The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will expand its availability of road tests for those who are seeking commercial driver licenses in order to address a shortage of truck and bus drivers.

Motor vehicle officials are scheduled to hold a public hearing on Jan. 26 to discuss how to create more capacity for state-run sites and road tests by allowing qualified third parties to offer them. 

"As we continue to fight this pandemic, we remain committed to expanding opportunities for New Yorkers, supporting our schools, and doing all we can to address the supply-chain issues that have affected many businesses throughout our state and country," Hochul said. "By enabling third parties to give the road test for truck and bus drivers, we will create new avenues for New Yorkers to begin exciting careers, for our children to get to school, and to ensure that vital goods get where they need to be."

The move comes as truck driver shortages have created supply chain troubles nationwide, while a shortage of school bus drivers in some instances have forced school districts to turn to remote learning. 

Republican state Sen. Mike Martucci, the former owner and operator of a school bus company, applauded the move to turn to third party entities to provide the tests. 

"Last fall, I even stepped in to assist my local school district as a driver because the situation had become truly desperate," he said. "That’s why I am so excited Governor Hochul has taken up this important cause by directing the Department of Motor Vehicles to initiate a regulatory proceeding that will make third party testing a reality in New York."