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 Washington D.C. 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.
1. During a vehicle inspection, be sure that:
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.
2. When performing the stop/start maneuver as a part of the skills test, you should:
During the on-road driving skills test, you will be asked to pull your vehicle over to the side of the road and stop as if you were going to get out and check something on your vehicle. As you prepare to make this stop, you must check traffic; activate your turn signal; decelerate smoothly with even braking, changing gears as needed; and bring your vehicle to a full stop without coasting.
3. During the on-road driving test, you must do all of the following, except:
You must drive in a safe and responsible manner during the on-road driving test. This includes wearing your safety belt; obeying all traffic signs, signals, and laws; and completing the test without an accident or moving violation.
4. Which of the following is not acceptable emergency equipment?
During the vehicle inspection test, you will need to show emergency equipment, including spare electrical fuses; three red reflective triangles, six fuses, or three liquid burning flares; and a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.
5. In a school bus, where is the overhead inside rearview mirror located?
On a school bus, the overhead inside rearview mirror is mounted directly above the windshield on the driver’s side of the bus. Its purpose is to allow the driver to monitor passenger activity inside the bus.
6. After students unload at a school, the driver:
After students have exited a bus at a school, the driver should walk through the bus to check for any remaining students who are hiding or sleeping. Drivers should also look out for items that students may have left behind.
7. A school bus must be evacuated if:
During emergency situations, it is usually safest for students to remain on a school bus. Evacuations are mandatory if the bus has stalled on railroad tracks, if the bus is on fire or there is a threat of fire, or if there is a hazardous materials spill. Students should be evacuated any time there is imminent danger of collision.
See the exact questions that will be on the 2024 District Of Columbia DMV exam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Obtain a valid DC commercial driver's license (CDL) by passing the required knowledge and skills tests.
2. Complete a Commercial Driver License Application and bring it to the DMV along with your CDL and a valid medical certificate.
3. Pass the CDL bus endorsement knowledge test, which covers topics such as passenger safety, loading and unloading passengers, and emergency procedures.
4. Pass the CDL bus endorsement skills test, which involves driving a bus with passengers and demonstrating your ability to perform maneuvers such as turning, stopping, and backing up safely.
5. Pay the required fee for the CDL bus endorsement.
Once you have completed these steps, you will be issued a DC CDL with a bus endorsement. It is important to note that in addition to obtaining the bus endorsement, you may also need to meet other requirements such as obtaining additional certifications or endorsements depending on the type of bus you will be driving.
1. Age: You must be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials. If you plan to drive within the state of District of Columbia, you may be eligible to obtain a CDL at the age of 18.
2. Medical certification: You must have a valid medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner.
3. Knowledge tests: You must pass the CDL knowledge tests for the type of vehicle you plan to drive, as well as any additional endorsements you may need (such as passenger endorsement for buses).
4. Skills test: You must pass a skills test consisting of a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test.
5. Background check: You will need to undergo a background check as part of the application process.
6. Driving record: Your driving record will be checked to ensure that you meet the requirements and are not disqualified from holding a CDL.
Once you have met these requirements and obtained your CDL Bus license, you will need to maintain your license by complying with any applicable regulations and undergoing regular medical exams.
1. Passenger endorsement: If you plan to drive a bus designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), you will need to obtain a passenger endorsement. To obtain this endorsement, you will need to pass a knowledge test that covers topics such as loading and unloading passengers, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures.
2. School bus endorsement: If you plan to drive a school bus, you will need to obtain a school bus endorsement. To obtain this endorsement, you will need to pass a knowledge test that covers topics such as student management, loading and unloading students, and emergency procedures. You will also need to undergo specialized training and pass a skills test that is specific to school buses.
3. Experience: Some employers may require a certain amount of experience driving a commercial vehicle before they will hire you as a bus driver. This can vary depending on the employer and the type of bus you plan to drive.
4. Training: You may be required to undergo specialized training before you can obtain your CDL Bus endorsement or before an employer will hire you as a bus driver. This can include classroom instruction, hands-on training with a qualified instructor, and behind-the-wheel experience.
It is important to check with your local DMV or employer for specific requirements for obtaining your CDL Bus endorsement in District of Columbia.
1. Class A: This license allows you to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailer buses.
2. Class B: This license allows you 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. This includes buses designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
3. Class C: This license allows you to operate a single vehicle or combination of vehicles that do not meet the criteria for Class A or Class B CDLs. This includes buses designed to transport fewer than 16 passengers (including the driver).
In addition to these classes, there are also various endorsements that you can add to your CDL Bus license to allow you to operate certain types of commercial vehicles or carry certain types of cargo. For example, you may need a passenger endorsement to drive a bus designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or a hazardous materials endorsement to transport hazardous materials.
For the CDL Bus driving test, you will need to provide a vehicle that is representative of the class of CDL you are seeking. If you are seeking a Class B CDL Bus endorsement, you will need to provide a bus that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) and meets all safety requirements.
It is important to note that you must have a valid learner's permit and be accompanied by a licensed CDL holder who has the same class of license or higher than the one you are seeking when you take the driving test. This person will need to be present in the vehicle with you during the test and may need to operate certain controls during the test.
It is recommended to check with your local DMV office for specific requirements regarding vehicles for the CDL Bus driving test in District of Columbia.
1. Pre-trip Inspection: You will need to perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle before you begin driving. This includes checking the brakes, steering, lights, tires, and other essential components.
2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will need to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in various situations, such as backing up, turning, and parking.
3. On-road Driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to operate the vehicle safely on public roads. This includes obeying traffic laws, signaling when necessary, and maintaining a safe following distance.
4. Advanced Maneuvers: You may also be required to demonstrate your ability to perform advanced maneuvers such as alley docking or parallel parking.
The specific skills and maneuvers you will be required to demonstrate during the CDL Bus driving test may vary depending on the class of license you are seeking and other factors. It is important to review the DMV's CDL Bus driver's manual and practice these skills with a licensed CDL holder before taking the test.
1. Medical Certification: You must have a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement. The MEC must be issued by a certified medical examiner and must be renewed every two years.
2. Vision Requirements: You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without corrective lenses) and be able to distinguish colors on a traffic light.
3. Hearing Requirements: You must be able to hear a forced whisper at a distance of five feet or more, with or without a hearing aid.
4. Blood Pressure: Your blood pressure must be below 160/100 to qualify for a CDL Bus endorsement.
5. Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you may still be able to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement if you can provide documentation that your condition is under control and you meet certain other requirements.
It is important to note that these requirements may vary depending on your age, the class of license you are seeking, and other factors. It is recommended to check with your local DMV office for specific medical and physical requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement in District of Columbia.
Driving a commercial vehicle without the proper endorsement is illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, and even criminal charges in some cases. It is important to obtain the proper endorsement and follow all regulations to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers.
If you are unsure whether you need a CDL Bus endorsement or have questions about the requirements, it is recommended to contact your local DMV office or consult the CDL Bus driver's manual for District of Columbia.
Here are the steps to add a CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license:
1. Study for the CDL Bus endorsement test: You can obtain a copy of the CDL Bus driver's manual for District of Columbia from your local DMV office or online.
2. Schedule and take the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge test: Contact your local DMV office to schedule an appointment to take the knowledge test.
3. Schedule and take the CDL Bus endorsement skills test: Contact a certified third-party testing provider or your local DMV office to schedule an appointment for the skills test.
4. Submit required documentation: You will need to provide documentation of your identity, residency, and citizenship status, as well as proof of medical certification.
5. Pay any required fees: There may be fees associated with adding a CDL Bus endorsement to your license. Check with your local DMV office for specific fee information.
Once you have passed both tests and submitted all required documentation, your CDL license will be updated to include the CDL Bus endorsement.
1. Passenger limit: A driver with a CDL Bus endorsement may only operate a CMV designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
2. Endorsement type: The CDL Bus endorsement may have different types, such as "P" for passenger transport or "S" for school buses. The driver must have the correct endorsement type for the vehicle they are operating.
3. Hours of Service (HOS) rules: Bus drivers are subject to federal HOS rules that limit the number of hours they can drive each day and week. These rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue and promote safety.
4. Medical certification: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement must maintain a valid medical certificate that meets federal requirements.
5. Drug and alcohol testing: Commercial drivers are subject to drug and alcohol testing requirements. This includes pre-employment testing, random testing, and testing after certain accidents or incidents.
It is important for drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement to understand and follow all regulations and restrictions to ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges in some cases.