Sentry Road has introduced a new English Language Proficiency Awareness Course and Assessment to help employers meet the requirements of FMCSA regulation 49 CFR §391.11(b)(2), which mandates that commercial motor vehicle drivers be able to read and speak English well enough to safely navigate and respond during roadside interactions.
With consistent enforcement returning in 2025, many safety and compliance leaders are looking for straightforward ways to prepare their teams now—before roadside inspections begin triggering out-of-service violations tied to language barriers. This new course was built to meet that growing demand, offering a streamlined way to introduce drivers to the regulation and evaluate their current readiness.
Available as a free trial, the course includes a brief awareness module paired with an interactive assessment. Together, they guide drivers through key elements of the English language requirement and offer examples of real-world inspection scenarios—such as identifying road signs or responding to common officer prompts.
The assessment uses visual cues and realistic questions to measure basic English comprehension in the context of transportation safety. Drivers are asked to interpret signs, understand spoken instructions, and make choices based on typical field situations they may encounter.
While the course is not designed to guarantee a pass during an actual inspection, it offers employers valuable insight into how well their drivers may perform under pressure—and where additional coaching or support may be needed.
For those new to the topic, Sentry Road also explored the background and practical implications of this rule in a recent blog post: FMCSA English Proficiency Requirement. That article outlines the growing emphasis on language skills as a safety and compliance priority across the industry.
The English Language Proficiency Awareness Course and Assessment is now available inside the Sentry Road platform and can be assigned to any user. Organizations not currently using Sentry Road can sign up for a free trial to access the training.
Sentry Road helps safety-focused organizations stay ahead of regulatory changes—and this course is just one of many tools designed to make compliance simpler, smarter, and more effective.