In coordination with the U.S. Department of Education, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently gave states the option of waiving one portion of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test for school bus driver applicants.
The waiver applies to the portion of the test that requires applicants to identify engine components. School transportation associations, states, and elected officials agree this portion of the test is an unnecessary hurdle for those interested in becoming a school bus driver.
The waiver became effective Monday and will expire on March 31. The goal is to help states and municipalities experiencing a school bus driver shortage to recruit new hires.
“We’ve heard from educators and parents that labor shortages, particularly of bus drivers, are a roadblock to keeping kids in schools,” Miguel Cardona, secretary of education, said. “Today’s announcement will give states the flexibility they need to help increase the pool of drivers, who are a key part of the school community and get kids to school safely each day where students learn best. And American Rescue Plan funds can be used to hire these critical staff, including offering increased compensation or other incentives to recruit and retain staff.”
Anyone who receives a CDL under the waiver will be permitted to operate intrastate school buses only.