H.R. 5800: Standardized Assessment for Fluency in English for Drivers Act

This bill, known as the Standardized Assessment for Fluency in English for Drivers Act (or SAFE Drivers Act), aims to require that individuals applying for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) must demonstrate proficiency in the English language before they can take the testing necessary for issuance or renewal of their license. The key points of the bill include:

Definitions

• Commercial driver’s license: This refers to the standard definition as per existing federal law.
• English proficiency test: A standardized test approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that measures an individual’s ability to read, write, and understand English relevant to commercial vehicle operations. This includes:
  • Reading road signs and safety instructions.
  • Understanding and responding to spoken instructions and emergency communications.
  • Writing driver logs, reports, and necessary documentation.
• Applicant: Any person applying for a new CDL or renewing an existing CDL.

English Proficiency Requirement

As part of the amendments, before any individual can receive or renew a CDL or a learner’s permit, they must pass the English language proficiency test developed under this bill. This requirement will be applicable to all individuals who apply for or renew a license on or after the date the bill is enacted.

Implementation and Oversight

• The FMCSA is responsible for:
  • Creating, maintaining, and approving the English language proficiency test.
  • Providing guidance to state agencies on how to administer this test as part of the CDL testing or renewal process.
• State departments of motor vehicles must:
  • Administer and verify that applicants meet the English proficiency requirement.
  • Ensure applicants meet all other federal and state requirements for obtaining a CDL.
• States are required to report annually to the FMCSA on testing numbers, pass rates, and compliance with this requirement.
• The Secretary of Transportation, via the FMCSA, will monitor state compliance with the new requirements and can withhold federal funding if a state fails to comply.

Rulemaking Authority

The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to issue regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.

Effective Date

This legislation will take effect 12 months after its enactment.

Relevant Companies

• CRMT - C&J Energy Services could be impacted as they employ drivers for commercial operations that would require them to meet the new English proficiency standards.
• OSK - Oshkosh Corporation manufactures vehicles for commercial use, and its workforce could be affected if they need to ensure drivers meet this new requirement.
• TDG - TransDigm Group might see changes in operations related to the compliance of drivers they employ in logistics and transportation sectors.