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 Commercial Driver 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.

Number of Question
Passing Score

1. During the driving test, the examiner will be scoring you on:

Explanation
During the on-road driving test, the examiner will be scoring you on specific driving maneuvers, as well as your general driving behavior.

2. Where is the overhead inside rearview mirror located?

Explanation
The overhead inside rearview mirror of a school bus should be mounted directly above the windshield on the driver’s side of the vehicle. It should be used to monitor passenger activity inside the bus.

3. Crossover mirrors help the driver see:

Explanation
Crossover mirrors are used to help a driver see the danger zone area directly in front of a school bus. The mirrors should also display the danger zone areas to the left and right sides of the bus, including the area from the front of the bus to the service door.

4. When stopping to pick up students, be sure to park at least 10 feet away from the students because:

Explanation
When picking up passengers, a school bus driver should park with the vehicle's front bumper at least 10 feet away from the students. This is the safest parking option because it forces the students to walk to the bus, making it possible for the driver to watch their movements.

5. ABS allows a driver to:

Explanation
The purpose of an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is to help prevent wheel lockup and help a driver maintain control of their vehicle when braking on a slippery surface.

6. Backing a school bus is:

Explanation
Backing a school bus is strongly discouraged and should only be done if there is no safe alternative. If you must drive in reverse, be sure to follow all proper safety protocol.

7. During a basic vehicle controls skills test exercise, your vehicle's final position should be:

Explanation
You should finish each exercise with your vehicle in the exact position described by the examiner. You can be penalized for failing to complete an exercise exactly in the manner described by the examiner, potentially resulting in failure of the basic control skills test.

Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a CDL bus endorsement in Washington, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Washington State Commercial Driver's License (CDL) by passing the knowledge and skills tests required for the type of CDL you need, including any endorsements.

2. Complete a CDL Skills Test in a vehicle that requires a CDL with a passenger endorsement. You will need to bring your own vehicle or rent one from an approved testing location.

3. Pass the knowledge test for the Passenger endorsement. This test covers topics such as loading and unloading passengers, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures.

4. Schedule and pass a road test with an approved examiner. During this test, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate a bus with passengers on board.

5. Pay the required fees for the CDL bus endorsement and any additional fees associated with testing and licensing.

6. Once you have passed all required tests and paid the fees, you will be issued a CDL with a passenger endorsement.

It's important to note that you must have a valid medical certificate before obtaining a CDL bus endorsement in Washington. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years of age to obtain an intrastate CDL or 21 years of age to obtain an interstate CDL.

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

1. Be at least 18 years of age for an intrastate CDL or 21 years of age for an interstate CDL.

2. Hold a valid Washington State driver's license.

3. Have at least one year of driving experience with a regular driver's license.

4. Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate.

5. Pass a knowledge test and obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit. The knowledge test covers general trucking knowledge and specific knowledge for the type of vehicle you will be driving, including air brakes, combination vehicles, and hazardous materials.

6. Complete CDL training from an approved truck driving school or employer-sponsored training program.

7. Pass a skills test which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test in the type of commercial vehicle you will be driving.

8. Pass any additional endorsements required for your specific type of commercial vehicle, such as passenger or hazardous materials endorsements.

9. Pay the required fees for your CDL Bus license and any endorsements.

It's important to note that Washington State has specific requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus license, including training and testing requirements. It's recommended that you consult the Washington State Department of Licensing website or speak with a CDL Bus license specialist to ensure that you meet all requirements before attempting to obtain your CDL Bus license.

Yes, you will need specific experience and training to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in Washington.

First, you must have a valid Washington State Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and pass the knowledge test for the passenger endorsement. This test covers topics such as loading and unloading passengers, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures.

You will also need to complete a CDL Skills Test in a vehicle that requires a CDL with a passenger endorsement. During this test, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate a bus with passengers on board.

Additionally, you must have at least one year of driving experience with a regular driver's license before obtaining a CDL Bus license. You may also need to complete CDL training from an approved truck driving school or employer-sponsored training program.

It's important to note that Washington State has specific requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement, including training and testing requirements. It's recommended that you consult the Washington State Department of Licensing website or speak with a CDL Bus endorsement specialist to ensure that you meet all requirements before attempting to obtain your CDL Bus endorsement.

Yes, there are different classes or types of CDL Bus licenses in Washington State. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established three classes of CDLs, which are based on the type and weight of the vehicle being driven.

In addition to the three classes, there are also specific endorsements that may be required for certain types of vehicles or cargo. For example, if you will be driving a bus with hazardous materials on board, you will need a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement.

The following are the three classes of CDLs in Washington State:

1. Class A: This license allows drivers to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds.

2. Class B: This license allows drivers to operate a single vehicle with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination of vehicles with a total weight of less than 26,001 pounds.

3. Class C: This license allows drivers to operate a single vehicle with a weight of less than 26,001 pounds that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or is transporting hazardous materials.

It's important to note that each class of CDL Bus license may have different requirements in terms of training and endorsements. It's recommended that you consult the Washington State Department of Licensing website or speak with a CDL Bus license specialist to ensure that you meet all requirements before attempting to obtain your CDL Bus license.

No, you cannot use your personal vehicle for the CDL Bus driving test in Washington State.

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) requires that you take the driving test in a vehicle that is representative of the type of vehicle you will be driving with your CDL. This means that for a CDL Bus license, you must take the driving test in a bus that meets the DOL's requirements for the type and size of bus being driven.

The DOL provides testing vehicles for the CDL Skills Test, which includes the pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test portions. These vehicles are typically provided by third-party testers who are authorized by the DOL to conduct CDL Skills Tests.

It's important to note that you must meet all other requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus license before taking the driving test. This includes passing any required knowledge tests and meeting all training and experience requirements.

In summary, you cannot use your personal vehicle for the CDL Bus driving test in Washington State. You will need to take the driving test in a bus that meets the DOL's requirements, which is typically provided by a third-party tester authorized by the DOL to conduct CDL Skills Tests.

Yes, there are specific skills and maneuvers that you will need to demonstrate during the CDL Bus driving test in Washington State.

The CDL Skills Test is broken down into three parts: the pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test. Each part of the test is designed to assess your ability to safely operate a bus on the road.

Here are some of the specific skills and maneuvers you may be required to demonstrate during the CDL Bus driving test:

1. Pre-trip inspection: You will need to demonstrate your ability to inspect the bus for safety issues before driving it. This includes checking the tires, brakes, lights, and other key components.

2. Basic control skills: You will need to demonstrate your ability to control the bus in various situations, such as backing up, turning around, and maneuvering through tight spaces.

3. Road test: You will need to demonstrate your ability to drive the bus safely on public roads. This includes following traffic laws, signaling appropriately, and maintaining proper speed and lane position.

Additionally, you may be required to perform specific maneuvers during the road test, such as lane changes, turns at intersections, and merging onto highways.

It's important to note that the specific skills and maneuvers required for the CDL Bus driving test may vary depending on the type of bus you will be driving and other factors. It's recommended that you consult with a CDL Bus license specialist or review the Washington State Department of Licensing website for more information on the specific requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus license in Washington State.

Yes, there are additional medical and physical requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement in Washington State.

To apply for a CDL Bus endorsement, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must hold a valid driver's license.
2. You must pass a medical exam and obtain a valid medical certificate. The medical exam must be conducted by a licensed medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

The medical certificate must be carried with you when operating a commercial vehicle. The certificate indicates that you have met the physical and medical requirements to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

3. You must meet the vision requirements for driving a commercial vehicle, which include having at least 20/40 vision with or without glasses or contact lenses.

4. You must not have any medical conditions that would interfere with your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

It's important to note that if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or sleep apnea, you may need to provide additional documentation and meet specific requirements to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement.

In summary, in addition to holding a valid driver's license, passing the CDL Skills Test, and meeting other requirements, you must also pass a medical exam and obtain a valid medical certificate to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in Washington State.

No, you cannot legally transport passengers without a CDL Bus endorsement if you are operating a commercial vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver in Washington State.

Washington State law requires that all drivers of commercial vehicles that are designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, must hold a valid CDL Bus endorsement. This applies to both for-hire and not-for-hire drivers.

If you are caught operating a commercial vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers without a valid CDL Bus endorsement, you may face severe penalties, including fines and the suspension or revocation of your driver's license.

It's also important to note that operating a commercial vehicle without the proper endorsement can also have serious safety implications for both the driver and passengers. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that you have the necessary endorsement and meet all other requirements before transporting passengers in a commercial vehicle.

Yes, you can add the CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license in Washington State.

To add a CDL Bus endorsement to your CDL license, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Pass the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge test. You can study for this test by reviewing the Washington State Commercial Driver Guide.

2. Schedule an appointment at a Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) office that offers CDL services.

3. Bring your current CDL license, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the appointment.

4. Pay the fee for adding the CDL Bus endorsement to your license.

5. Pass a skills test in a commercial vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

It's important to note that you must already hold a valid CDL license before you can add a CDL Bus endorsement. Additionally, you will be required to meet any additional medical or physical requirements for the CDL Bus endorsement as outlined in Washington State law.

In summary, adding the CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license is a straightforward process that involves passing the knowledge test and skills test and paying the required fee at a DOL office that offers CDL services.

Yes, drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement in Washington State are subject to certain restrictions and limitations. Here are some of the key restrictions you should be aware of:

1. Passenger capacity: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement are only authorized to operate commercial vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

2. Endorsement requirements: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement must also have any additional endorsements required for the type of vehicle they are operating. For example, if you are driving a commercial vehicle that transports hazardous materials, you must also have a Hazmat endorsement.

3. Age restrictions: In Washington State, drivers must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement. However, if you plan to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old.

4. Medical certification: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement must also undergo regular medical examinations to ensure they meet certain physical and mental health standards.

5. Hours of service: Commercial drivers are subject to hours-of-service regulations that limit the amount of time they can spend driving and require them to take certain rest breaks.

6. Drug and alcohol testing: Commercial drivers are also subject to drug and alcohol testing requirements both before employment and randomly throughout their employment.

It's important to follow all restrictions and limitations in order to maintain your CDL Bus endorsement and avoid penalties or fines.
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