Clear Creek ISD facing new barriers to hire bus drivers

LEAGUE CITY, TX (KTRK) -- Hiring new bus drivers is an ongoing struggle for districts nationwide and it's no different locally for Clear Creek ISD.

Director of Transportation Ezell Brown says this situation has been made more difficult by recent changes for bus driver applicants for the commercial driver license.

"Once upon a time you go to the DPS, make your appointment with the local DPS," explained Brown.

He says that process took applicants about two weeks. Now, the state has consolidated CDL driving test locations to just 25 spots statewide, and that is causing a slowdown.

"You're anywhere from 45 or more days out to try and get an appointment," said Brown.

The DPS says new federal testing requirements means more space is necessary for the driving test and it takes longer. Last year, the state had to consolidate test sites.

"We're not complaining about the things the state has in place, it's just the time length in doing so," said Brown.

The DPS says it does have the goal of "increasing the availability of the driving test," which would hopefully lower those wait times.