A new bill is aiming to address Wisconsin’s ongoing shortage of bus drivers by making it easier for them to keep their licenses, Wisconsin Public Radio reports. The news follows data from the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles, which showed the state’s number of bus drivers has dropped almost 18% over the last 15 years.
Experts also say the growing shortage is likely to worsen due to an aging workforce.
The new law would modify the frequency of Commercial Driver’s License tests for bus drivers over 70 years old. Almost 25% of school bus drivers are 65 or older.
Drivers over 70 are currently required to retake their driver’s test every two years, but the proposal would change that to every four years.
The bill would also require an automatic reinstatement of any “S” endorsement — which shows the driver has met the necessary training and testing requirements on their CDL — that was cancelled for medical reasons, provided the driver provides proper documentation from a medical provider to the Department of Transportation.
