck drivers

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Tuesday reaffirmed the Trump administration’s order to crack down on English proficiency standards for commercial truck drivers.

Duffy was responding to a local report in California about an Indian citizen who drove a truck for a living, but has since been banned due to new rules that restrict eligibility for commercial learner’s permits (CLP) and commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) without a fixed address.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) singled out California for what it called “gross negligence,” saying more than 25 percent of CDLs issued to noncitizens or nonpermanent residents were improperly granted.

The driver of the truck featured in the report spoke to a reporter in his native language, not English.

Senate Republicans target Obama-era trucking rule with new English proficiency bill

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Tuesday touted English proficiency rules for commercial truck drivers. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

“Crocodile tears for a man who spent ten years in our country but was unwilling to learn our language,” Duffy wrote on X. “Our new rules will keep you and your family SAFE on America’s roads!”

The DOT also commented on the report.

“This driver has resided in the United States for TEN YEARS and does not know enough English to obtain a trucking license,” the agency wrote. “This is exactly why @SecDuffy ordered @FMCSA to crack down on English proficiency standards.”

“Do you want to drive on American roads? Being able to understand English is the BARE MINIMUM,” he adds.

Connor was killed by a driver who didn’t know how to read the signs. HAVE TRUCKERS LEARN ENGLISH AGAIN

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks during a news conference in Washington, DC, Tuesday, August 26, 2025. (Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

A Senate bill would require prospective truck drivers to demonstrate basic English proficiency before receiving a CDL.

The legislation would codify President Donald Trump’s executive order, which also imposed stricter English language requirements.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., would establish several standards, including ensuring that truck drivers can converse with the public, understand road signs in English, respond to official requests and make entries in reports and records.

The issue gained attention after an illegal immigrant truck driver allegedly jackknifed his 18-wheeler while making an illegal U-turn in Florida, killing three people in August.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

His limited English drew scrutiny after the DOT said he failed an English language proficiency (ELP) assessment following the fatal crash in Fort Pierce, Florida. Singh provided correct answers to only 2 of 12 verbal questions and accurately identified only 1 of 4 road signs, the agency said.

Alex Miller of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.