WISCONSIN — Wisconsinites interested in becoming school bus drivers have one less hurdle to overcome.

Wisconsin, and many other states across the country, is struggling to fill driver’s seats in school buses.

In an effort to combat the shortage, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has created a long-term waiver extension. The waiver allows a state to modify the Commercial Driver’s License test.

“Drivers seeking this credential will not have to identify engine parts during the pre-trip vehicle inspection portion of the skills test,” the Wisconsin Department of Transportation said.

WisDOT Division of Motor Vehicles said it has enacted this waiver extension, making Wisconsin one of six states to do so. It said it hopes this makes more drivers feel comfortable applying for the license.

Under the waiver in Wisconsin, potential bus drivers do not need to take the portion of the test that identifies engine components “under the hood.” The waiver will be in place until Nov. 27, 2024. All other sections of both written and road tests will remain the same.

“Knowing the components of a bus engine does not necessarily impact a driver’s safe driving skills so we’ll follow FMCSA’s guidance,” DMV Administrator Kristina Boardman said. “By removing this potential barrier, we hope that more drivers will apply to add the school bus license to their credentials and, hopefully, help their community and school district.” 

FMCSA originally allowed the waiver in Jan. 2022. From Jan. to Sept. 2022, 69 people utilized the waiver to earn school bus licenses in Wisconsin.

“In a very tight labor market, WisDOT is supporting every effort to help to get qualified drivers behind the wheel and get kids to school,” Boardman added.

Uner the waiver, Wisconsinites are only allowed to drive intrastate school buses. They cannot operate trucks, motor coaches or other types of commercials motor vehicles that necessitate a commercial driver’s license.

For a list of driving schools that offer commercial driver’s and school bus licenses around the state, click here.