Washington, D.C. (July 16, 2025) – American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas released the following statement:

“The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) applauds the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rule granting an exemption from the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) ‘under-the-hood’ testing requirement for public transit operators.

“This commonsense exemption directly addresses one of the biggest barriers to hiring new operators during a nationwide workforce shortage. APTA’s research shows that 84 percent of transit agencies cite CDL complexity as a hiring obstacle, with the “under-the-hood” requirement rated as the most challenging aspect of obtaining a license.

“Public transit agencies employ dedicated maintenance professionals who are responsible for vehicle inspections and repairs. Removing this unnecessary barrier will help us attract qualified candidates while maintaining our industry’s exemplary safety record. This exemption provides a runway for state authorities to update their training and credentialing programs, giving public transit agencies the flexibility to meet pressing workforce demands.

“We commend FMCSA for its support in helping public transit agencies meet urgent staffing needs and keep our communities moving.”

For more information, see  APTA’s FMCSA CDL Exemption Application and Impact of CDL Under-the-Hood Testing Requirement Report.

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