DRIVE-SAFE Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 1, 2025
Bottom line
The DRIVE-SAFE Act creates a structured, safety-focused pathway for commercial drivers under 21 to enter the interstate trucking workforce, aiming to address critical labor shortages while maintaining rigorous training and supervision standards.
What it actually does
This bill establishes an apprenticeship program for commercial drivers under the age of 21, allowing them to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce under specific, highly regulated conditions. The program includes two distinct probationary periods with strict hour requirements, performance benchmarks, mandatory vehicle safety technologies, and continuous supervision by an experienced driver. Upon completion, these drivers can operate interstate without the previous age restriction.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is essential for addressing the severe shortage of commercial truck drivers, which impacts supply chains and the economy. They contend that the program's comprehensive training, mandatory safety technologies, and continuous supervision provide a safe and effective means to bring younger, qualified individuals into the industry, ensuring competence before full licensure.
Opponents contend
Opponents, if any, might raise concerns about the inherent safety risks of allowing drivers under 21 to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce, even with the proposed apprenticeship structure. They may argue that the current age restriction is a vital safety measure that should not be relaxed, citing potential for increased accidents due to less experience.
The bill is concise and clearly structured, making it accessible for a quick and informed evaluation by readers.
Section 2(b)
Authorization for Under-21 Apprentices to Drive Interstate
This provision explicitly permits commercial drivers under the age of 21, designated as 'apprentices,' to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. This authorization applies both during their participation in the structured probationary periods outlined in the bill and after they have successfully completed the entire apprenticeship program, effectively removing the federal age restriction for qualified young drivers.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for addressing the severe shortage of commercial drivers, opening a new talent pipeline for the industry while ensuring safety through a structured training program.
Critics contend
Critics might express concerns that lowering the interstate driving age, even with an apprenticeship, could compromise road safety due to the perceived inexperience of younger drivers.
Tradeoffs
Balances the economic need for more drivers against potential safety concerns associated with younger operators.
Section 2(c)(1)
Initial 120-Hour On-Duty and Driving Probation
This section mandates an initial 120-hour probationary period for apprentices. During this time, at least 80 hours must be actual driving time in a commercial motor vehicle. Employers must assess the apprentice's competence in areas such as interstate, city, rural, and evening driving, safety awareness, speed and space management, lane control, mirror scanning, turns, and hours of service compliance.
Section 2(c)(2)
Advanced 280-Hour On-Duty and Driving Probation
Following the initial 120-hour period, apprentices must complete a second 280-hour probationary period, with at least 160 hours of actual driving time in a commercial motor vehicle. This advanced phase focuses on mastering more complex operational skills, including backing and maneuvering in close quarters, pre-trip inspections, fueling procedures, weighing loads, weight distribution, sliding tandems, coupling and uncoupling procedures, and comprehensive trip planning, truck routes, map reading, navigation, and permits.
Section 2(c)(3)
Mandatory Vehicle Technology and Experienced Driver Accompaniment
During both the 120-hour and 280-hour probationary periods, apprentices are restricted to driving commercial motor vehicles equipped with specific safety technologies: automatic manual or automatic transmissions, active braking collision mitigation systems, and forward-facing video event capture. Additionally, an 'experienced driver' (defined with strict criteria including age 26+, 2 years CDL experience, and a clean driving record) must accompany the apprentice in the cab at all times.
Section 2(c)(5)
Remediation for Accidents or Moving Violations
If an apprentice is involved in a preventable accident reportable to the Department of Transportation or receives a pointed moving violation while participating in the apprenticeship program, they are required to undergo remediation and additional training. This supplementary training must continue until the employer is fully satisfied that the apprentice has regained and demonstrated competence in all the specified performance benchmarks outlined in the program.