SAFE Drivers Act

Summary#

This bill would require every person applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL) or renewing one to pass an English language proficiency test. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) would create and approve the test and give guidance to States. States would give the test, check that applicants meet it, and report yearly to FMCSA on how many people tested and pass rates. The Secretary of Transportation could monitor State compliance, send annual reports to Congress, and may withhold some federal highway funds from States not in substantial compliance. The rule takes effect 12 months after the bill becomes law.

What it means for you#

• If you apply for a new CDL, learner's permit, or renew a CDL after this law starts, you must pass an approved English proficiency test that checks reading, listening, and writing related to driving safety and paperwork.
• Your State motor vehicle office would administer and verify the test as part of CDL issuance or renewal.
• States must report testing numbers and pass rates each year to FMCSA.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on estimated costs or budget effects. The bill allows withholding of certain federal transportation funds from States that do not comply, but it does not state dollar amounts or provide a cost estimate.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.