Free English learning resources for truck drivers in the U.S.

Free tools to help truck drivers meet English language proficiency standards.

On April 28, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to strengthen the enforcement of a federal law that requires all commercial vehicle drivers in the U.S. to be proficient in English. Those who fail to comply may be temporarily removed from service.

The order instructs authorities to update the “out-of-service” criteria to enforce this regulation. The English proficiency assessment will consist of two parts: an interview with the driver, without any external assistance, and a traffic sign recognition test. If the driver is unable to communicate in English, they will be cited under law 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2) and will not proceed to the second part of the evaluation.

The goal of this measure is to ensure that drivers understand both the language and traffic signs in order to maintain road safety. However, this new executive order puts many truck drivers at risk, as it is estimated that approximately 25% do not meet the new English proficiency standards. For this reason, we have compiled a list of free resources that can help drivers improve their English, ensuring both their job security and the safety of everyone on the road.

Free English Learning Resources

OM Personal English

This platform offers free English courses specially designed for Spanish speakers. From beginner to advanced levels, the OM Personal English website provides access to online classes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Upon completing each course, users can obtain a certificate that verifies their level — all completely free. It is an ideal option for Spanish-speaking truck drivers who want to learn or improve their English in a flexible and accessible way.

BBC Learning English

BBC Learning English is the official site of BBC World, designed for those who want to learn English. It offers a wide variety of free resources, including news, quizzes, themed series, and more. While the platform does not offer advanced-level content or certification, it remains an excellent source of practical and effective learning tools, especially useful for beginner and intermediate levels.

Cambridge Learning English

This website, developed by the University of Cambridge, provides more than 175 free resources to practice English. From basic levels to pronunciation exercises, it is a valuable tool for those looking to improve their language skills. The site includes exam guides, visual materials, audio resources, and other interactive tools that support effective learning.

USA Learns

USA Learns is a website designed to develop English language skills, particularly in work-related contexts, and is geared toward adults. It offers completely free courses with specific vocabulary based on the user’s job or profession. Although it doesn’t focus heavily on grammar, it is a highly useful tool with many practical resources to improve English for everyday and workplace situations.

Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most popular and resource-rich free learning platforms. It offers fun, gamified lessons with a personalized learning approach that keeps users motivated. It’s an excellent tool for improving or starting to learn English, and it is suitable for people of all ages and professions.

YouTube

YouTube is a platform with a wide range of content, including a vast selection of English lessons from specialized creators. Lessons are available for all levels, from beginner to advanced. While the learning experience is neither personalized nor structured like a formal course, it remains a great free alternative for those looking to improve their English at their own pace and convenience.