EPL Requirements for CDL Drivers

Though English language proficiency (ELP) requirements for CDL drivers have been part of federal regulation for decades, enforcement wasn’t widespread. In recent months, however, new federal pressure from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and others has led to a surge of roadside inspections focused on ELP compliance.1

As a result, ELP-related violations are rising. In 2025, more than 7,000 commercial truck drivers were placed out of service following an ELP review, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that continued enforcement could affect up to 194,000 drivers over the next two years.2 Violations that were once largely uncommon are now a significant source of concern for many fleet operators.

Between June and October 2025, ELP violations sidelined drivers across the country²:

WHY ELP REQUIREMENTS MATTER

ELP-related violations impact more than CSA scores. They also interrupt daily operations, raise safety concerns and create legal exposure after an incident.

• Liability. If a driver is involved in a crash, plaintiffs’ attorneys may argue that a language barrier contributed and the driver should not have been operating the commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
• Operational delays. When a driver is placed out of service for ELP, the truck cannot continue until another qualified driver takes over. Loads may need to be repowered, and fleets may need to send a replacement driver to the location. This leads to lost time, added expenses and unplanned logistics challenges.
• Reputation. Dings on a company’s compliance record can impact its perception among customers, potential hires and others.

BEST PRACTICES FOR FLEETS

Fleet owners and operators must be proactive with heightened ELP inspections. Assessing ELP during hiring and orientation, validating skills through training and documenting your process help ensure compliance and protect your operation.

1. Build an ELP screening process.

Federal law doesn’t require drivers to be fluent in English, but they must be proficient enough to operate safely, communicate clearly and understand fully. During hiring and orientation, develop a simple English proficiency screening process. This can be done through a verbal interview, a one-on-one meeting or an ESL-based online training platform.

• Evaluate whether a driver can effectively:
• Read and explain common road signs
• Converse clearly with dispatch
• Respond to verbal critical safety instructions
• Communicate with law enforcement when necessary (FMCSA suggests asking questions that show a driver can answer basic inquiries about trip history, time spent on duty, driver’s license information, shipping papers and vehicle equipment)
• Maintain logs and reports

Tools designed to facilitate communication—such as interpreters, I-Speak cards or translation applications—should not be used during interviews. FMCSA recommends selecting various signs from the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices or using examples of dynamic message signs and asking the driver to explain their meaning.3

2. Validate skills with a one-time assessment.

Use formal training tools to support ELP evaluation and compliance. Many online training providers offer short ELP modules, similar to courses on speed management or backing. For example, IAT offers an ELP training module that fleets can include in their onboarding program. A brief five- to ten-minute assessment can help determine whether a driver meets basic proficiency requirements.

These should be used as a one-time verification tool, not an ongoing training requirement.

3. Document your assessment process.

Once your ELP screening process is in place, document each step with each driver. In the event of an accident or legal challenge, thorough records can help counter claims that a driver should not have been behind the wheel.

Maintain clear documentation showing:

• The driver demonstrated English proficiency during onboarding
• Completion of any ELP-related training or assessments
• Notes from your interview or practical evaluations

4. Educate your drivers.

As ELP enforcement continues to increase, make sure that your drivers, dispatchers and safety staff understand what ELP is and why it is required. Emphasize that ELP is a federal safety requirement

intended to support effective communication on the road. Clear explanations can help reduce confusion during roadside inspections and improve compliance overall.

ASK A LOSS CONTROL REPRESENTATIVE

ELP training is available on the IAT Loss Control website.

Email losscontroldirect@iatinsurance.com for more information.