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.
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- 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
Nehls
TX • R
Sponsored 10/21/2025
Onder
MO • R
Sponsored 10/21/2025
McDowell
NC • R
Sponsored 10/24/2025
Babin
TX • R
Sponsored 10/28/2025
Obernolte
CA • R
Sponsored 10/28/2025
Van Drew
NJ • R
Sponsored 10/28/2025
Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]
AK • R
Sponsored 10/28/2025
Aderholt
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
Loudermilk
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
Edwards
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
Haridopolos
FL • R
Sponsored 11/19/2025
Webster (FL)
FL • R
Sponsored 11/20/2025
Salazar
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
Rose
TN • R
Sponsored 12/2/2025
Estes
KS • R
Sponsored 12/5/2025
Timmons
SC • R
Sponsored 12/10/2025
Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2]
IN • R
Sponsored 1/7/2026
Knott
NC • R
Sponsored 1/7/2026
Brecheen
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.
View on Congress.gov