Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn, John Cornyn, Tammy Baldwin, and Mark Kelly have introduced the Driving Forward Act. The proposed bill seeks to extend an exemption for new school bus drivers from the "Under-the-Hood" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) testing requirement. This exemption is part of efforts to address the ongoing shortage of school bus drivers across the nation.

Senator Blackburn remarked, "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."

Senator Cornyn stressed the importance of this issue, stating, "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."

Adding to the chorus, Senator Baldwin noted, "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 highlighted the situation in Arizona, stating, "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."

In the House of Representatives, Congressman John Carter is leading companion legislation.

The "Under-the-Hood" testing requirement mandates that CDL holders can lift the hood of a school bus and identify engine components, a stipulation originally intended for the long-haul trucking industry. Critics argue this requirement unnecessarily prolongs training for school bus drivers. Since last year, Texas has utilized this exemption over 600 times. The exemption aims not to compromise bus safety, ensuring that trained mechanics handle roadside vehicle repairs.

The legislation ensures maintenance standards, dictated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), continue to be met. Additionally, it is supported by several educational and transportation associations including the National School Transportation Association and the National Association for Pupil Transportation.