Driver training company CarriersEdge released an online English language proficiency assessment program to gauge how drivers might fare during a roadside inspection.
With ELP now an out-of-service violation, CarriersEdge said that many carriers are worried about how English assessments will be applied.
“Many of our customers have contacted us to say they are very worried about the new enforcement rules and the ambiguity regarding how they will be applied,” Jane Jazrawy, CarriersEdge CEO, said. "The easy-to-administer assessment is a diagnostic tool carriers can use to understand what sort of risk they are facing with their drivers.”
See also: Trucking industry supports ELP for out-of-service criteria, survey finds
The test, available to all CarriersEdge customers, uses a series of visual cues and audio questions to assess a driver's ability to understand and respond to the types of questions they may encounter during a roadside inspection. It includes identifying the meaning of various road signs and responding to questions they may be asked. The results can provide carriers with insights into how their drivers may perform in a real-world scenario.
Passing the assessment is not a guarantee that a driver’s English proficiency is sufficient to pass an actual roadside inspection and avoid being marked out of service. Carriers should evaluate their risk and plan accordingly. There is still much that remains unknown about how the rule will be enforced.
CarriersEdge customers can access the test by logging into the system and searching for the English Proficiency Test. Non-customers can sign up for a free trial.
