Which agency in the United States establishes basic requirements for licensing a driver?

The Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) is the correct answer because it oversees a wide range of transportation-related issues across the United States, including the establishment of licensing requirements for drivers. The DOT plays a fundamental role in ensuring safe and efficient transportation systems, which includes working with state governments to standardize driver licensing procedures and regulations.

This involvement allows the DOT to set certain baseline standards that states must follow, even though each state has the authority to manage and issue its own driver's licenses. By establishing these federal standards, the DOT helps ensure consistency and safety across the nation, contributing to safer driving conditions.

While the other agencies mentioned may play important roles in transportation infrastructure and safety, they do not primarily focus on the establishment of driver licensing requirements. For instance, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) primarily deals with federal highway programs and funding, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) focuses on vehicle safety regulations and promoting road safety rather than the direct licensing of drivers. The FBI, being a federal law enforcement agency, is unrelated to transportation licensing altogether.