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 questions. To pass, the applicant must answer at least 16 questions correctly. Test questions come from the Illinois Commercial Driver’s License Study Guide. Questions come from chapters covering: Passengers, 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
8. When inspecting engine compartment belts during the vehicle inspection test:
Explanation
When checking the engine compartment during the vehicle inspection test, you must check the power steering, water pump, alternator, and air compressor belts. In addition to cracks and frays, you should check the belts for snugness, allowing up to three-quarters of an inch of play at the center of each belt. If any of these items are not belt-driven, you must identify them and ensure that their components are operating properly, are not damaged or leaking, and are mounted securely.
9. An active railroad crossing:
Explanation
Active railroad crossings use installed traffic control devices to regulate traffic. These devices can be in the form of flashing red lights, warning bells, and/or gates. The directions of devices controlling railroad crossings must always be followed.
10. Buses may carry:
Explanation
Small arms ammunition labeled ORM-D, emergency hospital supplies, and drugs are permitted to be transported by bus. Most other kinds of hazardous materials may not be carried on buses.
11. During a vehicle inspection, be sure that:
Explanation
During the vehicle inspection test, you must ensure that any emergency exit warning devices are working. All emergency exits should operate smoothly, be undamaged, and close securely from the inside.
12. During the straight line backing exercise, how many times are you permitted to exit the vehicle to check its position?
Explanation
During the straight line backing exercise, you are permitted to exit your vehicle to check its position no more than one time.
13. When asked about the vehicle's oil during the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to do all of the following, except:
Explanation
During the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to indicate where the oil dipstick is located; show that the oil level is within a safe operating range; and show that the oil level is above the refill mark.
14. Outside mirrors on a school bus should be adjusted:
Explanation
All mirrors on a school bus should be checked and adjusted before beginning a trip. Proper mirror adjustment is vital to the safety of all students and surrounding vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in Illinois, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) by passing the CDL knowledge and skills tests.
2. Meet the eligibility requirements for a Bus endorsement, which include being at least 18 years old, having a valid Illinois driver's license, and passing a medical examination to ensure that you meet the physical requirements for driving a bus.
3. Study the Illinois CDL Study Guide and practice for the Bus endorsement knowledge test.
4. Schedule an appointment with a Secretary of State (SOS) facility to take the Bus endorsement knowledge test. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of insurance, and payment for the testing fee.
5. Pass the Bus endorsement knowledge test with a score of at least 80%.
6. Schedule an appointment with a SOS facility to take the Bus endorsement skills test. You will need to bring your own bus for the skills test or arrange for one to be provided by a third-party testing company.
7. Pass the Bus endorsement skills test, which will include pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
8. Pay any applicable fees and receive your CDL with Bus endorsement from the SOS facility.
Note: It is important to keep in mind that additional requirements may apply depending on the type of bus you intend to drive, such as passenger capacity or air brake certification. It is recommended that you check with your employer or the Illinois Secretary of State's office for specific requirements before pursuing a Bus endorsement.
1. Obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) by passing the CDL knowledge and skills tests.
2. Meet the eligibility requirements for a Bus endorsement, which include being at least 18 years old, having a valid Illinois driver's license, and passing a medical examination to ensure that you meet the physical requirements for driving a bus.
3. Study the Illinois CDL Study Guide and practice for the Bus endorsement knowledge test.
4. Schedule an appointment with a Secretary of State (SOS) facility to take the Bus endorsement knowledge test. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of insurance, and payment for the testing fee.
5. Pass the Bus endorsement knowledge test with a score of at least 80%.
6. Schedule an appointment with a SOS facility to take the Bus endorsement skills test. You will need to bring your own bus for the skills test or arrange for one to be provided by a third-party testing company.
7. Pass the Bus endorsement skills test, which will include pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
8. Pay any applicable fees and receive your CDL with Bus endorsement from the SOS facility.
Note: It is important to keep in mind that additional requirements may apply depending on the type of bus you intend to drive, such as passenger capacity or air brake certification. It is recommended that you check with your employer or the Illinois Secretary of State's office for specific requirements before pursuing a Bus endorsement.
To obtain a CDL Bus license in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Illinois, or 21 years old to drive interstate.
2. Driver's License: You must have a valid Illinois Class D or equivalent driver's license.
3. Medical Examination: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate to demonstrate that you meet the physical requirements for operating a commercial vehicle.
4. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): Before getting a CDL Bus license, you must first obtain a CLP by passing the written knowledge exams for the vehicle type(s) you wish to operate.
5. CDL Skills Test: You must pass the CDL skills test, which includes pre-trip vehicle inspections, basic vehicle controls, and on-road driving.
6. Background Check: You must pass a background check for criminal history and driving record.
7. Endorsements: Depending on the type of bus you intend to drive, additional endorsements may be required, such as Passenger (P) endorsement for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
Note that specific requirements may vary depending on your individual situation and the type of bus you intend to drive. It is recommended that you check with your employer or the Illinois Secretary of State's office for specific requirements.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Illinois, or 21 years old to drive interstate.
2. Driver's License: You must have a valid Illinois Class D or equivalent driver's license.
3. Medical Examination: You must pass a medical examination and obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate to demonstrate that you meet the physical requirements for operating a commercial vehicle.
4. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): Before getting a CDL Bus license, you must first obtain a CLP by passing the written knowledge exams for the vehicle type(s) you wish to operate.
5. CDL Skills Test: You must pass the CDL skills test, which includes pre-trip vehicle inspections, basic vehicle controls, and on-road driving.
6. Background Check: You must pass a background check for criminal history and driving record.
7. Endorsements: Depending on the type of bus you intend to drive, additional endorsements may be required, such as Passenger (P) endorsement for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
Note that specific requirements may vary depending on your individual situation and the type of bus you intend to drive. It is recommended that you check with your employer or the Illinois Secretary of State's office for specific requirements.
Illinois law does not require any specific experience or training to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement, but it is highly recommended that you receive training and practice before taking the CDL skills test. You may consider enrolling in a CDL training program or taking a course specific to bus driving to learn the necessary skills and safety procedures for operating a bus. Additionally, some employers may require applicants to have prior experience or training before hiring them for a bus driving position. It is important to check with your employer or the Illinois Secretary of State's office for any specific experience or training requirements that may apply to your situation.
Yes, there are different classes or types of CDL Bus licenses in Illinois, which determine the types of buses you are authorized to drive. The three types of CDL Bus licenses are:
1. Class B CDL with Passenger (P) Endorsement: This license allows you to drive a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a trailer with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds. Additionally, it allows you to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) in any type of bus.
2. Class A CDL with Passenger (P) Endorsement: This license allows you to drive a combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, provided that the vehicle being towed has a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds. Additionally, it allows you to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) in any type of bus.
3. School Bus Permit: This permit is required for drivers who operate school buses and transport students. Drivers must hold a valid CDL with a School Bus (S) endorsement and Passenger (P) endorsement.
It is important to note that specific requirements may vary depending on the type of bus you intend to drive and the endorsements required for that type of vehicle.
1. Class B CDL with Passenger (P) Endorsement: This license allows you to drive a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a trailer with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds. Additionally, it allows you to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) in any type of bus.
2. Class A CDL with Passenger (P) Endorsement: This license allows you to drive a combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, provided that the vehicle being towed has a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds. Additionally, it allows you to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) in any type of bus.
3. School Bus Permit: This permit is required for drivers who operate school buses and transport students. Drivers must hold a valid CDL with a School Bus (S) endorsement and Passenger (P) endorsement.
It is important to note that specific requirements may vary depending on the type of bus you intend to drive and the endorsements required for that type of vehicle.
No, you cannot use your personal vehicle for the CDL Bus driving test in Illinois. You must provide a bus that meets the Illinois Secretary of State's requirements for the CDL Bus driving test. The bus must be properly registered and insured, and it must meet all safety requirements, including having proper seat belts, mirrors, and emergency exits. The bus must also be able to pass a pre-trip inspection to ensure that it is in good working condition.
If you are unable to provide your own bus for the test, you may be able to rent or borrow a bus from a CDL training program or other source. It is important to make arrangements for your testing vehicle well in advance of your scheduled test date.
If you are unable to provide your own bus for the test, you may be able to rent or borrow a bus from a CDL training program or other source. It is important to make arrangements for your testing vehicle well in advance of your scheduled test date.
Yes, there are specific skills and maneuvers you will need to demonstrate during the CDL Bus driving test in Illinois. These may include:
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of the bus and its components by performing a pre-trip inspection to ensure that the bus is in safe working condition.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will need to demonstrate your ability to control the bus in various situations, such as backing up, turning, and shifting gears.
3. On-road driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the bus on public roads, including obeying traffic laws, making lane changes, merging onto highways, and driving in different traffic conditions.
4. Passenger management: If you are testing for a passenger endorsement, you will need to demonstrate your ability to safely handle passengers, including loading and unloading passengers, using appropriate signals and procedures, and maintaining control of the bus in emergency situations.
It is important to practice these skills and maneuvers before your CDL Bus driving test to ensure that you are prepared and confident on test day.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of the bus and its components by performing a pre-trip inspection to ensure that the bus is in safe working condition.
2. Basic vehicle control: You will need to demonstrate your ability to control the bus in various situations, such as backing up, turning, and shifting gears.
3. On-road driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the bus on public roads, including obeying traffic laws, making lane changes, merging onto highways, and driving in different traffic conditions.
4. Passenger management: If you are testing for a passenger endorsement, you will need to demonstrate your ability to safely handle passengers, including loading and unloading passengers, using appropriate signals and procedures, and maintaining control of the bus in emergency situations.
It is important to practice these skills and maneuvers before your CDL Bus driving test to ensure that you are prepared and confident on test day.
Yes, there are additional medical and physical requirements for a CDL Bus endorsement in Illinois. In order to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement, you must meet the federal medical standards for commercial drivers, which include:
1. Vision: You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye with or without corrective lenses, and you must have a 70-degree field of vision in each eye.
2. Hearing: You must be able to hear a forced whisper at a distance of at least five feet, or be able to hear a hearing aid.
3. Blood pressure: Your blood pressure must be 140/90 or lower. If your blood pressure is between 140/90 and 159/99, you may qualify for a one-time certification for up to three months if you meet certain requirements.
4. Diabetes: If you have insulin-treated diabetes, you must meet certain requirements for blood sugar control and monitoring.
5. Other medical conditions: If you have certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, you may need to provide additional documentation or undergo further testing to qualify for a CDL Bus endorsement.
In addition to meeting the federal medical standards, you will also need to pass a physical exam conducted by a certified medical examiner. The physical exam will evaluate your overall health and ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
1. Vision: You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye with or without corrective lenses, and you must have a 70-degree field of vision in each eye.
2. Hearing: You must be able to hear a forced whisper at a distance of at least five feet, or be able to hear a hearing aid.
3. Blood pressure: Your blood pressure must be 140/90 or lower. If your blood pressure is between 140/90 and 159/99, you may qualify for a one-time certification for up to three months if you meet certain requirements.
4. Diabetes: If you have insulin-treated diabetes, you must meet certain requirements for blood sugar control and monitoring.
5. Other medical conditions: If you have certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, you may need to provide additional documentation or undergo further testing to qualify for a CDL Bus endorsement.
In addition to meeting the federal medical standards, you will also need to pass a physical exam conducted by a certified medical examiner. The physical exam will evaluate your overall health and ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
No, you cannot transport passengers without a CDL Bus endorsement in Illinois. A CDL Bus endorsement is required to operate any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This includes vehicles such as buses, school buses, and vans used for group transportation.
If you are caught operating a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers without a CDL Bus endorsement, you can face fines and penalties, including potential suspension or revocation of your driver's license. It is important to ensure that you have the proper endorsement before operating a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers.
If you are caught operating a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers without a CDL Bus endorsement, you can face fines and penalties, including potential suspension or revocation of your driver's license. It is important to ensure that you have the proper endorsement before operating a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers.
You can add the CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license in Illinois. To add the endorsement, you will need to pass the written test for the Bus endorsement and meet the other requirements, such as the medical and physical requirements mentioned earlier.
You can take the written test at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility in Illinois. Before taking the test, you should study the Illinois Commercial Driver's License Study Guide, which covers all of the topics you will be tested on, including passenger transport safety, loading and unloading passengers, and other important information.
Once you have passed the written test and met all other requirements, you will need to pay a fee to add the CDL Bus endorsement to your license. You will receive a new license with the endorsement added.
It is important to note that if you have any restrictions on your existing CDL license, such as a restriction for an automatic transmission or air brakes, you will need to remove those restrictions before adding the CDL Bus endorsement.
You can take the written test at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility in Illinois. Before taking the test, you should study the Illinois Commercial Driver's License Study Guide, which covers all of the topics you will be tested on, including passenger transport safety, loading and unloading passengers, and other important information.
Once you have passed the written test and met all other requirements, you will need to pay a fee to add the CDL Bus endorsement to your license. You will receive a new license with the endorsement added.
It is important to note that if you have any restrictions on your existing CDL license, such as a restriction for an automatic transmission or air brakes, you will need to remove those restrictions before adding the CDL Bus endorsement.
Yes, there are some restrictions and limitations for drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement in Illinois. These restrictions and limitations include:
1. Passenger limit: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement are limited to transporting 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
2. Endorsement type: The CDL Bus endorsement covers all types of buses, including school buses, but does not cover other types of commercial motor vehicles, such as tractor-trailers.
3. Medical certification: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement must maintain a valid medical certification and comply with all other medical and physical requirements.
4. Background checks: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement must pass a background check before they can transport passengers.
5. Endorsement renewal: The CDL Bus endorsement must be renewed every four years.
It is important for drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement to be aware of these restrictions and limitations and to comply with all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving and passenger transport.
1. Passenger limit: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement are limited to transporting 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
2. Endorsement type: The CDL Bus endorsement covers all types of buses, including school buses, but does not cover other types of commercial motor vehicles, such as tractor-trailers.
3. Medical certification: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement must maintain a valid medical certification and comply with all other medical and physical requirements.
4. Background checks: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement must pass a background check before they can transport passengers.
5. Endorsement renewal: The CDL Bus endorsement must be renewed every four years.
It is important for drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement to be aware of these restrictions and limitations and to comply with all state and federal regulations related to commercial driving and passenger transport.
