APTA Appeals for Five-Year Exemption from CDL ‘Under-the-Hood’ Testing Requirement

APTA has written to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requesting a five-year exemption from the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) ‘under-the-hood’ testing requirement for public transit drivers. The proposed exemption would allow states to waive the specific requirement for CDL applicants seeking to operate public transportation vehicles.

“This exemption is crucial for addressing the severe workforce challenges facing our industry while maintaining our unwavering commitment to safety,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “The current CDL ‘under-the-hood’ testing requirement has become a significant barrier to recruiting qualified transit operators, at a time when our industry desperately needs them.”

The request comes as new APTA research reveals that 85 percent of public transit agencies continue to face worker shortages, with bus driver positions being particularly challenging to fill. APTA’s research shows that 84 percent of transit agencies cite CDL complexity as a hiring obstacle, with the ‘under-the-hood’ requirement rated as the most challenging aspect of obtaining a license.

“Public transit agencies employ dedicated maintenance professionals who are responsible for vehicle inspections and repairs,” Skoutelas added. “Removing this unnecessary barrier will help attract qualified candidates while maintaining our industry’s exemplary safety record. The proposed five-year exemption would provide a runway for state authorities to update their training and credentialing programs, giving transit agencies the flexibility to meet pressing workforce demands.”

Key points supporting APTA’s exemption request include:

Bus drivers are not responsible for vehicle maintenance.
Trained mechanics handle all ‘under-the-hood’ repairs and diagnostics.
The CDL ‘under-the-hood’ requirement creates unnecessary barriers for otherwise qualified candidates.
The industry’s transition to zero-emission vehicles makes much of the testing obsolete.
An exemption will provide an equivalent or greater level of safety.