New Milford drivers urge standardized re‑certification as retention falters

Drivers and trainers in New Milford said inconsistent state re‑certification testing is forcing experienced school bus drivers out of the field and creating service disruptions for students.

On the community broadcast, local trainers described a four‑year re‑certification that mirrors the original commercial‑driver test but is applied inconsistently by Department of Motor Vehicles/Department of Transportation inspectors. “You get three chances, and if you don't pass, then you're done with your job,” a trainer said, describing the anxiety faced by tenured drivers.

Trainers and drivers told hosts that inspectors sometimes ask questions not covered by local study guides or apply different expectations depending on the inspector, and that drivers may be sent to other parts of Connecticut to be retested. One trainer recounted a single off‑guide question that caused four experienced drivers to fail the same day; the staff shortage that followed forced some routes to be doubled, leaving as many as 70 students on a bus and delaying pickups.

Speakers proposed allowing DMV/DOT‑certified in‑house trainers to administer the periodic proficiency test, arguing trainers are already on the route daily, conduct ongoing safety instruction and can judge operational performance while maintaining safety standards. “We're not asking to get rid of it. We're asking to have it done in‑house,” a trainer said, adding that such a change could reduce travel and inconsistent testing and help retain experienced drivers.

Hosts encouraged listeners to contact state lawmakers and attend a rally to press for change. The broadcast named state legislators serving New Milford — Representative Jason Buckbee, Representative Callahan and Senator Stephen Harding — and urged residents to email or write their delegations to request a standardized, equitable proficiency process.

The discussion also covered on‑bus safety measures: the town has approved installing cameras on buses, and speakers cited regional examples (Danbury, Brookfield, Newtown) of camera programs and “red‑light patrol” systems to deter motorists who run stop lights during student loading and unloading. “When you see that red sign come out and those lights come on, stop, please,” a host said.

The program closed with organizers asking residents to support a rally scheduled for May 30 at noon on the New Milford green and to contact state delegates ahead of the next legislative long session.

The account is based solely on remarks made during the broadcast; no formal policy change or legislative action was announced during the program.