Passenger

To receive this endorsement, applicants must pass a test consisting of 20 multiple choice questions. Each question has three or four answer choices. To pass, the applicant must answer at least 16 questions.. Read More

To receive this endorsement, applicants must pass a test consisting of 20 multiple choice questions. Each question has three or four answer choices. To pass, the applicant must answer at least 16 questions correctly. Test questions come from the South Dakota Commercial Driver License Manual. Questions come from chapters covering: Driving Safely, Transporting Passengers Safely, Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test and On-Road Driving. The Passenger endorsement can be used with the Class A, B or C CDL.

Number of Question
Passing Score

8. In icy conditions, a retarder should be:

Explanation
A retarder may cause a skid when traction is poor, such as when a road is icy, and should therefore be turned off in such conditions.

9. When asked to make a lane change during the skills test, you should:

Explanation
You will be asked to make multiple lane changes during the driving skills test. Before changing lanes, you should make the necessary traffic checks and use proper signals. Change lanes smoothly when you can do so safely.

10. When preparing to drive in the winter, be sure to check:

Explanation
Before driving during the winter, make sure to check your defrosting and heating equipment, coolant and antifreeze levels, wipers and washers, tire tread, tire chains, lights, reflectors, and exhaust system. Clear ice and snow from all windows, mirrors, hand holds, steps, deck plates, and radiator shutters. Make sure the winterfront is not closed too tightly.

11. During the steering box portion of the vehicle inspection test, you should not:

Explanation
Before a trip, ensure that the steering box is securely mounted. Check for missing nuts, bolts, and cotter keys. Be sure that there are no power steering fluid leaks and that there is no damage to power steering hoses.

12. A pre-trip inspection:

Explanation
A pre-trip inspection should be completed in the same way before every drive. Consistency will help you learn all of the proper steps and decrease the likelihood that you will forget to check something.

13. Why should your mirrors be adjusted to show the road behind you as well as part of your vehicle?

Explanation
Part of your vehicle should be visible in your mirrors so that you have a point of reference when judging how close other drivers and objects are to your vehicle.

14. If you are taking the driving test and the route does not include a railroad crossing, you:

Explanation
During the on-road driving test, if your route does not include a railroad crossing, the examiner may ask you to explain and demonstrate the necessary procedures at a simulated location.

Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a CDL Passenger license in South Dakota, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Hold a valid South Dakota driver’s license.
3. Have a valid medical certificate.
4. Pass a knowledge test on CDL passenger vehicle operation.
5. Pass a skills test in a passenger vehicle.

Additionally, you must meet the federal requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These requirements include:

1. Submitting to a background check and fingerprinting.
2. Providing proof of citizenship or legal presence in the United States.
3. Meeting medical standards for commercial drivers.
4. Meeting vision and hearing standards for commercial drivers.

You will also need to provide proof of residency and pay the appropriate fees to obtain your CDL Passenger license.

Yes, you will need specific training and experience to obtain a CDL Passenger endorsement in South Dakota. You must complete a training program that meets the requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The training program must include both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.

The FMCSA requires that you complete a minimum of 20 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training in a passenger vehicle. The training must cover topics such as:

1. Pre-trip vehicle inspection
2. Safe driving practices
3. Loading and unloading passengers
4. Emergency procedures
5. Proper use of mirrors and signals

You may also need additional training depending on the type of passenger vehicle you will be driving, such as a school bus or a commercial bus.

After completing the required training, you will need to pass a knowledge test and a skills test in a passenger vehicle to obtain your CDL Passenger endorsement.

Yes, in addition to the general knowledge test and the skills test, you will need to pass a written test specifically for the CDL Passenger endorsement. This test will cover topics related to the safe operation of a passenger vehicle, such as:

1. Proper loading and unloading of passengers
2. Use of emergency equipment and procedures
3. Rules for transporting children or other special populations
4. Proper use of mirrors, signals, and other safety equipment
5. Techniques for handling difficult driving conditions, such as inclement weather or heavy traffic

You will need to pass this written test in order to obtain your CDL Passenger endorsement. It is important to study and prepare for this test in advance to ensure that you are fully prepared. There are many resources available to help you prepare for this and other CDL exams, including study guides, practice tests, and training programs offered by certified instructors.

Yes, there are specific skills and maneuvers you will need to demonstrate during the CDL Passenger endorsement test. These skills and maneuvers are designed to ensure that you are able to safely operate a passenger vehicle and transport passengers in a variety of situations. Some of the skills and maneuvers that you may be asked to demonstrate during the test include:

1. Pre-trip inspection: You will need to demonstrate your ability to perform a thorough pre-trip inspection of the vehicle, including checking for any defects or safety issues.

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

3. Passenger loading and unloading: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely load and unload passengers, including using the proper equipment such as wheelchair lifts if applicable.

4. Emergency procedures: You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of emergency procedures, such as what to do in the event of an accident or other emergency situation.

5. Driving on public roads: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle on public roads, including obeying traffic laws and responding appropriately to traffic signals and signs.

The specific skills and maneuvers you will be asked to demonstrate may vary depending on the testing location and the type of passenger vehicle you will be driving. It is important to practice these skills and maneuvers extensively before taking the test, and to seek out professional training or guidance if necessary.

No, you cannot legally transport passengers without a CDL Passenger endorsement if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, any driver operating a commercial vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, must have a valid CDL with a Passenger endorsement.

Driving without the proper endorsement is considered a violation of federal regulations and can result in penalties such as fines, license suspension or revocation, and even criminal charges in some cases. Additionally, driving without the proper training and endorsement can put your passengers at risk and potentially lead to accidents or injuries.

It is important to obtain the proper training and certification before operating any commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers. This includes studying for and passing the required written tests, as well as demonstrating your skills and knowledge during the practical skills test.

You can add the CDL Passenger endorsement to your existing CDL license by passing the required written and skills tests. You do not need to apply for a new license.

To add the Passenger endorsement to your CDL license, you will need to pass the Passenger Vehicles Endorsement Knowledge Test and the Passenger Vehicles Endorsement Skills Test. These tests are designed to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers.

Once you have passed both tests, you will need to go to your local driver licensing office and pay any required fees. The endorsement will then be added to your CDL license, allowing you to legally operate a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers.

It is important to note that some states may have additional requirements or restrictions for obtaining a CDL Passenger endorsement, so it is important to check with your state's licensing agency for specific requirements and procedures.

Yes, there are restrictions and limitations for drivers with a CDL Passenger endorsement. The specific restrictions and limitations can vary depending on the state and the type of vehicle you are operating. Here are some common restrictions and limitations:

1. Number of passengers: Drivers with a CDL Passenger endorsement may be limited in the number of passengers they can transport. For example, some states may require additional endorsements or training for drivers who transport more than 16 passengers.

2. Type of vehicle: The CDL Passenger endorsement applies to commercial vehicles designed to transport passengers. Depending on the state, there may be specific restrictions on the type of vehicle you can operate with this endorsement.

3. Endorsement expiration: The CDL Passenger endorsement may have a shorter expiration date than your regular CDL license, so it is important to keep track of when it needs to be renewed.

4. Medical requirements: Some states may require drivers with a CDL Passenger endorsement to meet additional medical requirements, such as more frequent physical exams or specific medical certifications.

5. Criminal history: Drivers with certain criminal convictions may be prohibited from obtaining a CDL Passenger endorsement.

It is important to check with your state's licensing agency for specific restrictions and limitations that apply to drivers with a CDL Passenger endorsement.

Yes, there are age requirements and restrictions for obtaining a CDL Passenger endorsement. In most states, you must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL Passenger endorsement, and 21 years old to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines or transport hazardous materials.

In addition to age requirements, there may be other restrictions or requirements for obtaining a CDL Passenger endorsement. For example, some states may require that you hold a regular Class A or Class B CDL before applying for a Passenger endorsement. You may also need to complete additional training or certification courses, depending on the state and the type of vehicle you will be operating.

It is important to check with your state's licensing agency for specific age requirements and restrictions that apply to obtaining a CDL Passenger endorsement.

With a CDL Passenger endorsement, you are authorized to operate commercial vehicles designed to transport passengers. The specific types of vehicles you can operate depend on the endorsement you have and the state in which you are operating. Here are some examples of vehicles that require a CDL Passenger endorsement:

1. Buses: This includes school buses, transit buses, and other types of buses used for public transportation.

2. Passenger vans: Vans designed to transport more than 16 passengers, including airport shuttles and hotel shuttles.

3. Limousines: This includes stretch limousines and other vehicles used for hire to transport passengers.

4. Trolleys: Vehicles designed to transport passengers on a fixed track or route.

It is important to note that the specific requirements for operating these vehicles can vary depending on the state and the type of vehicle. Be sure to check with your state's licensing agency for more information on the types of vehicles you can operate with a CDL Passenger endorsement.
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