Bills · HR 5563
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5563Labor and Employment
DRIVE-SAFE Act
INTRO SEP 26· LAST ACTION DEC 1
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
31
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it directly addresses the ongoing shortage of commercial truck drivers in the United States, which impacts supply chains and the cost of goods for everyday consumers. By allowing 18- to 20-year-olds to drive commercial vehicles across state lines after completing a structured training program, it could significantly expand the talent pool for the trucking industry.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more efficient movement of goods, potentially lowering shipping costs and reducing delays. If it doesn't pass, the trucking industry will continue to face challenges in recruiting enough drivers, which could further strain supply chains and maintain upward pressure on consumer prices. It also offers a new career path for young people who might otherwise struggle to find well-paying jobs immediately after high school.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a national apprenticeship program for commercial drivers under 21 to drive across state lines.
This allows younger individuals (18-20) to enter the interstate trucking workforce, which is currently prohibited by federal law.
PROVISION 02
Requires a two-stage training program: a 120-hour probationary period followed by a 280-hour probationary period, with specific driving and on-duty time requirements.
This ensures young drivers receive extensive, structured, and supervised training before driving independently in interstate commerce.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that during the probationary periods, apprentices must be accompanied by an 'experienced driver' and use trucks equipped with specific safety technologies.
This provision aims to enhance safety during the training phase by requiring supervision and advanced vehicle safety features.
PROVISION 04
Requires employers to ensure apprentices demonstrate competence in various driving and operational skills and undergo additional training for accidents or violations.
This holds employers accountable for the training quality and the apprentice's performance, ensuring proper skill development and safety adherence.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 31
R· Arkansas
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
19
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 39%
DEM 6 REP 25 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSDEC 1
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
SEP 26
Introduced in House
SEP 26
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5563
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 26, 2025
Last actionDec 1, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 26, 2025
House BillHR 5563Labor and Employment
DRIVE-SAFE Act
INTRODUCED SEP 26, 2025· LAST ACTION DEC 1, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
31
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
