First recorded English proficiency test for truck drivers
The Arkansas Police conducted the first documented English proficiency test for a truck driver. This case occurred after the U.S. federal government strengthened requirements for commercial drivers, who must be able to read and speak English. Many states have begun implementing testing for drivers suspected of not complying with these rules.
Driver’s problems during the inspection
A driver from California was unable to read road signs and had difficulties during communication. Federal legislation allows such tests to ensure safe truck operation with a sufficient level of English proficiency. In the video recording, considered the first public recording of such a test, an officer stopped a driver who could not identify basic road signs.
Details of the encounter with the officer
The conversation began with the officer’s question about why the driver had parked in a specific location. The driver replied:
“Yes, I have been parked here for three hours.”
The officer repeated the question, but the driver looked confused. When the officer asked if there was anyone else in the truck, the driver said:
“Yes, my company.”
Later he noted that he works for a company from California.
Information about the company and consequences
The truck driven by the driver was rented by Edline Freight Inc. from Rowland Heights, California. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 25% of this company’s 28 drivers are currently suspended from work, while the national average is only 6.67%.
Testing process and its results
After a brief conversation, the officer asked the driver to repeat several standard road signs. Of all the signs, the driver correctly read and explained only the “No Parking” sign. The officer explained that federal requirements involve conducting a conversation and checking four road signs for drivers suspected of having insufficient English proficiency. To pass the test successfully, it was necessary to correctly identify three out of four signs. In this case, the driver failed both tests, so he was suspended from work.
This case highlights the importance of language training for commercial drivers, especially considering road safety. Although federal regulations allow such checks, their implementation may raise controversies regarding their objectivity and impact on driver employment. Furthermore, the high proportion of drivers suspended from work in certain companies may indicate systemic problems in the industry.