Legislation aimed at relieving the shortage of commercial truck drivers passed the House of Representatives Tuesday by a 96-1 vote. 

HB 479 by Rep. Dexter Grimsley, D-Newville, would permit Alabama to issue Class A commercial driver’s licenses for intrastate travel to applicants at least 18 years of age and under 21 years of age. Younger drivers would still be required to comply with state and federal laws and safety regulations. The license could only be used within the state unless federal law changes allowing drivers under 21 to operate a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce. 

The bill has been assigned to the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee.