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119-hr-5800119th CongressWALLET

SAFE Drivers Act

Sponsored By: Representative Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]

In Committee

Summary

A nationwide FMCSA-approved English proficiency test for commercial driver's licenses. This bill would require every applicant for a new or renewed CDL or learner's permit to pass a standardized English test that checks reading, writing, and spoken comprehension in a driving context, and it would take effect 12 months after enactment.

Show full summary
  • Drivers and applicants: Would need to pass an FMCSA-approved exam that evaluates reading road signs and safety instructions, understanding and responding to spoken directions and emergency communications, and writing driver logs and reports.
  • State motor vehicle agencies: Would administer and verify the English test when issuing CDLs and learner permits, ensure other Federal and State CDL requirements are met, and send annual reports to FMCSA on numbers tested, pass rates, and compliance outcomes.
  • Federal oversight and enforcement: Would require FMCSA to develop and approve the exam and guidance, let the Secretary of Transportation monitor State compliance, and allow withholding a portion of Federal funds apportioned to a State that is not substantially compliant.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

National English test and federal oversight

FMCSA would create and approve one national English test for commercial drivers. The agency would guide states on how to give the test for licensing and renewals. The Transportation Department could issue rules to carry this out. FMCSA would track state compliance and report to Congress each year. All of this would start 12 months after enactment.

States risk losing transport funds

If a state does not follow these rules, the Transportation Secretary could withhold part of its federal funds under 49 U.S.C. 104(b)(4) and 31313. Money could stay withheld until the state complies. This would begin 12 months after enactment. If you live in an affected state, some road or licensing services could face delays or cuts.

English test for commercial driver's licenses

If enacted, you would need to pass an English test to get or renew a commercial driver's license or learner's permit. The test would cover reading road signs and safety instructions, understanding spoken directions and emergency calls, and writing logs and reports. Your state DMV would give the test and check that you passed along with other CDL rules. This would start 12 months after enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]

NC • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 10/21/2025

  • Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3]

    MO • R

    Sponsored 10/21/2025

  • Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 10/24/2025

  • Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 10/28/2025

  • Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 10/28/2025

  • Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

    NJ • R

    Sponsored 10/28/2025

  • Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]

    AK • R

    Sponsored 10/28/2025

  • Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 10/31/2025

  • Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 10/31/2025

  • Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1]

    MN • R

    Sponsored 11/12/2025

  • Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11]

    GA • R

    Sponsored 11/12/2025

  • Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 11/17/2025

  • Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]

    GA • R

    Sponsored 11/17/2025

  • Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 11/17/2025

  • Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]

    WI • R

    Sponsored 11/17/2025

  • Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 11/18/2025

  • Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 11/19/2025

  • Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 11/20/2025

  • Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 11/20/2025

  • Rep. Moran, Nathaniel [R-TX-1]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 11/20/2025

  • Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 11/21/2025

  • Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6]

    TN • R

    Sponsored 12/2/2025

  • Rep. Estes, Ron [R-KS-4]

    KS • R

    Sponsored 12/5/2025

  • Rep. Timmons, William R. [R-SC-4]

    SC • R

    Sponsored 12/10/2025

  • Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 1/7/2026

  • Rep. Knott, Brad [R-NC-13]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 1/7/2026

  • Rep. Brecheen, Josh [R-OK-2]

    OK • R

    Sponsored 4/15/2026

  • Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]

    VA • R

    Sponsored 4/20/2026

  • Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3]

    MS • R

    Sponsored 4/27/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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