Action
Notice of application for exemption; request for comments.
Summary
FMCSA requests public comment on the National School Transportation Association's (NSTA) application to renew the exemption that permits all commercial driver's license (CDL) applicants seeking a school bus endorsement only to forgo the engine compartment portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills testing requirement, known as the "under-the-hood" testing requirement. Drivers issued a CDL pursuant to the requested exemption are restricted to the intrastate operation of school buses only. FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request. This notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.