H.R. 5800 — SAFE Drivers Act

This section defines three terms for purposes of the Act: (1) “commercial driver’s license,” as defined in 49 U.S.C. 31301 (i.e., a state-issued license authorizing operation of a commercial motor vehicle); (2) “English proficiency test,” as a standardized assessment approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator that evaluates an individual’s ability to read, write, and understand English in commercial motor vehicle operation (i.e., reading road signs and safety instructions, understanding and responding to spoken instructions and emergency communications, and writing driver logs, reports, and required documentation); and (3) “applicant,” as any individual applying for a new commercial driver’s license or renewal of an existing one.

This section requires applicants for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) or learner's permits—or renewals thereof—to pass the English language proficiency test issued under section 4(a) of the SAFE Drivers Act, as a minimum uniform standard for issuance by states (49 U.S.C. 31308). The requirement applies to CDLs or learner's permits issued or renewed on or after the date of enactment.

This section directs the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to (1) develop, maintain, and approve an English language proficiency test for commercial driver's license (CDL) applicants and (2) provide guidance to states for administering the test as part of CDL issuance or renewal. (As background, CDLs are required to operate commercial motor vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds or transporting hazardous materials or passengers, and English proficiency ensures drivers can read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and understand safety instructions.) It requires state departments of motor vehicles, when issuing CDLs and learner's permits, to (1) administer and verify the English proficiency requirement and (2) ensure applicants meet all other federal and state CDL requirements. It further mandates annual state reports to FMCSA on the number of applicants tested, pass rates, and compliance outcomes; directs the Secretary of Transportation, through the FMCSA Administrator, to monitor state compliance; authorizes withholding a portion of federal funds apportioned to noncompliant states under 49 U.S.C. §§104(b)(4) (motor carrier safety grants) and 31313 (CDL program funds) until compliance is demonstrated; and requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress on state compliance, enforcement actions, and implementation recommendations.