School Bus Driver Requirements Waived Due To Driver Shortage

Oklahomans looking to get a job driving a school bus used to be required to know a thing or two about what is under the hood, but that is no longer the case.

The Department of Public Safety announced it will remove a long-standing requirement when it comes to CDL licensing.

Starting Monday, the department will begin issuing licenses that waive the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills test.

The test includes checking items like oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid and the water pump belt.

The purpose of this change is to do away with any potential roadblocks to filling open bus driver positions while maintaining safety.

Oklahoma has dealt with bus driver shortages in districts across the state, but the situation is not unique.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently allowed states to waive the requirement citing a nationwide shortage.

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety took advantage a week later.

Drivers working to get a CDL license for a bus will still have to demonstrate the ability to safely operate special features.

To get the license, drivers will be tested on other pre-trip inspection skills like engine start, steering, suspension and brakes.

The licenses will be granted to bus drivers only and will not allow licensees to drive trucks or any other form of commercial vehicles.

They will be available through March 31st.