The Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program began in 2022. This three-year program was designed to create an entry-level pathway for drivers aged 18, 19, and 20 to operate in interstate commerce. The program was capped at 3,000 drivers, but in 2024, only three dozen were enrolled. Motor carrier registration was low as well. Many in the industry said that the program imposed unnecessary requirements. It officially ended in November 2025 without any meaningful conclusions.
In December 2025, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyoming) introduced the “Responsible Opportunity for Under-21 Trucking Engagement (ROUTE) Act.” The bill was referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This bill would authorize interstate operation for drivers under 21 within a 150 air mile radius of their normal work reporting location.
Currently, states can lower the CDL age to 18, but only for intrastate transportation. There is no mileage radius limit. Under this scenario, an under-21 driver could make a 400-mile round trip across their state, but could not make a 50-mile round trip to a customer in an adjacent state.
OOIDA President Todd Spencer said the ROUTE Act solves this issue “in a safe and practical way. A 150 air-mile operating radius gives drivers the chance to build skills in familiar conditions, receive the training they need, and stay closer to home while gaining experience.”
This bill provides an interesting solution, but there were no cosponsors, and many bills never make it out of committee for a vote on the floor.
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