Last updated on March 29, 2023
Requirements for a CDL School Bus Endorsement.
Entry-Level Driver Training Requirement
As mandated under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), A Class “B” Commercial Learner’s Permit and Entry-Level Driver Training are now required for drivers who are seeking a School Bus Endorsement for the first time. This law went into effect on February 7, 2022. 49 CFR 380.603(b)
Class “B” Commercial Learner’s Permit Study Guide
A Class “B” Commercial Learner’s Permit applicant wanting to add a school bus endorsement must satisfy the following three requirements:
- Qualify for passenger vehicle endorsement.
- Pass the knowledge tests for obtaining a passenger vehicle endorsement and school bus endorsement.
- Successfully complete entry-level driver training (theory and behind the wheel instruction) from a training provider listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry before taking the skills test.
Passenger (P) Vehicle
A Passenger Vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver (49 CFR 383.91(a)(3)).
“A CLP holder with a Passenger (P) Endorsement is prohibited from operating a CMV carrying passengers, other than Federal/State auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP holder” (49 CFR 383.25(a)(5)(i)).
Passenger (P) Endorsement Knowledge Test consists of 20 multiple choice questions and a passing grade of 80% is required. 49 CFR 383.135(a)(1)
Passenger (P) Endorsement Study Guide
Passenger Endorsement Practice Tests
School Bus (S)
A School Bus is a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) designed to transport pre-K through high school students to and from home and school and school-sponsored events (49 CFR 383.5).
“A CLP holder with a School Bus (S) endorsement is prohibited from operating a school bus with passengers other than Federal/State auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP holder” (49 CFR 383.25(a)(5)(ii)).
School Bus (S) Endorsement Knowledge Test consists of 20 multiple choice questions and a passing grade of 80% is required. 49 CFR 383.135(a)(1)
School Bus (S) Endorsement Study Guide
School Bus Endorsement Practice Tests
School Bus (S) Endorsement Knowledge Test
Must have knowledge covering at least the following topics:
- Loading and unloading children, including the safe operation of stop signal devices, external mirror systems, flashing lights and other warning and passenger safety devices required for school buses by State or Federal law or regulation. 49 CFR 383.123(a)(2)(i)
- Emergency exits and procedures for safely evacuating passengers in an emergency. 49 CFR 383.123(a)(2)(ii)
- State and Federal laws and regulations related to safely traversing highway rail grade crossings. 49 CFR 383.123(a)(2)(iii)
- Operating Practices and Procedures not previously specified. 49 CFR 383.123(a)(2)(iv)
Skills Test
Must take a driving skills test in a school bus of the same vehicle type as the school bus applicant will drive. 49 CFR 383.133(c)(3).
Exception. Knowledge and skills tests administered before September 30, 2002 and approved by FMCSA as meeting the requirements of this section, meet the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of 49 CFR 383.123.
For more complete details and information on obtaining a CDL School Bus Endorsement please refer to 49 CFR 383.123[67 FR 49760, Jul. 31, 2002; 70 FR 56589, Sept. 28, 2005; 71 FR 2898, Jan. 18, 2006]
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