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Mandatory English Proficiency Test for Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL).

This bill mandates that all applicants seeking a new or renewed Commercial Driver's License (CDL) must pass a standardized English language proficiency test. The goal is to enhance road safety by ensuring commercial drivers can read signs, understand safety instructions, and complete necessary documentation in English. This introduces a new, mandatory requirement for individuals working in the transportation sector, effective 12 months after enactment.
Key points
All commercial driver applicants (trucks, buses) must pass a test assessing English fluency (reading, writing, understanding) in the context of commercial vehicle operation.
The requirement applies to both new licenses and the renewal of existing commercial driver's licenses (CDL).
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will develop and approve the standardized language test and provide guidance to states for its administration.
States failing to enforce this requirement risk losing a portion of their federal transportation funding.
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Introduced
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Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_5800
Sponsor: Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]
Process start date: 2025-10-21
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

SAFE Drivers Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_HR_5800.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-10-21.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • All commercial driver applicants (trucks, buses) must pass a test assessing English fluency (reading, writing, understanding) in the context of commercial vehicle operation.
  • The requirement applies to both new licenses and the renewal of existing commercial driver's licenses (CDL).
  • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will develop and approve the standardized language test and provide guidance to states for its administration.
  • States failing to enforce this requirement risk losing a portion of their federal transportation funding.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-23.

CATEGORIES

Transport Security