Endorsement S

CDL School Bus Endorsement

Most guides treat this as a simple add-on test. In reality, at least two states layer an entirely separate credential on top of the CDL endorsement itself, a detail that can catch drivers off guard if they only research the federal minimum.

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Practice Questions
80%
Typical Passing Score
P Required
First or Alongside
Skills Test
In an Actual Bus

Practice the School Bus Test

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      In This Guide

      Why You Need Passenger (P) First

      The School Bus endorsement requires the Passenger endorsement as a prerequisite, you cannot obtain S without already holding P. Most states let you test for both on the same DMV visit, but P has to be in place before S can be added.

      Why California and Texas Require More Than the CDL Endorsement

      In at least two states, the S endorsement alone doesn't authorize you to drive a school bus. California and Texas both layer an entirely separate state credential on top of the standard CDL endorsement process.
      StateAdditional Requirement
      CaliforniaSchool Bus Driver Certificate issued by the California Highway Patrol, requires a CHP-approved training course, a CHP written exam, a physical exam, a drug and alcohol Clearinghouse check, and a TB test
      TexasSchool Bus Driver Authorization from Texas DPS, requires a Texas-specific written test on state school bus laws, a first aid certification, a vision test, and a criminal background check through DPS and the FBI
      Confirm your specific state's process before assuming the S endorsement alone is enough. If school bus driving is your goal, check with your state's DMV or DPS whether an additional certificate or training course sits on top of the standard endorsement, this can add real weeks to your timeline if you don't plan for it.

      The Background Check — Federal Floor, State Variation

      The FAST Act of 2015 strengthened federal background check requirements for school bus drivers, requiring states to review the driving record of any applicant. The specific criminal background check procedures and disqualifying offense lists, though, are largely governed at the state level, meaning requirements genuinely vary by where you live and work.

      CheckTypical Scope
      FBI fingerprint-based checkVia the National Crime Information Center, searching national criminal databases beyond a standard state-only check
      Sex offender registry checkAgainst the National Sex Offender Public Website and state registries, placement on any registry is universally disqualifying
      Driving record reviewRequired by federal law under the FAST Act
      Drug and alcohol testingGenerally required for CDL holders under standard federal rules

      Real Disqualifying Factors

      Specific disqualifying criteria vary meaningfully by state. As one concrete example, Minnesota won't issue or renew a School Bus endorsement for anyone convicted of a gross misdemeanor, a DWI, or an implied consent violation within the previous 5 years, or convicted of 4 or more moving violations within the previous 3 years.

      ELDT Requirements

      School Bus is one of only four CDL credentials requiring full Entry-Level Driver Training under current federal rules:

      Credential Requiring Full ELDT
      Class A CDL (first-time)
      Class B CDL (first-time)
      Passenger (P) endorsement, first time obtaining it
      School Bus (S) endorsement, first time obtaining it

      This ELDT is specific to school bus operation, required in addition to any ELDT already completed for your base CDL or Passenger endorsement.

      What the Knowledge Test Covers

      TopicDetail
      Danger zonesThe areas around the bus where children are at greatest risk, especially the roughly 10-foot zone directly in front and immediately behind
      Stop arm and warning light systemProper use and sequencing of the bus's warning lights and stop arm
      Railroad crossing proceduresStop, open the door and window, look and listen before proceeding
      Student loading and unloadingSafe procedures specific to student passengers
      Emergency evacuationEvacuating a bus full of children safely and efficiently
      Most states use around 20 multiple-choice questions at 80% to pass, but this genuinely varies. Some states use a different question count for this specific endorsement, confirm your state's exact format before test day rather than assuming the commonly cited number applies everywhere.

      The Mechanic Exception

      A mechanic operating an empty school bus doesn't need the S endorsement. According to FMCSA guidance cited by at least one state agency, mechanics only need the proper CDL class with the Passenger (P) endorsement to move an empty bus, the S-specific requirements are tied to the presence of student passengers, not the vehicle itself.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Do I need Passenger before School Bus?
      Yes, P is a required prerequisite for S. Many drivers test for both on the same DMV visit.
      Do California and Texas require more than the CDL endorsement?
      Yes. California requires a separate CHP School Bus Driver Certificate. Texas requires a separate DPS School Bus Driver Authorization.
      What background check is required?
      The FAST Act of 2015 set a federal driving-record-review floor; specific criminal background procedures vary by state. Most require FBI fingerprint checks and a sex offender registry check.
      Is ELDT required?
      Yes, for first-time applicants. School Bus is one of only 4 credentials requiring full ELDT, alongside Class A, Class B, and Passenger.

      Sources: FMCSA; FAST Act of 2015; California DMV/CHP; Texas DPS; Minnesota DPS. Last verified August 2026.

      Ready for More?

      School Bus builds on Passenger, review that endorsement's requirements.

      Passenger → All Endorsements →