Miami Dade College sees surge in truck driver enrollment as federal English proficiency mandate takes hold

A year-long crackdown by federal and state authorities on commercial vehicle violations has intensified following a fatal crash on Florida’s Turnpike. The incident, which killed three people in Saint Lucie County, involved a truck driver who authorities said was in the country illegally and made an illegal U-turn. The resulting enforcement push has sent shockwaves through the transportation industry.

Miami Dade College’s Commercial Driver License program has experienced a dramatic surge in applicants as drivers seek to meet new regulatory requirements. Osvaldo Canto, an instructor with the program, said the heightened scrutiny was warranted given pre-existing safety concerns in the sector. He noted that enrollment has climbed substantially as both new and experienced drivers pursue compliance with state and federal mandates.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has begun enforcing an executive order requiring drivers to demonstrate English language proficiency before obtaining commercial licenses. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that states cannot issue such licenses to drivers unable to speak English, with law enforcement verifying language skills during traffic stops and inspections. Students like Luis Garcia, originally from Cuba, are enrolling in English proficiency courses alongside their commercial driver training.

Industry advocates argue the stricter enforcement unfairly targets immigrant workers and has contributed to a truck driver shortage. Canto maintained that improved safety remains the primary objective of the heightened regulatory environment.