FMCSA June 2026 Regulatory Updates: HOS Exemptions & School Bus CDL Testing

I've been examining commercial drivers for over 40 years here in Daytona Beach, and one thing I've learned is that most drivers don't have time to sift through the Federal Register every week. That's why I put together these plain-English roundups — so you know what's changing, what it means for your career, and what you should do about it. Here's what came out of Washington at the end of June 2026.

School Bus Endorsement Skills Testing: A CDL Change Worth Knowing

What Changed

The National School Transportation Association (NSTA) has applied to renew an existing exemption that would allow CDL applicants seeking a school bus endorsement only to skip the "under-the-hood" engine compartment portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills test.

This is still a public comment period — FMCSA hasn't made a final decision yet. But if the exemption is renewed, qualifying applicants would not be required to demonstrate under-the-hood inspection knowledge during their skills test.

Important restriction: Any CDL issued under this exemption limits the driver to intrastate school bus operations only. You would not be able to use that CDL for interstate commercial driving.

Source: Federal Register – NSTA CDL Exemption Renewal, 2026-06-30

Why It Matters for CDL Drivers

If you're a current or aspiring school bus driver pursuing a school bus endorsement, this exemption could simplify your skills test. But the intrastate-only restriction is a real ceiling — if you ever want to expand your driving career beyond school buses in Florida, you'd want a full, unrestricted CDL without this limitation.

What You Should Do Now

• If you're in the school bus industry and have an opinion on this exemption, FMCSA is accepting public comments — check the Federal Register notice for how to submit.
• If you're planning to get a school bus endorsement, talk to your state licensing office about how this exemption may apply to your upcoming test.
• Make sure your DOT medical card is current regardless. No exemption changes the physical qualification requirements — you still need to pass your exam. If you're not sure where you stand medically, take a look at our complete CDL physical requirements guide.

How This Affects Exams at OneCare CDL

This exemption covers skills testing, not the medical side — so it doesn't change what I look for during your physical. Whether you drive a school bus or an 18-wheeler, the DOT physical standards are the same.

Hours of Service Exemption Notices: Three Updates, Low Direct Impact

The other three regulatory actions this month all involve Hours of Service (HOS) exemptions. Let me give you the straight story on each one.

Railroad Emergency Response: Mainline Services & Railroad Associations

Two separate notices address HOS flexibility for drivers who respond to railroad emergencies — derailments, disabled trains, and debris clearing that disrupts rail lines.

• Mainline Services, LLC has applied for an exemption allowing its drivers to exceed standard HOS limits when responding to unplanned railroad emergencies outside their normal shift. FMCSA is collecting public comments — no decision has been made. (Federal Register, 2026-06-30)
• The Association of American Railroads and American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association received a provisional four-month renewal of an existing exemption from the 14-hour driving rule and the 60/70-hour limits — again, specifically for emergency response situations. FMCSA is still reviewing a longer five-year renewal request before making a final call. (Federal Register, 2026-06-24)

Does this affect you? Unless you work for one of these specific railroad-affiliated carriers, these exemptions don't apply to your driving. HOS rules for the rest of us remain unchanged.

Hazmat Emergency Response: Lone Star Haz Mat Response, LLC

Lone Star Haz Mat Response, LLC has applied for an exemption allowing its "field response" drivers to exceed HOS limits specifically when returning to their home base or residence after a hazmat incident response. Again, public comment is open and no final decision has been made. (Federal Register, 2026-06-30)

Does this affect you? Only if you drive for Lone Star Haz Mat Response. For everyone else, standard HOS rules apply.

The Bottom Line on HOS This Month

These are narrow, company-specific exemptions built for genuine emergency response situations. They're not a signal that FMCSA is loosening HOS rules broadly. If you've ever wondered how HOS intersects with your DOT physical and medical certification, that's worth a separate conversation.

Stay Current — Your Medical Card Is Always Part of the Picture

Regulatory changes come and go, but one thing that never changes is this: you cannot legally drive a CMV without a valid medical certificate. Whether the rules above affect you directly or not, your physical qualification status matters every single time you get behind the wheel.

If your card is coming up for renewal, or if you have a health condition you're not sure about, I'd rather you come in and talk through it before it becomes a problem on the road or at a weigh station.

Book your appointment online at /book or reach out through our contact page. We're at 755 Westmoreland Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, and you can also call us at (386) 226-0011 to schedule. OneCare CDL is appointment-based — get on the calendar before your card expires.