DRIVE Safe Integrity Act of 2023

Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Safe Integrity Act of 2023 or the DRIVE Safe Integrity Act of 2023

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to promulgate regulations to implement an apprenticeship program for licensed commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. (The bill expands on the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program, which allows certain 18-, 19-, and 20-year-old drivers to operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce if certain training and safety requirements are met.)

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.

DOT must report quarterly on the status of the program.

The DRIVE Safe Integrity Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 3408, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to address the shortage of truck drivers in the United States by allowing individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and drive commercial vehicles across state lines.

Under current federal law, individuals must be at least 21 years old to obtain a CDL and drive commercial vehicles in interstate commerce. This age requirement has been a major barrier for young people who are interested in pursuing a career in trucking. The DRIVE Safe Integrity Act seeks to address this issue by creating a two-step program for younger drivers to gain the necessary experience and training to safely operate commercial vehicles.

The first step of the program would require drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 to complete a probationary period during which they would be required to drive under the supervision of an experienced driver and adhere to strict safety regulations. After completing this probationary period, drivers would be eligible to obtain a full CDL and drive commercial vehicles across state lines. Supporters of the bill argue that it will help address the truck driver shortage in the US by expanding the pool of eligible drivers and providing young people with more opportunities to enter the trucking industry. However, critics have raised concerns about the safety implications of allowing younger drivers to operate commercial vehicles, citing research that shows younger drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents. Overall, the DRIVE Safe Integrity Act of 2023 is a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to address the truck driver shortage in the US by allowing younger individuals to obtain a CDL and drive commercial vehicles across state lines. The bill is currently being debated in Congress, and its ultimate fate remains uncertain.