ME LD433

Directs the Secretary of State to seek federal waivers from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the "under-the-hood" engine compartment component of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills test for commercial driver's license applicants seeking school bus and passenger endorsements

Allows federal motor carrier safety requirements for school bus drivers to be waived when an applicable federal waiver is in place, rather than requiring compliance regardless of waiver availability

Clarifies that the driving examination requirement for school bus endorsements does not include the ability to operate combination vehicles consisting of a truck tractor and semitrailer

Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation by December 3, 2025 on progress in obtaining federal waivers and any related changes in federal law or regulations

Authorizes the Secretary of State to seek additional waivers of requirements deemed unnecessary for school bus operation in Maine and to pursue renewals of any waivers received