Legis Daily

SAFE Drivers Act

USA119th CongressHR-5800| House 
| Updated: 12/1/2025
Pat Harrigan

Pat Harrigan

Republican Representative

North Carolina

Cosponsors (25)
Barry Moore (Republican)Jefferson Van Drew (Republican)Robert F. Onder (Republican)Claudia Tenney (Republican)William R. Timmons (Republican)Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican)Nathaniel Moran (Republican)Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican)Barry Loudermilk (Republican)Brad Finstad (Republican)Ron Estes (Republican)Troy E. Nehls (Republican)Daniel Webster (Republican)Mike Haridopolos (Republican)Nicholas J. Begich (Republican)Byron Donalds (Republican)Randy Fine (Republican)Addison P. McDowell (Republican)John W. Rose (Republican)Derrick Van Orden (Republican)Jay Obernolte (Republican)Deborah K. Ross (Democratic)Chuck Edwards (Republican)Robert B. Aderholt (Republican)Brian Babin (Republican)

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Highways and Transit Subcommittee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill establishes a new requirement for all applicants seeking a new or renewed commercial driver's license (CDL) or learner's permit: they must pass an English language proficiency test. This standardized assessment, approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, evaluates an individual's ability to read, write, and understand English specifically in the context of commercial motor vehicle operation, including interpreting road signs, understanding communications, and completing documentation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is tasked with developing, maintaining, and approving this English proficiency test, as well as providing guidance to states on its administration. State departments of motor vehicles will be responsible for administering the test, verifying the English proficiency requirement, and ensuring applicants meet all other federal and state CDL criteria. To ensure compliance, states must annually report data on testing and pass rates to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Secretary of Transportation can withhold a portion of federal funds from states found not to be in substantial compliance, and will also submit annual reports to Congress on state compliance and enforcement actions.
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Timeline
Oct 21, 2025
Introduced in House
Oct 21, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Dec 1, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
  • October 21, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • October 21, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.


  • December 1, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Transportation and Public Works

SAFE Drivers Act

USA119th CongressHR-5800| House 
| Updated: 12/1/2025
This bill establishes a new requirement for all applicants seeking a new or renewed commercial driver's license (CDL) or learner's permit: they must pass an English language proficiency test. This standardized assessment, approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, evaluates an individual's ability to read, write, and understand English specifically in the context of commercial motor vehicle operation, including interpreting road signs, understanding communications, and completing documentation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is tasked with developing, maintaining, and approving this English proficiency test, as well as providing guidance to states on its administration. State departments of motor vehicles will be responsible for administering the test, verifying the English proficiency requirement, and ensuring applicants meet all other federal and state CDL criteria. To ensure compliance, states must annually report data on testing and pass rates to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Secretary of Transportation can withhold a portion of federal funds from states found not to be in substantial compliance, and will also submit annual reports to Congress on state compliance and enforcement actions.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Oct 21, 2025
Introduced in House
Oct 21, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Dec 1, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
  • October 21, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • October 21, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.


  • December 1, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Pat Harrigan

Pat Harrigan

Republican Representative

North Carolina

Cosponsors (25)
Barry Moore (Republican)Jefferson Van Drew (Republican)Robert F. Onder (Republican)Claudia Tenney (Republican)William R. Timmons (Republican)Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican)Nathaniel Moran (Republican)Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican)Barry Loudermilk (Republican)Brad Finstad (Republican)Ron Estes (Republican)Troy E. Nehls (Republican)Daniel Webster (Republican)Mike Haridopolos (Republican)Nicholas J. Begich (Republican)Byron Donalds (Republican)Randy Fine (Republican)Addison P. McDowell (Republican)John W. Rose (Republican)Derrick Van Orden (Republican)Jay Obernolte (Republican)Deborah K. Ross (Democratic)Chuck Edwards (Republican)Robert B. Aderholt (Republican)Brian Babin (Republican)

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Highways and Transit Subcommittee

Transportation and Public Works

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted