DRIVE Safe Act Aims to Build a Stronger, Safer, and Younger Trucking Workforce
Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have reintroduced legislation that could reshape the trucking industry’s approach to hiring and training young drivers. The proposal, known as the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Safe Act, seeks to allow qualified commercial drivers aged 18 to 20 to operate across state lines under strict supervision and training protocols.
A New Pathway for the Next Generation of Drivers
The legislation, led by Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.), is intended to modernize federal driving regulations that currently restrict younger CDL holders from hauling interstate freight. While most states already permit individuals in this age group to drive commercial vehicles within their own borders, federal law prohibits them from crossing state lines a limitation many industry advocates argue no longer fits today’s logistics landscape.
“The current system makes little sense,” said Crawford, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “An 18-year-old can drive 270 miles across Arkansas but can’t legally cross a bridge into Tennessee. It’s time we fix this outdated rule so we can strengthen our workforce and improve the flow of goods nationwide.”
Expanding and Strengthening Safety Training
At the core of the DRIVE Safe Act is the expansion of a federal apprenticeship program that focuses on advanced safety and operational training for younger drivers. Under this initiative, CDL holders under 21 would undergo a probationary apprenticeship period, logging both on-duty and behind-the-wheel hours while accompanied by a qualified mentor driver with at least two years of verified experience.
This structured training model mirrors the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAP) launched by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in recent years. The pilot program aimed to test the viability of younger interstate drivers and gather safety data before permanent policy changes were made. Early results have shown promise, with participating carriers reporting strong compliance and safety outcomes.
Addressing the Ongoing Driver Shortage
The timing of the legislation reflects continued concern over the nationwide truck driver shortage, estimated by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) to exceed 60,000 drivers. Supporters argue that attracting a new generation of drivers is essential to maintaining supply chain stability and controlling rising transportation costs.
“Federal rules should make it easier, not harder, for young people to start their careers in trucking,” said Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), a co-sponsor of the bill. “This legislation opens doors to good-paying, long-term jobs while ensuring the highest safety standards.”
Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), another co-lead sponsor, emphasized the economic benefits: “Driver shortages have raised shipping costs and delayed deliveries across the country. The DRIVE Safe Act is a practical step toward easing those challenges by aligning federal law with the 49 states that already trust younger CDL holders to move freight safely.”
Building a Safer, Smarter Trucking Future
Industry leaders, including the American Trucking Associations, have voiced strong support for the initiative. Henry Hanscom, ATA’s Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs, stated, “Building a 21st-century supply chain requires investing in a 21st-century workforce. The DRIVE Safe Act meets that challenge by combining opportunity with accountability, allowing qualified 18- to 20-year-olds to pursue trucking careers while maintaining rigorous safety and training standards.”
Hanscom added that expanding access to interstate driving can also help reduce the burden of student debt for young Americans, offering them a high-earning career path without the cost of college tuition.
The bill, co-sponsored by Reps. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), now awaits consideration by the relevant House committees. Previous versions have been introduced in past sessions of Congress, but industry momentum and workforce pressures could make this attempt more viable.
If enacted, the DRIVE Safe Act would mark a major step forward in modernizing the trucking workforce, creating pathways for younger drivers, and strengthening the nation’s logistics network through both innovation and inclusion.
