SAFE Drivers Act
The SAFE Drivers Act would require every applicant for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or CDL renewal to pass an English language proficiency test before testing or issuance. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) would develop and approve the test and provide guidance to states, which would administer the test as part of CDL testing or renewal. States would report annual testing data, and the federal government could withhold funds from noncompliant states. The measure applies to licenses or permits issued or renewed on or after the date of enactment and would take effect 12 months after enactment. The test is designed to evaluate reading, writing, and understanding English in the context of commercial motor vehicle operation (e.g., road signs, safety instructions, logs).
Key Points
- 1All CDL applicants and CDL renewals must pass an English language proficiency test before testing or license issuance/renewal.
- 2The English proficiency test is a standardized assessment approved by FMCSA and covers reading, writing, and understanding English as used in commercial driving (signs, instructions, logs).
- 3FMCSA is responsible for developing/approving the test and guiding states on administration; states must administer the test and verify compliance as part of CDL testing/renewal.
- 4States must annually report testing numbers, pass rates, and compliance outcomes to FMCSA. The Secretary of Transportation may withhold federal funds from noncompliant states and must report to Congress on compliance and enforcement actions.
- 5The act becomes effective 12 months after enactment and applies to licenses/permits issued or renewed after that date.