Bus

This endorsement is required for driving a school bus. To receive this endorsement, applicants must pass a test. The test consists of 20 multiple choice.. Read More

This endorsement is required for driving a school bus. To receive this endorsement, applicants must pass a test. The test consists of 20 multiple choice questions. To pass, the applicant must answer at least 16 questions correctly. Each question has four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Colorado Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering School Buses, Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving. The School Bus endorsement can be used with the Class A, B or C CDL.

Number of Question
Passing Score

1. During a basic vehicle control skills test, what is considered a look?

Explanation
A driver uses a look when they open their door, leave their seated position, and walk to the back of the vehicle to check its position. During the straight line backing exercise, a driver may not exceed one look. During any other exercise, a driver may not exceed two looks.

2. Properly adjusted outside convex mirrors should allow the driver to see:

Explanation
On a school bus, outside convex mirrors should be adjusted to allow the driver to see at least one traffic lane on either side of the bus; the entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts; and where the front of each rear tire touches the ground.

3. Properly adjusted outside mirrors should allow a bus operator to see how far behind their bus?

Explanation
The left and right side flat mirrors on the outside of a school bus should be adjusted so that the driver can see 200 feet (or four bus lengths) behind the bus.

4. Before leaving a bus stop, a driver should:

Explanation
Before pulling away from a bus stop, a driver should make sure that there are no students running to catch the bus.

5. When asked to complete a driver's side parallel parking maneuver, you should:

Explanation
You may be asked to complete a parallel parking maneuver into a parking space that is to the left of your vehicle. You should drive past the parking space before backing into it while bringing the rear of your vehicle as close to the rear of the space as possible. Your vehicle should be completely within the boundaries of the space.

6. If a student drops an item near a stopped bus, they should:

Explanation
It is dangerous for students to retrieve dropped items because doing so could cause them to disappear from the driver's view at a crucial moment. If an item is dropped, the student should get out of the bus's danger zones, get the attention of the driver, and ask the driver to retrieve the item.

7. During a basic vehicle control skills test, you may be asked to:

Explanation
Maneuvers that may be included in the basic vehicle control skills test include straight line backing, offset back/right parking, offset back/left parking, driver side parallel parking, conventional parallel parking, and alley docking.

Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in Colorado, you need to follow these steps:

1. Obtain a valid Colorado Commercial Driver's License (CDL) by passing the required knowledge and skills tests.

2. Complete a CDL application form and pay the appropriate fees.

3. Pass a vision test and provide proof of your identity, residency, and Social Security Number.

4. Pass the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge test at a Colorado DMV office. You can prepare for the test by studying the Colorado Commercial Driver License Manual.

5. Pass the CDL Bus endorsement skills test by demonstrating your ability to safely operate a bus in various driving scenarios. You must bring your own bus or rent one from an approved third-party tester.

6. Once you pass the skills test, your CDL with Bus endorsement will be issued to you.

Note: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in Colorado, but you can only drive within the state until you turn 21. Additionally, you must have a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate that meets federal requirements to operate a commercial vehicle.

To obtain a CDL Bus license in Colorado, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years of age to operate within Colorado or 21 years of age to operate across state lines.

2. Hold a valid driver's license and have a clean driving record for at least two years.

3. Obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) verifying that you meet the physical and medical standards required for CDL holders.

4. Pass a written knowledge test specific to the CDL Bus category.

5. Pass a skills test in which you will demonstrate your ability to safely operate a bus, including pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.

6. Provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security Number.

7. Pay the appropriate fees for obtaining or upgrading your CDL license.

Note that additional endorsements may be required depending on the type of bus being operated. These include Passenger (P) endorsement for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, School Bus (S) endorsement for school buses, and Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement for transporting hazardous materials.

Yes, you may need specific experience or training to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in Colorado.

First, you must hold a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and have a clean driving record for at least two years. Additionally, you must obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) verifying that you meet the physical and medical standards required for CDL holders.

You will need to pass a written knowledge test specific to the CDL Bus category and a skills test that demonstrates your ability to safely operate a bus. However, it is recommended that you receive training from a professional driving school or an experienced bus driver to prepare for the tests.

Depending on the type of bus being operated, additional training may be required. For example, if you are seeking a Passenger (P) endorsement, you may need additional training on handling passengers and emergency situations. Similarly, if you are seeking a School Bus (S) endorsement, you must receive specialized training and pass additional tests related to student transportation safety.

In summary, while prior experience is not always required to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in Colorado, it is highly recommended that you receive proper training before taking the knowledge and skills tests.

Yes, there are different classes or types of CDL Bus licenses in Colorado. The classes are based on the weight of the vehicle and the number of passengers that can be carried. The following are the three classes of CDL Bus licenses:

1. Class B CDL: This license allows the holder to operate a single vehicle with a weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination of vehicles with a weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds towing a trailer with a weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds. This license also permits the operation of buses designed to transport more than 15 passengers.

2. Class C CDL: This license allows the holder to operate a single vehicle or combination of vehicles that do not meet the criteria for Class A or Class B CDLs but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

3. Passenger (P) Endorsement: This endorsement is required for drivers operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) in addition to their Class A or Class B CDL.

It's important to note that additional endorsements may be required depending on the type of bus being operated. For example, a School Bus (S) endorsement is required for drivers operating a school bus with a seating capacity of more than 15 passengers. Similarly, a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement is required for drivers transporting hazardous materials.

No, you cannot use your personal vehicle for the CDL Bus driving test in Colorado. You must use a vehicle that meets the requirements for the class of CDL you are applying for. This means that if you are applying for a Class B CDL, you must use a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination of vehicles with a weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds towing a trailer with a weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds.

The vehicle used for the test must also meet certain safety requirements, such as having functioning safety equipment and being in good working condition.

Additionally, the vehicle must be owned or leased by a motor carrier or driving school authorized by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles to administer the CDL skills test.

Therefore, it is important to contact an authorized motor carrier or driving school to schedule your CDL Bus driving test and use one of their vehicles for the test.

Yes, during the CDL Bus driving test in Colorado, you will need to demonstrate several specific skills and maneuvers. These include:

1. Pre-trip Inspection: Before beginning the driving test, you will need to complete a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle. This is intended to demonstrate your knowledge of the vehicle and your ability to identify any potential safety hazards.

2. Basic Controls: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, turning in a tight space, and maneuvering through a serpentine course.

3. Road Test: You will be evaluated on your ability to safely drive the vehicle on public roads, including your ability to obey traffic laws, maintain proper speed and following distance, and perform safe lane changes.

4. Passenger Management: If you are testing for a passenger endorsement, you may also be evaluated on your ability to manage passengers and respond appropriately to emergency situations.

It's important to note that the exact skills and maneuvers required for the CDL Bus driving test may vary depending on the class of CDL you are applying for and other factors such as road conditions and traffic flow. It's best to consult with an authorized motor carrier or driving school for more specific information on what will be required for your particular driving test.

Yes, there are additional medical and physical requirements for a CDL Bus endorsement in Colorado. These requirements are in place to ensure that commercial drivers are physically capable of operating a large vehicle safely.

To obtain a CDL Bus endorsement, you must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination. This exam is conducted by a licensed medical examiner and evaluates your general health, vision, hearing, and other factors that may affect your ability to drive safely.

In addition, if you have certain medical conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnea, you may be required to provide additional documentation or demonstrate that your condition is under control in order to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement.

It's important to note that even if you already have a CDL license, you may be required to undergo periodic medical exams to maintain your endorsement. This is because certain medical conditions may develop over time and could affect your ability to drive safely.

Overall, it's important to consult with an authorized motor carrier or driving school for more specific information on the medical and physical requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement in Colorado.

In general, you are required to have a CDL Bus endorsement in order to transport passengers for commercial purposes in Colorado. This means that if you are driving a vehicle that can carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, for a commercial purpose (such as a bus or a shuttle), you must have a CDL Bus endorsement.

There are some exceptions to this requirement, however. For example, if you are driving a vehicle that is owned or leased by a private entity (such as a church or school), and the vehicle is not being used for commercial purposes, you may be exempt from the CDL Bus endorsement requirement. Additionally, if you are driving a vehicle with fewer than 16 passengers, you may not need a CDL Bus endorsement but you may still need a regular CDL license.

It's important to note that even if you are exempt from the CDL Bus endorsement requirement, you may still be subject to other licensing and regulatory requirements. For example, you may need to have a passenger endorsement or meet certain insurance or safety requirements.

Overall, it's best to consult with an authorized motor carrier or driving school for more specific information on the licensing requirements for transporting passengers in Colorado.

Yes, you can add the CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license in Colorado. To do so, you will need to pass the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge and skills tests and pay the required fee.

Here are the steps you should take to add a CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license:

1. Study for the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge test. You can find study materials and practice tests on the Colorado DMV website.

2. Schedule an appointment to take the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge test at a Colorado DMV office.

3. Pass the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge test.

4. Schedule an appointment to take the CDL Bus endorsement skills test. This test will evaluate your ability to operate a bus safely.

5. Pass the CDL Bus endorsement skills test.

6. Pay the required fee to add the CDL Bus endorsement to your license.

Once you have completed these steps, you will be issued a new CDL license with the Bus endorsement added. It's important to note that you may also be required to undergo a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination as part of the application process, depending on your specific circumstances.

Overall, adding a CDL Bus endorsement to your existing license is a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to ensure that you meet all of the necessary requirements before applying.

Yes, there are certain restrictions and limitations for drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement in Colorado. These restrictions and limitations are in place to help ensure the safety of passengers and other drivers on the road.

Here are some of the restrictions and limitations that may apply to drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement:

1. Passenger limit: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement may only transport the number of passengers that the vehicle is designed to carry. Exceeding this limit is a violation of federal and state law.

2. Hours of service: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement are subject to federal hours of service regulations, which limit the number of hours they can drive in a given day or week. These regulations are designed to help prevent driver fatigue and promote safety on the road.

3. Drug and alcohol testing: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement are subject to regular drug and alcohol testing, as mandated by federal law.

4. Medical certification: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement must undergo regular medical examinations and maintain a valid medical certification on file with the Colorado DMV.

5. Speed limits: In some cases, drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement may be subject to lower speed limits than other vehicles on the road. This is especially true in work zones or other areas where construction or other hazards are present.

It's important to note that these restrictions and limitations may vary depending on your specific situation, so it's always best to consult with an authorized motor carrier or driving school for more information on the requirements for drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement in Colorado.
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