Bus Drivers Skip Hood Checks, But Can't Cross State Lines
Published Date: 7/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is letting public transit agencies skip the tricky 'under-the-hood' part of the CDL pre-trip test for drivers who only drive buses within their own state. But, drivers using this exemption can’t drive across state lines. This change helps speed up getting bus drivers on the road without extra hassle, but it only applies to local transit and won’t cost extra money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Option to Waive Under‑the‑Hood Test
State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) may choose to waive the "under‑the‑hood" portion of the CDL pre‑trip vehicle inspection skills test for applicants who seek to operate commercial motor vehicles in public transportation. This option applies to public transit agencies and their contractor partners and, according to the notice, does not add extra cost.
Intrastate‑Only Restriction for Exempted Drivers
Drivers issued CDLs under this exemption are restricted to intrastate operation of transit buses only. The FMCSA denied the request to allow drivers under this exemption to operate in interstate commerce.
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Key Dates
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