Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-takers Now Safely and Efficiently Act of 2025 or the LICENSE Act of 2025 This bill requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCA) to revise regulations to relax certain requirements related to commercial driver's license (CDL) testing.Specifically, the FMCA must allow a state or third-party examiner who has maintained a valid CDL test examiner certification and has previously completed a CDL skills test examiner training course to administer the CDL knowledge test, so long as they have completed one unit of instruction regarding the CDL knowledge test.The FMCA must also allow a state to administer a driving skills test to any CDL applicant regardless of the applicant's state of domicile or where the applicant received driver training.As background, the FMCA implemented temporary waivers for similar CDL testing-related requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These waivers have since expired.
If enacted, SB191 is expected to facilitate a more efficient licensing process by permitting state or third-party examiners to administer CDL knowledge tests, provided they meet certain certification and training requirements. Additionally, the bill allows states to conduct driving skills tests for applicants regardless of their state of origin or training background. These changes could lead to a quicker and potentially less restrictive pathway for gaining commercial driving qualifications, which is especially crucial to address the ongoing driver shortage in the industry.
SB191, known as the LICENSE Act of 2025, seeks to amend current regulations related to the testing requirements for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner's permits. The bill mandates the Secretary of Transportation to make specific revisions to the Code of Federal Regulations, allowing for greater flexibility in how knowledge and driving skills tests for CDL applicants are administered. This aims to streamline the process and improve accessibility for individuals seeking to enter the trucking and transportation industries.
While proponents of SB191 highlight the need for increased flexibility and efficiency within the CDL testing process, concerns have been raised regarding the potential implications for safety standards and regulation consistency. Critics argue that allowing third-party testing might result in variations in testing quality and standards across different regions, ultimately affecting the overall safety of commercial drivers on the road. As such, the balance between easing access to licensing and maintaining rigorous safety protocols will likely remain a point of contention during legislative discussions.
Transportation and Public Works