Governor Kathy Hochul looks to address a severe bus driver shortage plaguing local school districts across New York State.
Her multi-agency plan includes both short- and long-term steps to remove barriers and recruit more Commercial Drivers License (CDL) drivers.
DMV is expediting the process for CDL completion by removing the 14-day waiting period between the permit and road test.
Enhanced cooperation with county-run DMVs will also increase capacity to administer both exams.
Longer term steps include changes to address the training and licensing of drivers, as well as broader recruitment into the bus driver profession.
Interested drivers can find information here.
Candidates will be surveyed and their information then shared with local school districts who are seeking drivers. The schools work through these lists to recruit interested drivers in their area.
In addition, the state will target currently unemployed drivers through the Department of Labor; along with partners in law enforcement, firefighters, military and other organizations that have trained drivers.
