CDL English Readiness™
Program Overview
La Gente Consulting, LLC
Executive Summary
CDL English Readiness™ is a structured, task-based safety communication readiness program for veterans, military spouses, and multilingual CDL candidates. It prepares learners to meet the English communication expectations of FMCSA 49 CFR §391.11(b)(2) through occupational English training—not ESL.
The Workforce Problem
Many strong CDL candidates — especially veterans, military spouses, and multilingual learners — do not fail because of driving skill. They struggle with FMCSA-required English safety communication tasks:
- Pre-trip inspection explanation
- DOT roadside communication
- Hours-of-Service/logbook clarity
- Road sign interpretation
- Incident reporting
- Dispatcher instructions
These communication gaps derail training and increase safety risks.
Why CDL English Readiness™ Is NOT ESL
| ESL Teaches | CDL English Readiness™ Teaches |
|---|---|
|
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The program supports veterans, spouses, and multilingual learners in safety-critical contexts where operational English is required.
Standards-Based. Equity-Driven. Safety-Aligned.
CDL English Readiness™ is grounded in:
- FMCSA 49 CFR §391.11(b)(2) - English communication requirement for safety
- ACTFL proficiency descriptors (Novice High → Intermediate Mid) - Used exclusively as instructional references, not regulatory standards
- LTI diagnostic categories - Functions, Accuracy, Fluency, Comprehension, Text Type
- Language Access principles - Fairness and nondiscrimination
This ensures clarity, equity, and defensibility in communication readiness.
The CDL Readiness Journey™
- Awareness & Intake
- Readiness Screening
- Diagnostic Mapping (ACTFL-informed)
- Task-Based Safety Communication Modules
- Documentation
- Reassessment
Modules include:
- Pre-trip English
- DOT roadside English
- HOS/logbooks
- Road signs & warnings
- Incident reporting
- Dispatcher communication
Who We Support
- Veterans & Transitioning Service Members
- Military Spouses
- Multilingual CDL Learners
- Fleets
- CDL Schools
- Workforce Boards
- Apprenticeship & SkillBridge Programs
Founding Pilot Partnership
La Gente Consulting, LLC is selecting five organizations to help shape the national CDL English Readiness™ model.
The 90-day pilot includes:
- Readiness Assessment
- Diagnostic Mapping
- Task-Based Modules
- Documentation Framework
- Final Outcomes Report
Zero cost. Non-binding. High impact.
Contact & Affiliations
La Gente Consulting, LLC
Member, American College of Healthcare Executives | Interagency Language Roundtable | National Language Service Corps | American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages | Language Testing International (ACTFL Licensed Provider)
LANGUAGE. EQUITY. ACCESS.
Language. Equity. Access. Delivered with clarity and compassion.