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 three possible answer choices. Test questions come from the Idaho Commercial Driver’s License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Safety, Passengers, School Buses, Cargo, Air Brakes, 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. If other vehicles are having a difficult time getting around your truck on a road with two or more lanes, you should:

Explanation
You should stay in the right lane of a multilane road if your vehicle is being slowed down by a heavy load. Allow other vehicles to pass your truck using the left lane.

2. Texting while driving is especially dangerous because:

Explanation
Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it is both a mental and physical distraction to the driver. In addition to diverting a driver's mental attention away from the road, texting requires a person to remove at least one hand from the vehicle's controls.

3. What do the two systems of a dual air brake system share?

Explanation
Both systems in a dual air brake systems share a single air compressor. If the air compressor is damaged, neither system will be able to operate properly.

4. What is often found in compressed air?

Explanation
Compressed air in an air brake system usually contains a certain amount of water and compressor oil. The water and oil can damage the brakes if left to accumulate in the system. Tanks must be drained regularly to remove this build-up.

5. 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.

6. What is brake lag?

Explanation
Because air takes time to flow through the air lines to the brakes, air brakes cannot begin working instantly. There is often a brake lag of at least one-half of a second between the moment the brake pedal is pressed and the moment the brakes begin to work.

7. A driver should ensure that:

Explanation
It is essential to the safe operation of a CMV that cargo be properly loaded. Improper loading can affect handling and damage the vehicle. Additionally, improperly loaded materials can cause injury or death by falling off of the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

1. Obtain a valid Idaho Commercial Driver's License (CDL): To apply for a CDL, you need to be at least 18 years old, hold a valid Idaho driver's license, and have a clean driving record. You also need to pass a written knowledge test and a skills test.

2. Meet the eligibility requirements: To apply for a CDL Bus endorsement, you must have at least one year of driving experience with a regular driver's license and pass a medical examination. You must also have a clean driving record and not have any disqualifying criminal offenses on your record.

3. Study for the CDL Bus endorsement test: The CDL Bus endorsement test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions related to passenger transportation regulations, safety procedures, and driving techniques. You can obtain the Idaho Commercial Driver's License Manual from the Idaho Transportation Department website or visit any DMV office in Idaho to obtain one.

4. Schedule and take the CDL Bus endorsement test: You can schedule your test appointment at any Idaho DMV office or through the Idaho Transportation Department website. You will need to pay the appropriate fees for taking the test.

5. Pass the CDL Bus endorsement test: To pass the test, you need to answer at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly. If you pass, your CDL will be updated with the Bus endorsement.

6. Receive your updated CDL: You will receive your updated CDL with the Bus endorsement within two weeks of passing the test.

Note: If you already hold a CDL with other endorsements, such as Hazmat or Tanker, you will need to take the written knowledge test only for the Bus endorsement. If you do not hold any endorsements on your CDL, you will need to take both written and skills tests.

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

1. Age: You must be at least 18 years of age to drive within the state of Idaho and 21 years of age to drive outside of Idaho or transport hazardous materials.

2. Hold a valid Idaho driver's license: You must have a valid Idaho driver's license to apply for a CDL Bus license.

3. Pass a medical examination: You must pass a medical examination conducted by a licensed medical examiner to ensure you are physically capable of operating a commercial vehicle.

4. Pass knowledge tests: You must pass the CDL general knowledge test and the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge test.

5. Obtain a learner's permit: You must obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.

6. Pass skills tests: You must pass the pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road skills tests in a commercial vehicle that meets Idaho's requirements for the type of license you are seeking.

7. Provide proof of identity and residency: You must provide proof of your identity and residency in Idaho, such as a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and two documents that show your current address.

8. Pay all necessary fees: You must pay all necessary fees associated with obtaining your CDL Bus license, which include application fees, testing fees, and licensing fees.

Note that there may be additional requirements depending on your specific situation, such as if you have any previous driving violations or if you are applying for certain endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker.

Yes, you need to have specific experience and training to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement. The Idaho Transportation Department requires that you have at least one year of driving experience with a regular driver's license before applying for a CDL Bus endorsement. This experience should involve driving a variety of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, buses, or other types of commercial vehicles.

Additionally, you must complete a training program that meets the requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) before you can obtain your CDL Bus endorsement. The training program should include classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a commercial bus.

You can also choose to enroll in a commercial driving school or program that is approved by the Idaho Transportation Department to receive additional training in driving techniques and safety procedures specific to operating a commercial bus.

It is important to note that obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement requires significant time, effort, and commitment. You must be willing to invest in your training and education to ensure that you are prepared for the responsibilities of operating a commercial bus.

Yes, there are different classes of CDL Bus licenses in Idaho, which determine the types of commercial vehicles you are authorized to operate. The three classes of CDL Bus licenses in Idaho are:

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

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

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

Each class requires passing specific knowledge and skills tests related to the type of commercial vehicle you will be operating. Additionally, you may need to obtain specific endorsements on your CDL Bus license depending on the type of cargo you will be transporting (such as hazardous materials) or the type of equipment you will be operating (such as air brakes).

It is important to determine which class and endorsements you need before applying for your CDL Bus license to ensure that you are authorized to operate the type of commercial vehicle you need for your job or business.

No, you cannot use your personal vehicle for the CDL Bus driving test in Idaho. To obtain a CDL Bus license, you must pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle operation, and an on-road driving test. This test must be completed in a commercial vehicle that meets the requirements set by the Idaho Transportation Department.

The commercial vehicle used for the driving test must meet certain criteria, such as having a minimum number of seats and mirrors, functioning brakes and turn signals, and other safety features. The vehicle used for the driving test must also be properly registered and insured.

If you do not have access to a commercial vehicle for the driving test, you may be able to rent one from a commercial driving school or program that is approved by the Idaho Transportation Department. The school or program can provide you with a vehicle that meets the requirements for the CDL Bus driving test.

It is important to ensure that you have access to a properly equipped commercial vehicle before scheduling your CDL Bus driving test to avoid any delays or complications in obtaining your license.

Yes, during the CDL Bus driving test in Idaho, you are required to demonstrate specific skills and maneuvers to show that you are capable of safely operating a commercial vehicle. The driving test is divided into three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.

During the pre-trip inspection, you will be required to inspect your vehicle and identify any potential safety hazards or mechanical defects. You will need to show the examiner that you can properly check the brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, and other components of the vehicle.

During the basic vehicle control portion of the test, you will be required to perform several maneuvers to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in different situations. This includes backing up in a straight line and around a corner, performing a turn around a cone or marker, and completing a parallel park.

During the on-road driving portion of the test, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the commercial vehicle on public roads. You will need to follow traffic laws and signals, make turns and lane changes appropriately, and safely merge into traffic.

In addition to these specific skills and maneuvers, you will also be evaluated on your general driving abilities such as speed control, steering control, shifting gears (if applicable), use of mirrors and turn signals, and safe following distance.

It is important to practice these skills and maneuvers extensively before taking the CDL Bus driving test to increase your chances of passing. A commercial driving school or program can provide training and practice opportunities to help prepare you for the test.

Yes, there are additional medical and physical requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement in Idaho. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established medical requirements for commercial drivers that include specific physical and mental standards that must be met.

To obtain a CDL Bus endorsement, you must pass a medical examination performed by a licensed medical examiner who is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The examination will evaluate your overall health and ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

You will need to provide the medical examiner with your complete medical history, including any medications you are taking, any chronic conditions you have, and any surgeries or hospitalizations you have had. The medical examiner will also perform a physical examination, including hearing and vision tests, as well as testing for blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs.

If you have any medical conditions that may affect your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle, such as diabetes, epilepsy, or sleep apnea, you may be required to provide additional documentation or undergo further testing to ensure that you can safely drive.

It is important to note that if you have a medical condition that requires medication or treatment that could impair your ability to drive safely, you may not be eligible for a CDL Bus endorsement. It is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before pursuing a CDL Bus endorsement to ensure that you meet the necessary medical requirements.

No, you cannot transport passengers without a CDL Bus endorsement if you are operating a commercial vehicle. In Idaho, a CDL Bus endorsement is required for drivers who operate vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

Driving a commercial vehicle without the proper endorsement is illegal and can result in fines, license suspension or revocation, and even criminal charges. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident while driving without the proper endorsement, you may be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur.

To obtain a CDL Bus endorsement, you must pass the required knowledge and skills tests and meet the medical and other requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement may vary depending on the state you are in.

If you are considering driving a commercial vehicle that is designed to transport passengers, it is important to check with your state's Department of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure that you have the appropriate endorsements and licenses before operating the vehicle.

You can add the CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license in Idaho by passing the required knowledge and skills tests, meeting the medical and other requirements, and paying the necessary fees.

To add a CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license, you will need to visit your local Idaho Department of Transportation (DOT) office and complete the following steps:

1. Study for the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge test by reviewing the Idaho Commercial Driver's License Manual and any other materials recommended by the DOT.

2. Schedule an appointment to take the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge test at your local DOT office.

3. Pass the CDL Bus endorsement knowledge test.

4. Schedule an appointment to take the CDL Bus endorsement skills test at your local DOT office.

5. Pass the CDL Bus endorsement skills test.

6. Provide proof of meeting all medical requirements for a CDL Bus endorsement, which includes passing a medical examination conducted by a licensed medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

7. Pay any necessary fees for adding the CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license.

Once you have completed these steps, your new CDL license with the Bus endorsement will be issued and you will be authorized to operate commercial vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including yourself as the driver.

Yes, there are some restrictions and limitations for drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement in Idaho. These restrictions and limitations include:

1. Passenger endorsement: A CDL Bus endorsement alone does not give you authority to transport passengers for hire. To transport passengers for hire, you must also hold a Passenger endorsement on your CDL.

2. Age restriction: In Idaho, you must be at least 18 years old to hold a CDL Bus endorsement and operate a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers within the state's boundaries. If you plan to drive a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old.

3. Learner's permit restrictions: If you are applying for a CDL Bus endorsement learner's permit, you must be accompanied by a driver who holds the same class of CDL license and the necessary endorsements required for the vehicle you are operating.

4. Training requirements: Before taking the skills test required to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement, you must complete training from an approved commercial driving school or have equivalent experience operating commercial vehicles.

5. Medical certification: As a commercial driver with a CDL Bus endorsement, you must meet medical certification requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

6. Endorsement renewal: In Idaho, your CDL Bus endorsement must be renewed every four years along with your regular CDL license.

It is important to note that these restrictions and limitations may vary depending on the state you are in and the type of vehicle you are operating. It is your responsibility to know and follow all applicable rules and regulations related to driving with a CDL Bus endorsement.
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