The Complete Guide To Getting A School Bus Endorsement

Have you ever thought about driving a school bus and wondered how you go about doing that? Well, you’re in the right place. We’re going to go over every aspect of getting your school bus endorsement. While it does differ by state, we’ll go over how the process works. Let’s dive in!

What Drivers Need To Know About The School Bus Endorsement?

• Drivers must get their CDL and then get their school bus endorsement to become a driver.
• Passenger endorsements and school bus endorsements are different. You specifically need the school bus endorsement to transport students to and from school.
• Testing varies by state but all states require both a written exam and a driving skills test.
• Some states require drivers to complete a training program or certification course to get their school bus endorsement.
• Some states require a pre-trip inspection of the school bus.

What Is A School Bus Endorsement?

A school bus endorsement is a licensing requirement needed to drive a school bus. To get the endorsement, you must pass one or more tests and pay all required fees. The tests assess your skills and knowledge of driving a school bus. The school bus endorsement verifies you are legally permitted to drive school buses.

How Do I Get A School Bus Endorsement?

To get the school bus endorsement, you must pass a written exam and a driving skills test. Some states also require a training program or certification course. There are also some places, like Alabama, where you must pass a pre-trip inspection exam of a bus. The requirements and testing vary by state but all require tests.

The school bus endorsement allows you to drive large passenger vehicles like 20 passenger buses. Without a school bus or passenger endorsement, you can only transport fewer than 16 people. If you would like to transport students, you must have the school bus endorsement. The passenger endorsement alone will not allow you to transport students.

In most states you must demonstrate your ability to drive a large vehicle. This is done through a driving skills test in a school bus. There is also a written exam where you must answer questions about laws and safety when driving a school bus. Here are some cdl practice tests for the school bus endorsement.

The school bus endorsement adds an “S” endorsement to your CDL. If you don’t have your CDL , you’ll need to get this license to drive a school bus. A CDL is the commercial driver's license for operating large vehicles like 18-wheelers and school buses.

You must also pass a DOT physical to get your CDL and your school bus endorsement. You can learn more in our Complete Guide To The DOT Physical

Here is a bit more information contained in the complete guide to getting your CDL. It covers all restrictions and requirements. Know exactly what to expect by reading through the guide.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of testing and licensing fees will vary by state. The main fees include application fees, testing fees, and training courses. Total fees may differ if you use a private testing site instead of the motor vehicle department.

The fees are broken down into separate categories. You’ll pay fees for CDL licenses, applications, testing, and endorsement. Licensing fees range from $5-$164.50. Application fees range from $0 to $90. Testing fees range from $0 to $250. Endorsement fees range from $0 to $60.

Here is an example of costs from a few different states:

• New York: $10 application fee; $40 for CDL road test; $5 fee for each additional CDL endorsement. The average total fee for CDL licensing in New York is $164.50 plus an additional $5 fee for the “S” school bus endorsement.
• Texas: $97 CDL fees; $25 application fee; $61 fee for CDL endorsement; $130 for the required 20-Hour school bus driver training course.
• California: $82 fee for Commercial Class A or B license; $39 fee for driving or skill test; $48 fee for CDL endorsement.
• Florida: $75 fee for licensing application; $7 endorsement fee.
• Colorado: $17 CDL licensing fee; $18 application fee; $15 fee for CDL test.

What Testing Is Required?

Getting the school bus endorsement for your CDL license requires testing. Most states require both a written school bus test and a driving skills test. These two tests make sure drivers have the knowledge and skills to safely operate large and heavy vehicles like school buses. Testing varies depending on the state. Some states like Texas require a driver training course in addition to standard testing. Here are the testing requirements for school bus endorsement in a few states:

• New York requires both written and driving tests for school bus endorsement.
• Texas requires both a written and driving test. Texas also requires drivers to complete a 20-hour school bus driver training course.
• California requires both written and driven tests for S endorsement.
• Florida requires a written exam and a driving exam.
• Colorado requires both a driving and written test.

What Is The Difference Between Class A and Class B Endorsements?

Class A

The CDL Class A allows drivers to operate combination vehicles with a semi-trailer or tractor-trailer. With this license, drivers can drive vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings of 26,000 pounds and more. You’ll need a Class A license if you are towing trailers with more than 10,000 lbs of GVWR. This class also allows divers to operate Class B and Class C vehicles.

Class B

Class B licensing allows you to drive any vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs and trailers that do not exceed 10,000 lbs GVWR. The Class B license allows you to operate Class C vehicles but not Class A vehicles. This license is good for drivers looking to operate box trucks, straight trucks, city buses, tour buses, dump trucks, and school buses.

What’s The Difference?

Both Class A and B licenses allow you to operate a school bus. A Class A CDL gives you more privileges as you can operate any Class A, B, or C vehicle. The Class B CDL is sufficient for operating a school bus in most states.

How Does The School Bus Endorsement Differ From The Passenger Endorsement?

The passenger endorsement and the school bus endorsement are often confused. There are a few significant distinctions between the two endorsements. Let’s look at what makes each endorsement unique.

School Bus Endorsement

The school bus endorsement or “S” endorsements are specifically for operating school buses carrying students. This means you must have the S endorsement to transport students to and from school or to authorized school events. The S endorsement is unique to school bus drivers. Having a passenger endorsement does not authorize you to transport students.

Passenger Endorsement

The passenger endorsement or “P” endorsements refer to all other passenger vehicles carrying 16 or more people. This covers all passenger vehicles except school buses carrying students. This means you’ll be able to operate any passenger vehicle. You’ll still be able to operate school buses so long as students aren’t your passengers. Drivers must qualify for this endorsement to get the school bus endorsement.

Do All States Have A School Bus Endorsement?

All states have a school bus endorsement. This means to transport students to and from school and authorized school events you must get your S endorsement. Specific laws and regulations vary between states but all states have a school bus endorsement.

Where Can I Study For The School Bus Endorsement?

There are many places both in-person and online to study for the written skills test for the school bus driver endorsement. The written test is a series of multiple-choice questions. Taking a course or online program will help to make sure you pass the first time. There are also some training courses in person that help you get ready for the driving skills portion.

High Road Training Program

Our High Road Training Program is a fantastic option for an online course to get you ready for the test. It is a complete CDL preparation course. It is designed to teach you everything you need to know to pass the CDL exam.

We organize the High Road Training Program to contain the entire CDL manual. It is split into small sections to make it easily digestible. The program features multiple-choice questions after every section to make sure you’re taking in the material. One of the best things about this program is the score tracking and review system. This helps to focus on areas you may have trouble with. The review system helps to reinforce correct answers so you’re ready for the CDL exam.

Where Can I Learn More?

There are many resources for CDL and school bus endorsements. Navigating all the different sources can be a bit overwhelming. This complete guide to getting your school bus endorsement will show you exactly what you need to know.

Here are some other great resources for learning more about getting your CDL and school bus endorsement:

• State CDL Manuals
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Fees

In A Nutshell

Getting your school bus endorsement is easy once you have all your resources. Our complete guide walks you through all associated testing and fees. While these specifics vary by state, they all have a similar process for getting your school bus endorsement. The first step is to get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and add the “S'' endorsement. Happy driving!