In order to avoid certain restrictions on your CDL, you must take the test in the same type of vehicle for which you are applying to be licensed. Road Skills Testįor the road skills examination, you will be tested in each of the following areas: If you want to be fully prepared to pass the test, consider studying with an online CDL practice test.

Safe operation of the vehicle and defensive driving techniques on the road.How to safely load and unload children from a school bus.Proper procedures for railroad crossings and drawbridges.įor the S endorsement, you can expect questions relating to:.Safe operation and defensive driving practices on roadways.Dealing with hostile or unruly passengers.Operating emergency exits, and specifically push-out windows.Safely unloading and loading passengers into the vehicle.Remember that to obtain an “S' endorsement as a school bus driver, you must FIRST pass the knowledge test for the “P' passenger endorsement.įor the P endorsement, you can expect questions pertaining to: The information on the examination for your P and S endorsements will be taken directly from the associated sections of your state's Commercial Driver's License manual. Though tests and format may differ slightly according to your state, here's what you can expect from the testing process: Knowledge Tests To obtain an S or P endorsement, you will be required to take a written knowledge test and a road skills driving test. Some school districts may also require a separate background checks prior to employment as a school bus driver in that district. Apply for a new CDL with P and/or S endorsements.Failure to do so may result in one or more CDL restrictions.This test must be taken in the same type of vehicle you intend to operate.Most states require a physical examination that will determine whether or not you are physically able to operate a vehicle with children or passengers.With a CLP, you may only drive a commercial passenger vehicle with a supervising driver (without passengers).You may be required to hold a CLP for a specific amount of time before you can test for your CDL endorsement.A 10 Year History Record check is required as part of the application to ensure a history of safe driving.Apply for a commercial learner's permit (CLP) with the P and/or S endorsements.The process for application for endorsement S or P will vary according to your state.

This means you must pass the “P' endorsement test prior to taking the “S' endorsement test.Ī school bus endorsement requires you to be able to load and unload children, properly operate the lights, stop signs, and other warning devices on the school bus, and other needs specific to transporting children on a pre-determined bus route to and from their homes and their school. To earn a school bus “S' endorsement, you must FIRST qualify for a passenger “P' endorsement. You must know how to load/unload your passengers, respond to emergencies, handle troublesome passengers, and other tasks specific to carrying passengers of all ages. Passenger “P' endorsements are required to drive passenger vehicles that can carry at least 16 passengers (to include the driver). While the endorsements for carrying passengers versus driving a school bus seem very similar, the FMCSA notes specific distinctions for each. For information on other kinds of endorsements for commercial driver's licenses, visit our CDL Endorsements & Restrictions page. Drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with passengers are required to possess the proper endorsement according to the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).īelow is information about the passenger and school bus endorsements needed to operate these types of vehicles.

Bus license class