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Governor Hochul Announces New Effort to Get More School Bus Drivers on the Road

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ALBANY, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul announced a plan to remove barriers for prospective school bus drivers applying for a commercial driver license. At the Governor’s direction, the DMV has implemented a federal waiver that allows school bus driver applicants to skip the engine compartment component, also called the “under the hood” component of the commercial driver license road test. This waiver, secured through advocacy from Representative Joe Morelle, will make it easier to get a commercial license at a time when school bus drivers are desperately needed and is the latest in a series of actions directed by Governor Hochul to address the critical shortage of truck and bus drivers.

“The job of transporting and caring for our children is so important, and the need for more drivers throughout New York State is very real,” Governor Hochul said. “This simple change will encourage more New Yorkers to become school bus drivers – a chance for many to be a positive influence and help support our students, without sacrificing safety.”

DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “Bus drivers are such an important part of our school system. Not only do they have the incredible responsibility of getting our children to and from school safely, but they’re also often the first friendly face a student sees outside of their family as they begin their day. New York State values and appreciates our school bus drivers and hopes this step will help more people qualify to take these jobs and help shape the future of New York’s children.”

Representative Joe Morelle said, “It is critical that we address the shortage of school bus drivers to ensure we can safely transport our children to school. That’s why I have worked closely with federal partners at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to successfully provide a waiver allowing more people to apply for bus driver positions — and I’m thrilled to see New York taking advantage of these resources. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for her partnership and applaud this decision that will ease the burden on our communities, provide parents with much-needed peace of mind, and support our students.”

The “under the hood” exemption is allowed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to help States hire more bus drivers without sacrificing safety, as existing school bus inspection and maintenance standards continue to apply. During the road test, applicants are still required to perform the remaining elements of the Commercial Driver License (CDL) vehicle inspection skills test. This new CDL classification, which is set to expire November 27, 2024, will restrict licensees to driving only school buses and only in New York State.

The steps interested New Yorkers should take to get a School Bus Only CDL are as follows:

First, you must have a New York State driver license (Class D, Class E, or Non-CDL C);
Study the New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual;
Apply for a commercial learner permit (CLP) at a DMV office. You must pass a written knowledge test to receive a CDL permit with the school bus and passenger endorsements;
Schedule entry level driver training. Read the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) FAQ for more information;
Prepare for your road test and practice with a supervising driver;
Schedule your “Limited School Bus” road test (online or by calling the DMV Contact Center);
Pass your “Limited School Bus” road test;
Go to a DMV office to amend your license to reflect “S1” (school bus only) and “K” (intrastate only) restrictions. 

At the Governor’s direction, in 2022, the DMV launched a program authorizing third parties to conduct commercial road tests, which has significantly increased the capacity for these types of road tests statewide. There are currently 27 third-party entities conducting commercial driver license road tests throughout the State. In addition, through cooperation with county-operated DMV offices, the State also increased testing capacity for written commercial permit exams across the State.

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George Hoehmann Shares Update: West Nyack Road Temporarily Reopened as Project Nears Next Phase

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George Hoehmann, Clarkstown Supervisor was pleased to report that West Nyack Road officially reopened at 3:30 PM on Friday afternoon. The contractor has compacted the base and installed temporary barriers and sidewalks to allow for two-way traffic over the next six to eight weeks.

Progress This Week:

  • Continued utility and drainage work

  • Roadway preparation and temporary reopening

Looking Ahead:

  • Subcontractors for various utility companies will be installing wires within the underground conduit

  • Goal: Utility pole removal by May 15th

  • General contractor will continue drainage and infrastructure work near Western Highway

Please exercise caution when driving through the area. The road is temporarily narrower near the Eastern culvert. Once the utility poles are removed, a brief second closure will be necessary to drive the remaining piles and complete the culvert work.

In the meantime, we’re glad to have the road open again for two-way traffic and appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation.

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Rockland County Offers Free Mosquito Dunks® and Mosquito-Eating Minnows to Residents

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Protect your home and community from mosquitoes this spring and summer!

The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is offering free mosquito control products to residents, including Mosquito Dunks® and fathead minnows, to help reduce the mosquito population and prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.


Mosquito Dunks® – Available by Appointment

What they are: Small, floating “donuts” that release safe bacteria to kill mosquito larvae in standing water.

Who can get them: Rockland County residents for use in unused swimming pools, spas, and other water-holding containers.

How to get them:

  • Pick-up location: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building D, Pomona, NY

  • By appointment only – Reserve in advance by calling 845-364-3173 or emailing [email protected]

  • Required: Download and complete the order form from the Mosquito Control Program webpage and bring it with you to your scheduled pickup.


🐟 Fathead Minnows – One-Day Giveaway Event

What they are: Small fish that eat mosquito larvae—up to 200 larvae per day!

Event Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, Building D, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona, NY
Important: Minnows must be released only within Rockland County

How to reserve:

  • Register online via the Mosquito Control Program webpage, or

  • Call 845-364-3173
    Note: The event date and time are subject to change. Signs will be posted to guide attendees to the correct location.


For more information, visit the Rockland County Health Department Mosquito Control Program webpage.

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