A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, including Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), have introduced the Driving Forward Act. This legislation aims to address the nationwide shortage of school bus drivers by extending an exemption for new school bus drivers from the “Under-the-Hood” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing requirement.
Senator Blackburn emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “The school bus driver shortage poses a threat to student safety and access to reliable transportation for students across Tennessee. The Driving Forward Act is a commonsense piece of legislation that would get more qualified individuals into the driver’s seat by extending the current under-the-hood test exemption.”
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Senator Cornyn echoed this sentiment, saying, “Young Americans are our nation’s most valuable resource, and it is essential that they have safe and reliable transportation to their schools. This legislation would help ensure there are school bus drivers available in every neighborhood across the country by removing an antiquated and unnecessary obstacle to their certification.”
Senator Baldwin highlighted the impact on Wisconsin, stating, “Children in Wisconsin and across the country should be able to take the bus and get to school safely and on time. Unfortunately, many communities are struggling to find school bus drivers, and that’s why I am working with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to cut red tape, get good drivers behind the wheel, and ensure kids can get to school safely.”
Senator Kelly focused on the benefits for Arizona, saying, “Kids in Arizona deserve to get to school safe and on time. This bipartisan bill cuts red tape to help more people become school bus drivers, directly addressing driver shortages and making the drive to school a better one.”
Companion legislation is being led in the House of Representatives by Congressman John Carter (R-TX).
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Background on the Issue
The senators explained that a significant barrier for potential school bus drivers is the “Under-the-Hood” testing requirement for obtaining a CDL. Current federal regulations mandate that CDL holders be able to identify engine parts and functions, a requirement primarily designed for the long-haul trucking industry. This requirement adds an average of three to four days to the training time for new drivers.
The senators argue that this requirement is unnecessary for school bus drivers, as they are required to remain on the bus with students at all times. They assert that an exemption would not compromise student safety. In the event of a breakdown, trained mechanics would be responsible for roadside diagnostics and repairs.
The Driving Forward Act would not alter the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s vehicle maintenance requirements, which mandate systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all vehicles. Existing state and local school bus inspection maintenance standards would also remain in effect. The FMCSA has reportedly confirmed that the exemption does not negatively impact safety.
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The legislation has received endorsements from several national organizations, including the National School Transportation Association, School Superintendent Association, National Rural Education Association, National Association for Pupil Transportation, School Business Officials, and Association of Educational Service Agencies.
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