Madison Reporter

The MCPASD Transportation Department is offering Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exams to community members and employees. Certified as Department of Transportation (DOT) third-party examiners, Raye LaFave and Vicky Dohmeier conduct these exams.

The department also provides free CDL Class B training for MCPASD employees interested in driving school buses for the district. Individuals can schedule an exam by contacting the department at 608-829-2365. "We will work with people to schedule the exam on a day and time that works best for them," LaFave said. "We schedule exams Monday through Friday. Exams need to be taken during daylight hours."

Transportation Manager Mike Hamstra stated that the full exam fee is $150, covering vehicle inspection, basic controls skills, and road test. However, there is no fee for MCPASD employees who wish to obtain their CDL to drive school buses for the district. "We provide that free of charge and, in fact, they get paid training," Hamstra said.

Hamstra noted that free training resources are not available if employees seek a CDL for purposes other than driving district buses. LaFave emphasized the ongoing need for more bus drivers within MCPASD: "You can take the training even if you only want to drive buses part-time, such as for sports teams or field trips."

LaFave has already conducted exams for various districts including Mount Horeb Area School District and Monticello School District. The department offers CDL Class B exams for those wishing to drive school or city buses as well as straight trucks and other vehicles.

Reflecting on her motivation, LaFave shared, "I wanted to become an examiner because I am always looking for professional development within my department." With a combined 30 years of experience between them in bus driving and training at MCPASD, LaFave and Dohmeier aim to share their expertise with both the district and the wider community.