The Next Highway Bill Could Redefine Driver Training Standards—Here’s How
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is once again taking a firm stand on commercial driver safety. In an October 20 letter to congressional leaders, OOIDA called for stronger training, licensing, and qualification standards for commercial drivers—arguing that too many new entrants are hitting the road without the necessary skills to safely operate large commercial vehicles. “Far too many individuals are entering the trucking industry without the basic skills necessary to safely operate a commercial vehicle,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer. He emphasized that inconsistent licensing processes across states have allowed hundreds of thousands of underqualified drivers onto U.S. highways—an issue that has contributed to preventable accidents and fatalities. As lawmakers prepare to reauthorize the Highway Bill with the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act set to expire in September 2026, OOIDA is pushing for meaningful reforms to ensure safer, better-t...