The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is asking for a change to the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test to help hire more transit bus drivers. APTA wants the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to allow every transit bus driver to skip the “under-the-hood” test. APTA says that this change would make it easier to recruit drivers, helping to fix a serious driver shortage in public transit.

Why APTA Wants to Change the Bus Driver Test

Across the United States, public transit agencies need more bus drivers. A recent survey from APTA shows that 85 percent of transit agencies are struggling to fill open bus driver positions. The shortage has gotten so bad that 84 percent of transit agencies say it’s affecting the level of service they can provide. Many transit officials say that the “under-the-hood” part of the CDL test makes it harder to recruit drivers.

The “under-the-hood” test asks CDL applicants to explain engine parts and check fluid levels, belts, and wires. But bus drivers don’t need to work on engines—mechanics do that job. APTA believes that this part of the test isn’t useful for bus drivers, and it can make it harder for people to pass the CDL test. Some people don’t want to take a test on things they won’t use on the job. By waiving this part of the test, APTA believes that more people would apply for bus driver jobs and more would pass.

How the “Under-the-Hood” Test Affects Bus Driver Hiring

Most transit agencies have reported that this test is one of the hardest parts of the CDL process. It takes around 12 days to train each applicant for the “under-the-hood” part of the CDL test, according to APTA. This training time adds up, creating delays and costing transit agencies more money. Candidates who don’t pass on their first try often have to retake the test, which makes the process even longer and more expensive.

Because this test is about mechanical knowledge, some applicants find it very hard to understand. Many people who want to drive buses don’t have any experience with engines or technical parts. This test can be especially challenging for people who struggle with memorizing detailed technical terms, such as those who don’t speak English as a first language. This barrier can make it harder for agencies to find drivers, even if those applicants have good driving skills and want the job.

Equity Concerns and the Push for Diversity

The “under-the-hood” test also raises equity concerns. APTA believes that this test may unfairly keep certain people from becoming bus drivers. For instance, the test could prevent people from diverse backgrounds or people with limited mechanical knowledge from getting a CDL. By waiving this part of the CDL test, transit agencies could attract a more diverse group of applicants to fill their open positions.

Changes in Technology: The Rise of Electric Buses

The “under-the-hood” test may soon be even less relevant as more transit agencies switch to electric buses. These buses don’t have the same engine parts as traditional buses, meaning that future drivers won’t need to know how to inspect things like oil or coolant. Electric buses have fewer mechanical parts, and most are high-voltage, which can be dangerous for untrained personnel. Many transit agencies even lock these engine compartments to prevent anyone from tampering with them. With these changes, the knowledge needed for the “under-the-hood” test will be less useful than ever.

Support Across the Industry

Many transit agencies support APTA’s request. In fact, a recent APTA survey found that nearly three-quarters (73.5 percent) of transit agencies favor the waiver. APTA notes that transit agencies would still train drivers to perform important safety checks, like inspecting the bus interior, checking for leaks under the bus, and ensuring all lights are working. This means that skipping the “under-the-hood” test wouldn’t impact safety—it would just save time and money.

Other industries have already received a similar waiver. For example, school bus drivers don’t have to pass this part of the CDL test, as mechanics also handle their maintenance needs. APTA believes that transit bus drivers should get the same exemption. They say that this change could help transit agencies find and hire more drivers, easing the current driver shortage and improving public transit.