Efforts Addressing School Bus Driver Shortage Renewed by DMV
Waiver Eliminates Engine Compartment Requirement for Road Tests
On Tuesday, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) renewed the waiver to eliminate the engine compartment requirement of school bus driver’s road tests. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) signed the waiver to remove barriers for prospective bus drivers while addressing the school bus driver shortage.
CDL Applicants to Skip Pre-Trip Engine Inspection
CDL applicants who want to become bus drivers can skip the pre-trip engine inspection portion of the road test, which involves checking under the bus’s hood. The exemption was first implemented in January 2024 and applies to new CDL applicants who previously held a CDL and want school bus and passenger endorsements.
Exemption Extended through November 28, 2026
The exemption is extended through November 28, 2026, and anyone who wants it must take the Limited School Bus road test. Although the exemption removes a barrier for applicants, the New York School Bus Contractors Association said the need for drivers remains high.
DMV Commissioner Comments on Exemption
Applicants will still need to perform other vehicle inspection skills test elements. DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder, who also chairs the Governor’s Traffic Safety Commission, said the exemption has made school bus driving more accessible for people with a CDL.
“By continuing to offer the Under-the-Hood exemption, we’re paving the way for more people to get behind the wheel of a school bus, where drivers are needed to perform a critical service in our communities,” Schroeder said. “What makes school bus drivers so irreplaceable is their ability to get our kids back and forth to school safely, not their ability to replace a crankshaft.”
Conclusion
The renewed waiver aims to address the ongoing school bus driver shortage by making it easier for CDL applicants to become school bus drivers. By eliminating the engine compartment requirement, the DMV hopes to attract more candidates to the field and ensure that school buses continue to operate safely and efficiently.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible for the exemption?
A: New CDL applicants who previously held a CDL and want school bus and passenger endorsements are eligible for the exemption.
Q: What is the duration of the exemption?
A: The exemption is extended through November 28, 2026.
Q: What is the Limited School Bus road test?
A: The Limited School Bus road test is a requirement for anyone who wants to take advantage of the exemption.
Q: What are the other vehicle inspection skills test elements that applicants must perform?
A: Applicants will still need to perform other vehicle inspection skills test elements, excluding the pre-trip engine inspection portion.
