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. Each question has four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the New Hampshire CDL Driver’s Guide. 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.
8. When students unload, they should:
Students leaving a school bus should remain seated until they are cleared to exit. After exiting, they should walk at least 10 feet away from the bus to a location where the driver can see them.
9. If a student drops an item while approaching the bus, the student should:
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.
10. When exiting your vehicle, you:
When exiting your vehicle during the basic vehicle control skills test, you must face the vehicle and maintain three points of contact at all times. If your testing vehicle is a bus, you must maintain contact with the handrail. Exiting the vehicle incorrectly may result in automatic failure of the basic control skills test.
11. If a student drops an item near a stopped bus, they should:
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.
12. An inside rearview mirror is used to:
On a school bus, the overhead inside rearview mirror is used to monitor passenger activity inside the bus. It should be adjusted to show every student on the bus, including the students directly behind the driver.
13. If a tornado is approaching and there is no nearby shelter, where should students go?
If students are evacuated due to a school bus being in the direct path of a sighted tornado, the driver should lead them to shelter in a nearby building. If no such shelter is available, the driver should escort them to a nearby ditch or culvert. They should avoid areas that may be subject to flash flooding and should be far enough away from the bus that it would not fall on them if it tipped over.
14. If asked to sight-side back your vehicle into an alley, you should first:
If you are asked to alley dock, you should first pull past the alley and stop your vehicle in a position that is parallel to the outer boundary. From there, you should back your vehicle entirely into the alley parking area. Your vehicle should be parked in a straight position within the boundaries of the parking space.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2024 New Hampshire DMV exam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Obtain a New Hampshire CDL learner's permit by passing a written test at any DMV location. You must also meet the age requirements and provide the necessary identification and residency documents.
2. Practice driving a bus with someone who already has a CDL Bus endorsement or attend a CDL training school to gain experience.
3. Schedule and pass a CDL skills test with a qualified examiner. The skills test will consist of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
4. Pass the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge test at any DMV location. You will need to study the New Hampshire Commercial Driver License Manual to prepare for this test.
5. Provide proof of your medical fitness by submitting a Medical Examiner's Certificate.
6. Pay the required fees for your CDL Bus endorsement at any DMV location.
Once you have completed these steps, you will be issued a New Hampshire CDL with a Bus endorsement that allows you to operate buses of various sizes and capacities.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of New Hampshire and 21 years old for interstate driving.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
3. Medical Certification: You need to provide proof of your medical fitness by submitting a Medical Examiner's Certificate.
4. CDL Learner's Permit: You must obtain a New Hampshire CDL learner's permit by passing a written test at any DMV location.
5. CDL Skills Test: You must pass a CDL skills test with a qualified examiner that includes three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
6. CDL Bus Endorsement Knowledge Test: You must pass the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge test at any DMV location.
7. Background Check: You need to pass a background check and provide all necessary identification and residency documents.
8. Training: You must attend a CDL training school or have experience driving a bus under the supervision of someone who already has a CDL Bus endorsement.
9. Fees: You must pay the required fees for your CDL Bus license at any DMV location.
Once you have met all these requirements, you will be issued a New Hampshire CDL with a Bus endorsement that allows you to operate buses of various sizes and capacities.
CDL training schools provide classroom instruction and hands-on training that covers all aspects of driving a bus safely, including pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. The training usually takes 4-6 weeks to complete and includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.
If you choose to gain experience driving a bus under the supervision of someone who already has a CDL Bus endorsement, you will need to complete at least 20 hours of behind-the-wheel training, including at least 10 hours of on-road driving.
It's important to note that while CDL training is not required by law in New Hampshire, it is highly recommended as it provides valuable knowledge and hands-on experience that will help you pass the CDL skills test and become a safe and competent bus driver.
The three classes of CDL Bus licenses are:
1. Class B: This license allows you to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination of vehicles with a GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) of less than 26,001 pounds. You can also tow a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds.
2. Class C: This license allows you to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or hazardous materials.
3. Passenger Endorsement: If you are driving a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), regardless of the GVWR, you must have a Passenger Endorsement added to your CDL.
It's important to note that in addition to these classes and endorsements, there may be additional endorsements required for specific types of vehicles or cargo, such as hazardous materials or double/triple trailers.
For example, if you are applying for a Class B CDL Bus license, you must take the test in a Class B vehicle that meets the state's requirements. This typically means a bus with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
The testing vehicle must also be equipped with all of the safety equipment required by law, including mirrors, brakes, signals, and emergency equipment.
The testing vehicle will be provided by the testing facility and will typically be owned by a third-party provider that specializes in CDL testing. You will have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the testing vehicle and its controls before taking the test.
1. Vehicle inspection: You will need to conduct a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate.
2. Basic controls: You will need to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle, including backing up, turning, and shifting gears.
3. On-road driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle in various traffic situations, including stopping and starting, turning, and merging.
4. Special skills: Depending on the type of CDL Bus license you are applying for, you may also be required to demonstrate additional skills or maneuvers, such as driving in reverse or coupling and uncoupling a trailer.
It's important to note that the CDL Bus driving test is a comprehensive test that assesses your overall ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. You will be graded on your performance throughout the entire test, so it's important to practice all of these skills and maneuvers before taking the test.
To obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in New Hampshire, you must meet the following medical and physical qualifications:
1. Vision: You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. You must also have a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye.
2. Hearing: You must be able to hear a forced whisper at a distance of at least five feet with or without a hearing aid.
3. Blood pressure: Your blood pressure must be below 160/100. If your blood pressure is between 140/90 and 159/99, you may be granted a temporary medical certificate for up to one year.
4. Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you must demonstrate that you have it under control through diet or medication.
5. Other medical conditions: You may be disqualified from obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement if you have certain medical conditions that could affect your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely, such as epilepsy, heart disease, or respiratory disease.
These are just some of the medical and physical requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement in New Hampshire. It's important to consult with a qualified medical professional to ensure that you meet all of the FMCSA's requirements before applying for a CDL Bus endorsement.
It's important to note that operating a vehicle without the proper CDL Bus endorsement is not only illegal, but it can also be dangerous. CDL drivers who operate buses are trained to handle the unique challenges of transporting passengers safely. Without the proper training and endorsement, you may not be aware of the specific safety requirements and procedures that are necessary to ensure the safety of your passengers.
If you are interested in transporting passengers commercially in New Hampshire, it's important to obtain the proper CDL Bus endorsement and comply with all state and federal regulations related to commercial transportation.
To apply for a CDL Bus endorsement, you will need to visit a New Hampshire DMV office and complete an application for a Commercial Driver License. You will also need to provide documentation of your identity, residency, and legal presence in the United States. Additionally, you will need to pass a medical examination and provide a self-certification statement regarding your type of commercial driving.
Once you have completed the required paperwork and passed the necessary tests, you will be issued a new CDL license with the Bus endorsement added to it. It's important to note that there may be an additional fee for adding the endorsement to your license.
Overall, adding a CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license is a straightforward process in New Hampshire as long as you meet all the requirements and pass the necessary tests.
One of the most important restrictions is that drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement cannot operate a bus that is carrying hazardous materials. If you want to transport hazardous materials, you will need to obtain a separate Hazmat endorsement.
Additionally, drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement are subject to specific rules and regulations related to passenger transportation. For example, they must comply with federal and state laws related to hours of service, vehicle inspections, and driver qualifications. They are also required to follow specific procedures related to passenger safety, such as loading and unloading procedures, emergency evacuation protocols, and passenger communications.
It's important to note that these restrictions and limitations are in place for the safety of both the driver and the passengers. If you are interested in obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement in New Hampshire, it's essential that you understand and comply with all applicable rules and regulations.