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 or four possible answer choices. Test questions come from the North Carolina 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.

Number of Question
Passing Score

1. The overhead inside rearview mirror:

Explanation
In a school bus, the overhead inside rearview mirror is used to monitor passenger activity inside the bus.

2. If a student drops an item while approaching a school bus, the student should:

Explanation
If a student tries to retrieve a dropped object, they may disappear from the driver's line of sight. This is potentially very dangerous. Rather than retrieve dropped items themselves, students should move to a point of safety outside of the bus's danger zones, get the driver's attention, and wait for the driver to retrieve what has been dropped.

3. When asked to complete a driver's side parallel parking maneuver, you should:

Explanation
You may be asked to complete a parallel parking maneuver into a parking space that is to the left of your vehicle. You should drive past the parking space before backing into it while bringing the rear of your vehicle as close to the rear of the space as possible. Your vehicle should be completely within the boundaries of the space.

4. During the basic control skills test, you can acquire points by:

Explanation
The examiner will score the number of times your vehicle touches or crosses an exercise boundary line. Each encroachment will count as an error, resulting in points against your skills test score.

5. When taking the on-road driving test, you will be evaluated on your lane usage. Which of the following is an example of poor lane usage?

Explanation
During the on-road driving skills test, make sure you do not put your vehicle over curbs, sidewalks, or lane markings. Stop behind stop lines, crosswalks, or stop signs. On multiple-lane roads, complete turns in the proper lane. Always move to or remain in the rightmost lane, unless the lane is blocked.

6. If equipped with flashing lights, how far in advance of a school bus stop should the bus's lights be activated?

Explanation
If a school bus is equipped with alternating flashing amber warning lights, they should be activated at least 200 feet before a stop, unless state law requires otherwise.

7. If exiting a bus, a driver must:

Explanation
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 vehicle control skills test.

Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in North Carolina, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Obtain a North Carolina Commercial Driver's License (CDL) by passing the required knowledge and skills tests.

2. Meet the eligibility requirements for the Bus endorsement, which includes being at least 21 years old, possessing a valid medical certificate, and having a clean driving record.

3. Study the North Carolina Commercial Driver's License Manual and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations related to operating a bus.

4. Schedule an appointment at a North Carolina DMV office and take the required Bus endorsement knowledge test.

5. Pass the required skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving test using a bus.

6. Pay the required fee for adding the Bus endorsement to your CDL.

7. Receive your new CDL with Bus endorsement from the North Carolina DMV.

Note that additional endorsements may be required depending on the type of bus you plan to operate, such as a Passenger (P) endorsement for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers or a School Bus (S) endorsement for drivers of school buses.

To obtain a CDL Bus license in North Carolina, you will need to meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years old for intrastate operation or 21 years old for interstate operation.
2. Possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.
3. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) by passing the required knowledge tests for the type of commercial vehicle you plan to operate.
4. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
5. Pass a medical examination and obtain a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
6. Provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency in the United States.
7. Have a clean driving record with no serious traffic violations in the past two years.
8. Disclose and provide documentation of any prior driver's licenses held in other states or countries.

Note that additional requirements may apply depending on the specific type of commercial vehicle you plan to operate, such as passenger or hazardous materials endorsements.

Yes, you may need specific experience or training to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in North Carolina. The state requires that you complete a training program from a North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) approved school or have one year of experience driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a Class B or Class C license.

Additionally, if you plan to drive a bus with passengers, you may need to complete additional training and obtain a Passenger (P) endorsement. The P endorsement requires passing an additional knowledge test and completing a skills test that includes loading and unloading passengers, completing pre-trip inspections, and driving on various roadways.

It is important to note that the specific training requirements may vary depending on the type of bus you plan to operate and the employer's policies. It is best to check with your employer or the DMV for more information.

Yes, there are different classes or types of CDL Bus licenses in North Carolina. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established three classes of CDL licenses based on the type of vehicle you plan to operate:

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

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 including a towed vehicle with a weight of less than 10,000 pounds.

3. Class C: This license allows you to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or hazardous materials.

In North Carolina, if you plan to operate a bus, you will need either a Class B or Class C CDL license depending on the weight and type of the vehicle. Additionally, if you plan to transport passengers or hazardous materials, you will need to obtain the appropriate endorsements on your CDL license.

No, you cannot use your personal vehicle for the CDL Bus driving test in North Carolina. You must provide a vehicle that meets the requirements for the specific class of CDL license you are seeking.

For the CDL Bus driving test, you will need to provide a bus that meets the minimum requirements set by the DMV. The bus must be in safe operating condition, have a valid registration, and insurance. The DMV may also require certain equipment, such as an emergency kit, fire extinguisher, and reflectors.

It is important to note that the DMV may conduct an inspection of your vehicle before the driving test to ensure that it meets all of the requirements. If your vehicle does not meet the requirements, you will not be able to take the driving test and may need to reschedule.

Therefore, it is recommended to contact your local DMV office or check their website for specific requirements before scheduling your CDL Bus driving test.

Yes, during the CDL Bus driving test in North Carolina, you will be required to demonstrate several skills and maneuvers to show that you are capable of safely operating a bus. These may include:

1. Pre-trip inspection: You will need to demonstrate your ability to inspect the bus before driving, including checking the engine, brakes, lights, and other important systems.

2. Basic vehicle control: You will need to demonstrate your ability to control the bus in a variety of situations, including backing up, turning, and parking.

3. On-road driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to drive the bus on public roads while following traffic laws and maintaining proper speed and positioning.

4. Hazard perception: You will need to demonstrate your ability to identify and respond to potential hazards on the road.

5. Emergency procedures: You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of emergency procedures, such as how to safely evacuate passengers in case of an emergency.

It is important to note that the specific skills and maneuvers required during the CDL Bus driving test may vary depending on the class of CDL license you are seeking and any endorsements you may need. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your local DMV office or refer to the North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual for more information on the specific requirements for your CDL Bus driving test.

Yes, there are certain medical and physical requirements that must be met in order to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in North Carolina. These requirements are put in place to ensure that drivers are able to safely operate a bus and protect the safety of passengers and other drivers on the road.

To obtain a CDL Bus endorsement, you will need to meet the following medical and physical requirements:

1. Vision: You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. You must also have a 70-degree field of vision in each eye.

2. Hearing: You must be able to hear a forced whisper from at least 5 feet away, or pass an audiometric test with no hearing aid.

3. Blood pressure: Your blood pressure must be below 160/100. If you have hypertension, you may be eligible for a medical exemption.

4. Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you may be eligible for a CDL Bus endorsement if you can provide documentation of your blood sugar levels and treatment plan.

5. Other medical conditions: You may not be eligible for a CDL Bus endorsement if you have certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy or a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

In addition to these requirements, you may also need to undergo a physical examination by a licensed medical examiner who is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

It is important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the specific class of CDL license and any endorsements you may need. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your local DMV office or refer to the North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual for more information on the specific medical and physical requirements for your CDL Bus endorsement.

No, it is illegal to transport passengers in a commercial vehicle without a valid CDL Bus endorsement in North Carolina. A CDL Bus endorsement is required for drivers of vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

Without a CDL Bus endorsement, you may only legally operate a vehicle designed to transport fewer than 16 passengers, or a vehicle that does not require a CDL, such as a personal vehicle.

It is important to note that operating a commercial vehicle without the proper endorsements and license can result in fines, penalties, and even the suspension or revocation of your driver's license. Additionally, it could put the safety of yourself and your passengers at risk.

Therefore, if you plan on transporting passengers for commercial purposes in North Carolina, it is essential to obtain the proper CDL Bus endorsement and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Yes, you can add the CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license in North Carolina. To add the endorsement, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): If you do not already have a CLP, you will need to obtain one by passing the written knowledge test for the Bus endorsement.

2. Complete the required training: You will need to complete any required training for the CDL Bus endorsement. This may include classroom instruction, as well as behind-the-wheel training and testing.

3. Pass a skills test: You will need to pass a skills test that is specific to the CDL Bus endorsement. This test will include a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills test, and driving test.

4. Pay the required fees: There may be fees associated with adding the CDL Bus endorsement to your license. Check with your local DMV office for more information on the fees and payment methods.

Once you have completed these steps and passed all required tests, your CDL license will be updated to include the Bus endorsement.

It is important to note that adding a Bus endorsement may require additional medical and physical requirements, as well as background checks and other screenings. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your local DMV office or refer to the North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual for more information on the specific requirements for adding a CDL Bus endorsement to your license.

Yes, there are restrictions and limitations for drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement in North Carolina. Some of these include:

1. Passenger restrictions: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement are only allowed to transport passengers in vehicles that require a CDL, such as buses or motorcoaches. They are not allowed to transport passengers in vehicles that do not require a CDL, such as vans or limousines.

2. Age restrictions: Drivers must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement, but they may not transport passengers across state lines until they are at least 21 years old.

3. Endorsement limitations: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement may only operate vehicles that fall within the specific class and endorsement(s) listed on their license.

4. Medical requirements: Drivers must meet certain medical requirements to maintain their CDL Bus endorsement, including passing regular physical exams.

5. Hours of Service limitations: Drivers must comply with federal Hours of Service regulations that limit the amount of time they can drive and require rest breaks.

It is important for drivers to understand these restrictions and limitations and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations when operating a commercial vehicle with a CDL Bus endorsement in North Carolina.
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