NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, and State Sen. Janice Bowling, R-Tullahoma, have proposed legislation to address the bus driver shortage in school districts across Tennessee. House Bill 1790 / Senate Bill 2121 would lower the minimum age requirement to drive a school bus in the Volunteer State from 25 to 23, while ensuring all drivers are well-qualified according to existing training and licensing standards. Rep. Sparks told WGNS NEWS... School boards would maintain the ability to regulate bus driver qualifications in accordance with state law. The proposal does not require districts to change their existing age requirement.

"Schools across the nation are grappling with a serious bus driver shortage, disrupting student schedules and creating uncertainty for families," said Sparks. "Lowering the minimum age requirement will expand the pool of qualified applicants, providing meaningful opportunities for young Tennesseans and helping ensure all children have safe, reliable transportation to and from school.” 

Drivers must first meet all requirements to earn a commercial driver's license (CDL) with a school bus endorsement. In addition to the minimum age, applicants must demonstrate good character, competency and fitness. They must also have at least five consecutive years of unrestricted driving experience.

“Getting students safely to and from school is not optional, it’s essential,” said Bowling. “By giving local districts the flexibility to recruit more qualified drivers while upholding Tennessee’s strong safety standards, this bill helps ensure families can count on reliable transportation every school day.”

Current law allows for 23-year-olds to drive a school bus if they are an honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces, a member of the National Guard or reserve component, or a licensed teacher employed by a local education agency.

School districts across the state have faced bus driver shortages in recent years, including in Rutherford, Wilson, Williamson, and Coffee counties. In October 2025, the Rutherford County School Board backed the proposal to drop the minimum age requirement to 23.

"I'm grateful to the Rutherford County School Board for their support of this critical legislation, which I'm hopeful will help alleviate the bus driver shortage across our state," Sparks added.

The minimum age requirement for school bus drivers in each of Tennessee’s neighboring states is between 18 and 21 years old.

State Rep. Mike Sparks of Smyrna represents District 49 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Rutherford County. State Sen. Janice Bowling of Tullahoma represents District 16 in the Tennessee Senate, which includes Coffee, DeKalb, Franklin, Grundy, Lincoln and Warren counties.