US DOT allowing states to temporarily waive some CDL requirements

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) is changing some rules for bus drivers in the hopes that it will help school districts hire more people.

The DOT has temporarily allowed its requirement that Commercial Drivers License (CDL) recipients know how to work under the hood of their bus to be waived.

Many districts in the Rochester area have said that requirement has become a barrier for hiring new bus drivers at a time when many are experiencing shortages so bad that it’s led to school cancellations.

It’s something Rep. Joe Morelle (D, NY-25) asked the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to do back in September.

The decision to waive the requirement is up to the states. The waiver is only valid until the end of March.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has not said what she plans to do yet.