SAFE Drivers Act

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.