I work at a truck stop where truckers come in who know absolutely zero English. I won't get into whether or not knowledge of English should be required for a regular license (I've driven in Quebec with little knowledge of French with little problem).
But a CDL license is different since you're driving a vehicle much heavier(up to 80,000 lbs) and truckers often have special requirements(ie. "trucks use right lane next 5 miles"). It's especially important where I live because signs like "Truckers:8% grade and winding curves next 8 miles. Use low gear" could cause a non English speaker's truck to turn into a 40 ton bomb without brakes if the driver has no clue what the sign means.
2006-06-09 12:57:36 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
Yes , absolutely. The signs and laws are in English and the driver need to read and write english.
2006-06-09 13:03:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree, English should be required. But, alot of truckers are Mexican drivers hauling from Mexico to the U.S., thanks to NAFTA. I also think cell phone use in commercial vehicles banned. I have seen many local truck drivers yaking it up on the phone, and running red lights, making dangerous lane changes, etc.
2006-06-09 20:04:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My understanding is that under NAFTA they don't need an American license or have to satisfy American truck safety laws. I remember hearing that truckers were pissed that Mexicans could use double trailers (or was it triple?).
In any event, I am not sure of my facts here. However, do they even need a CDL license to drive here?
2006-06-09 20:10:59 · answer #3 · answered by DAR 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes it should be a requirement. A country with no common means of communication is bound for confussion, havoc and instability. A common language makes a country strong and progressive. Let's take Japan as an example.
2006-06-10 11:58:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If they don't speak English-how do you tell them their tail lights are not working or tire is too low. Or a child is playing under or on their truck. Or they are blocking something. Or their load is falling. And a hundred other safety factors?
2006-06-09 20:17:58 · answer #5 · answered by *** The Earth has Hadenough*** 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the idea of some creepy illiterate Mex driving an 18 wheeler is not a very nice one.
2006-06-09 20:23:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Strange, how can you operate the largest type of machine on the road commercially, and not be able to understand authority's instructions or other safety issues.
English must be our national language. We should not have to be forced by legislation to integrate with them, it should be the other way around, and also where they came from, I would be required to learn theirs.
2006-06-09 23:19:38 · answer #7 · answered by yars232c 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should know at least some English. Here they do the test in Punjabi and not have to speak a word of English.
2006-06-09 20:05:47 · answer #8 · answered by Neilman 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think not only cdls should require you speak and can read english, all license should. they havent changed them yet, i havent seen any spanish road signs.they give these drivers test in spanish.talk about unsafe, they turn in front of you , when your in the turning lane.
2006-06-09 21:55:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
English should be a requirement to live here in the US period!
2006-06-09 22:06:37 · answer #10 · answered by sugarpie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋