Search Results for keywords:"under-the-hood test"

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has renewed an exemption allowing school bus driver applicants to skip the engine compartment part of the pre-trip inspection test, known as the "under-the-hood" test, when obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a school bus endorsement. This exemption is valid for two years, from November 28, 2024, to November 28, 2026, and it restricts drivers to operating school buses only within state boundaries. The renewal aims to address the shortage of school bus drivers by removing barriers related to outdated testing requirements, especially as the industry moves towards electric buses. Safety measures remain in place, and states choosing to use this exemption must report information regularly to ensure compliance and safety.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has received a request from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to exempt certain commercial driver's license (CDL) applicants from the "under-the-hood" portion of the pre-trip inspection test. This exemption is aimed at CDL applicants who will be operating vehicles in public transportation. APTA argues that this test is not relevant to the responsibilities of transit bus operators, poses equity issues, and is of diminishing importance as the industry shifts towards zero-emission vehicles. The agency is seeking public comments on this request, with the goal of addressing the ongoing shortage of bus drivers in the public transit sector.