Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Driver English Proficiency Assessment Checklist
Driver Name: ______________________
Date: ______________________
Assessor Name: ______________________
Position Applied For: ______________________
1. Conversational English
Assess the driver’s ability to understand and respond to basic spoken English.
Pass [ ] Fail - Greeted and responded appropriately to a basic introduction
Pass [ ] Fail - Answered simple questions about background (e.g., where are you from?)
Pass [ ] Fail - Followed a brief spoken instruction (e.g., "Please walk to that door and return.")
Click here for more specific conversational practice.
2. Reading and Verbal Comprehension
Assess the driver’s ability to read and understand written English.
Pass [ ] Fail - Read aloud a traffic sign (e.g., "No U-Turn") and explained its meaning
Pass [ ] Fail - Read a short paragraph from the driver manual and summarized it
Pass [ ] Fail - Read a sample logbook entry or form and answered questions
Click here for more specific practice.
3. Written Communication
Assess the driver’s ability to complete forms and write simple statements.
Pass [ ] Fail - Completed a sample driver logbook form accurately
Pass [ ] Fail - Wrote a brief sentence about their last job (e.g., "I drove a flatbed truck for 3 years.")
Pass [ ] Fail - Completed a mock roadside inspection form
4. Road Instruction Comprehension
Assess understanding of verbal instructions during a vehicle walk-around or test drive.
Pass [ ] Fail - Understood and followed instructions during a pre-trip inspection
Pass [ ] Fail - Responded appropriately to directions during a short road test
Assessment Result
Pass - Meets FMCSA English proficiency standards
Fail - Additional training or ESL support recommended