School Bus Drivers May Skip Peeking Under the Hood
Published Date: 6/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The National School Transportation Association wants to keep letting new school bus drivers skip the tricky 'under-the-hood' engine check when getting their special license. This rule only applies to drivers who stay within their state and drive school buses. If you have thoughts, speak up by July 30, 2026—this could save time and hassle for future drivers without costing extra.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Skip 'Under‑the‑Hood' CDL Test
The National School Transportation Association has applied to renew a five‑year exemption that lets CDL applicants seeking only a school bus endorsement skip the engine‑compartment ("under‑the‑hood") portion of the pre‑trip inspection skills test. The exemption applies only to drivers restricted to intrastate school bus operation.
Helps School Bus Contractors Recruit
NSTA says the exemption has helped recruit school bus drivers, reduced turnover, and supported staffing stability for school transportation providers, including small family businesses. NSTA reports private school bus contractors account for 38 percent of pupil transportation and that the industry employs more than 250,000 individuals.
Intrastate‑Only Driving Restriction
Any CDL issued under this requested exemption would limit drivers to intrastate operation of school buses only. That means drivers who receive a CDL under the exemption cannot use that credential to drive school buses across State lines.
Claimed Equivalent Safety Outcome
NSTA and the Agency note that FMCSA previously determined the exemption maintains a level of safety equivalent to existing regulations, and NSTA reports no documentation showing the exemption decreased safety. This relates to the safety of students transported on school buses.
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