In a continued effort to address a statewide shortage of school bus drivers, the state has decided to implement a federal waiver that allows school bus driver applicants to skip the engine compartment component, known as the “under the hood” component of the commercial driver license road test. According to industry experts and DMV officials, this change will remove barriers to licensing for school bus driver candidates without compromising student safety. “The job of transporting and caring for our children is so important, and the need for more drivers throughout New York State is very real,” said Governor Kathy Hochul, who directed DMV to implement the federal waiver. “This simple change will encourage more New Yorkers to become school bus drivers – a chance for many to be a positive influence and help support our students, without sacrificing safety.” Even after the “under the hood exemption” is fully implemented, during the road test, applicants are still required to perform the remaining elements of the exam which includes the inspection and driving skills test. As a member of the State Senate and former owner of a school bus company, I spent a significant amount of time working with the Governor and DMV officials to help ease the school bus driver shortage that became most evident when schools returned to full, in-person sessions in September 2022. At that time, I pushed for third-party licensing of bus drivers to help minimize long wait times that existed for commercial driver’s license road tests. The new rule allowed approved operators to conduct road tests and issue commercial licenses for school bus drivers. Presently, 27 third-party entities are conducting commercial driver’s license road tests throughout the state, which has significantly increased the capacity for these types of road tests statewide. If you, or someone you know is looking for a new career or a part time job, consider serving your community as a school bus driver. Nearly every school district and private company in the region is hiring and all offer commercial driver training programs at no cost. Thanks to these recent regulatory changes, becoming certified to drive a school bus has never been easier and is a rewarding way to service your community.
