DRIVE Safe Act

1/11/2023, 1:47 PM

Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act or the DRIVE Safe Act

This bill directs the Department of Transportation to promulgate regulations to implement an apprenticeship program for licensed commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21.

Under the program, an apprentice must complete two probationary periods that total 400 hours of on-duty time, of which at least 240 hours must be driving time in a commercial motor vehicle. Additionally, the apprentice must be accompanied in the cab of the commercial motor vehicle by an experienced driver.

Further, the bill requires all commercial motor vehicles used in the program for training to be equipped with safety technology such as active braking collision mitigation systems and video event capturing systems.

An employer shall not knowingly allow, require, permit, or authorize a driver under the age of 21 to operate a commercial motor vehicle unless the driver is participating in, or has completed, an apprenticeship program that meets the requirements set forth in this bill.

Congress
117

Number
S - 659

Introduced on
2021-03-10

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

3/10/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act or the DRIVE Safe Act

This bill directs the Department of Transportation to promulgate regulations to implement an apprenticeship program for licensed commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21.

Under the program, an apprentice must complete two probationary periods that total 400 hours of on-duty time, of which at least 240 hours must be driving time in a commercial motor vehicle. Additionally, the apprentice must be accompanied in the cab of the commercial motor vehicle by an experienced driver.

Further, the bill requires all commercial motor vehicles used in the program for training to be equipped with safety technology such as active braking collision mitigation systems and video event capturing systems.

An employer shall not knowingly allow, require, permit, or authorize a driver under the age of 21 to operate a commercial motor vehicle unless the driver is participating in, or has completed, an apprenticeship program that meets the requirements set forth in this bill.

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to require the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations relating to commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Transportation and Public Works

Potential Impact
Accidents
Business records
Employment and training programs
Motor carriers
Motor vehicles
Personnel records
Transportation employees
Transportation safety and security

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary7/19/2021

Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act or the DRIVE Safe Act

This bill directs the Department of Transportation to promulgate regulations to implement an apprenticeship program for licensed commercial...


Latest Action3/10/2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.