Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn, Tammy Baldwin, Marsha Blackburn, and Mark Kelly have introduced the Driving Forward Act to address the national school bus driver shortage. The legislation seeks to eliminate the requirement for school bus drivers to undergo the "Under-the-Hood" Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing.

Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and reliable transportation for young Americans: "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 challenges communities face in finding school bus drivers and the need to cut through red tape: "Children in Wisconsin and across the country should be able to take the bus and get to school safely and on time."

The school bus driver shortage, according to Senator Blackburn, threatens student safety and reliable transportation in 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," Blackburn stated.

Senator Kelly pointed out the importance of safety and timeliness for Arizona students, adding, "This bipartisan bill cuts red tape to help more people become school bus drivers, directly addressing driver shortages."

The companion legislation is being led by Congressman John Carter in the House of Representatives.

The "Under-the-Hood" test is a significant entry barrier, requiring CDL applicants to identify engine components—a requirement suited more for long-haul truck drivers. Texas has frequently utilized this exemption.

The exemption will not affect school bus safety measures, and roadside issues will be handled by trained mechanics. The legislation maintains compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)'s safety requirements for vehicle maintenance.

The measure has the endorsement of the National School Transportation Association and other educational bodies.