H.R. 5800

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To require all applicants for a commercial driver’s license to demonstrate English language proficiency as a condition for testing and issuance, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · October 21, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Harrigan · Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Table of contents

• H.R. 5800
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Definitions
  • SEC. 3. English proficiency requirement
  • SEC. 4. Implementation and oversight
  • SEC. 5. Rulemaking authority
  • SEC. 6. Effective date

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the or the .

SEC. 2. Definitions

• In this Act:
  • The term has the meaning given such term in section 31301 of title 49, United States Code. commercial driver’s license
  • The term means a standardized assessment approved by the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that evaluates an individual’s ability to read, write, and understand English in the context of commercial motor vehicle operation, including— English proficiency test
  • The term means any individual applying for a new commercial driver’s license or the renewal of an existing commercial driver’s license. applicant

SEC. 3. English proficiency requirement

• (a) Standards and administration
  • Section 31308 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
    • in paragraph (3) by striking and inserting a semicolon;
    • in paragraph (4)(E) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
      • before a commercial driver’s license or learners permit is issued or renewed, each applicant for a commercial driver’s license or for a renewal of such license must pass the English language proficiency test issued under section 4(a) of the SAFE Drivers Act.
    • by adding at the end the following:
• (b) Applicability
  • The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to any individual issued or renewed a commercial driver’s license or learners permit on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 4. Implementation and oversight

• (a) Standards and administration
  • The Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shall—
    • develop, maintain, and approve the English language proficiency test; and
    • provide guidance to States for administering such test as part of commercial driver’s license testing or renewal.
• (b) State responsibilities
  • In issuing commercial driver’s licenses and learners permits, State departments of motor vehicles shall—
    • administer and verify the English proficiency requirement; and
    • ensure that applicants meet all other Federal and State commercial driver’s license requirements.
• (c) Reporting
  • In administering the English language proficiency test under subsection (a), States shall annually report to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on the number of applicants testing, pass rates, and compliance outcomes.
• (d) Federal compliance and enforcement
  • (1) In general
    • The Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, shall monitor State compliance with the requirements of this Act.
  • (2) Withholding of funds
    • If the Secretary determines that a State is not in substantial compliance, the Secretary may withhold a portion of Federal funds apportioned to the State under sections 104(b)(4) and 31313 of Title 49, United States Code, until the State demonstrates compliance.
  • (3) Report to Congress
    • The Secretary shall submit an annual report to Congress summarizing State compliance, enforcement actions taken, and any recommendations to strengthen implementation.

SEC. 5. Rulemaking authority

• The Secretary of Transportation may issue such regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 6. Effective date

• This Act shall take effect on the date that is 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act.