Drivers fear new federal commercial driver’s license training could deter schoolbus driver applicant
School buses were delayed again on Wednesday, some by up to an hour and a half. Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Diana Greene blames a nationwide bus driver shortage.
Greene told reporters Monday that bus contractors are short about 100 drivers.
Some of those new commercial driver’s license applicants, and veteran drivers, are maneuvering federal guidelines just passed in February.
“It’s going to make it much more difficult,” Patricia Vanhooser, a bus driver at UNF and Cornerstone Classical Academy said.
The five-year bus driver veteran has to get an endorsement on her CDL for air brakes. Despite her experience, she now needs to go through hours of new beginner CDL training.
“Well, I cannot drive anything with air brakes right now. Most schools are upgrading to vehicles with air brakes,” she said.
A driver with a CDL license who wants to get an endorsement to drive passengers, a school bus, air brakes, or hazardous materials now must take entry-level driver training, which includes hours of in-person classes.
“A lot of drivers can’t afford it, don’t have the time for it, or they’re just not going to do it.”
The stricter requirements are also there for new drivers looking to get their CDL and current CDL drivers who need to upgrade their license.
The regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration became effective on Feb. 7, 2022.
Training is conducted at an approved training provider, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
In a statement, a representative said, “Due to a shortage of school bus drivers, FMCSA granted a waiver of certain testing requirements for school bus drivers. Under this waiver, the engine compartment portion of the pre-trip inspection skills test may be waived.”
The statement went on to say, “Florida is allowing the applicants to be scheduled for a CDL skills test prior to the applicant completing the required ELDT; however, the ELDT requirements must be met before taking the test.”
“The safety of those on our roadways is always our top priority. FLHSMV is in regular contact with school districts to provide any assistance or guidance they may need regarding licensing, testing, or safety information.”
Student Transportation of America, DCPS’ largest bus contractor, is offering to pay for training and offers a $3,000 sign-on bonus to entice new hires.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.