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 Vermont Commercial Driver’s 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

15. During a basic vehicle control skills test, a look is when:

Explanation
A driver uses a look when they open their door, leave their seated position, and walk to the back of the vehicle to check its position. During the straight line backing exercise, a driver may not exceed one look. During any other exercise, a driver may not exceed two looks.

16. When a school bus is approaching a bus stop, the driver should:

Explanation
School bus drivers should approach stops slowly and cautiously.

17. When driving a school bus, mirrors should be adjusted:

Explanation
You should always check the adjustment of all your mirrors before operating a school bus.

18. If a gate controlling a railroad crossing does not go back up after a train passes, you should:

Explanation
If you are stopped at a railroad crossing and a gate fails to return to its open position after a train passes, call your dispatcher. Do not attempt to drive around the lowered gate.

19. If a tornado is approaching and there is no nearby shelter, where should students go?

Explanation
If students are evacuated due to a school bus being in the direct path of a sighted tornado, the driver should lead them to shelter in a nearby building. If no such shelter is available, the driver should escort them to a nearby ditch or culvert. They should avoid areas that may be subject to flash flooding and should be far enough away from the bus that it would not fall on them if it tipped over.

20. When making a stop to pick up students, a driver should ensure all surrounding traffic has stopped before:

Explanation
When stopping to pick up students, a school bus driver should ensure that all surrounding traffic has stopped before opening the door and signaling for the students to approach the bus.

Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in Vermont, you must follow these steps:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within the state of Vermont and at least 21 years old to drive interstate. You must also hold a valid Vermont CDL.

2. Obtain the CDL Bus endorsement manual: You can obtain the manual online at the Vermont DMV website, or you can pick up a copy at your local DMV office.

3. Study the CDL Bus endorsement manual: Thoroughly read and study the manual to understand all the requirements, rules, and regulations related to driving a bus.

4. Schedule an appointment for a written test: To schedule an appointment for a written test, you can call your local DMV office or schedule an appointment online.

5. Pass the written test for the CDL Bus endorsement: The written test will cover topics such as loading and unloading passengers, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures.

6. Pass a skills test for the CDL Bus endorsement: The skills test will evaluate your driving skills as they relate to driving a bus. The skills test will consist of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.

7. Pay the required fees: You will need to pay fees for both the written and skills tests as well as any licensing fees associated with obtaining your CDL Bus endorsement.

Once you have completed all of these steps, you will be issued a Vermont CDL with a Bus endorsement. Make sure to keep your license up-to-date by renewing it on time and completing any required continuing education or training courses.

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

1. Be at least 18 years of age to drive within the state of Vermont and 21 years of age to drive interstate.

2. Hold a valid Vermont driver’s license.

3. Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) by passing the general knowledge test and any applicable endorsement tests.

4. Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.

5. Pass a medical examination and obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) that meets federal requirements.

6. Meet the specific requirements for each endorsement you wish to obtain, such as the Passenger (P) endorsement for driving a bus.

7. Pass both a written test and a skills test that covers pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving for the class of commercial vehicle you wish to operate.

8. Pay all required fees, which may include testing fees and licensing fees.

Once you have met all of these requirements, you will be issued a CDL Bus license in Vermont. It is important to keep your license up-to-date by completing any required continuing education or training courses and renewing your license on time.

Yes, you may need specific experience or training to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in Vermont. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all CDL applicants to complete a training program that meets certain standards.

For a CDL Bus endorsement, you may need to complete additional training that is specific to driving a bus. This training may include:

1. Classroom instruction: This may cover topics such as passenger safety, loading and unloading passengers, and emergency procedures.

2. Behind-the-wheel training: This will involve actually driving a bus on the road and practicing skills such as turning, braking, and accelerating.

3. Observation time: You may be required to observe experienced bus drivers in action to gain a better understanding of how to operate a bus safely.

4. Onboard training: You may be required to ride along with an experienced bus driver to gain hands-on experience and learn more about the job.

In addition to training requirements, you may also need to have a certain amount of driving experience before you can obtain a CDL Bus endorsement. The specific requirements will depend on the type of bus you wish to drive and the employer you plan to work for.

It is important to check with your employer or the Vermont DMV for specific requirements regarding experience and training for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement in Vermont.

Yes, there are different classes or types of CDL Bus licenses in Vermont. The three main classes of CDL licenses are:

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

2. Class B: This license allows you to drive a single vehicle with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination of vehicles weighing less than 26,001 pounds where the towed vehicle weighs less than 10,000 pounds.

3. Class C: This license allows you to drive a single vehicle or combination of vehicles that do not meet the definitions of Class A or B, but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or hazardous materials.

Within each class of CDL license, there are also specific endorsements that allow you to operate certain types of vehicles or carry certain types of cargo. For example, the Passenger (P) endorsement is required to operate a bus that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), and the School Bus (S) endorsement is required to operate a school bus.

It is important to obtain the proper class and endorsements for your intended use to avoid any legal issues while driving.

No, you cannot use your personal vehicle for the CDL Bus driving test in Vermont. You must use a vehicle that meets the state's requirements for the class of CDL license you are applying for.

For the CDL Bus driving test, you will need to use a bus that is similar in size and weight to the type of bus you plan to drive once you obtain your license. The bus must also be equipped with all of the necessary safety features, such as emergency exits, seat belts, and mirrors.

It is the responsibility of the testing facility to provide a suitable vehicle for the driving test. You will be required to demonstrate your ability to operate the bus safely and effectively, including skills such as turning, backing up, and navigating tight spaces.

It is important to note that you will also need to pass a written knowledge test and a pre-trip inspection test before you can take the driving test. These tests are designed to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations related to driving a commercial vehicle and can perform a proper pre-trip inspection.

Overall, it is important to follow all of Vermont's requirements and regulations when obtaining a CDL Bus license.

Yes, during the CDL Bus driving test in Vermont, you will need to demonstrate certain skills and maneuvers to show that you can safely and effectively operate a commercial bus. Here are some of the main skills that you will be tested on:

1. Pre-trip inspection: Before starting the driving portion of the test, you will need to perform a thorough inspection of the bus to ensure that it is safe to operate.

2. Basic vehicle control: You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to maneuver the bus in tight spaces, including making turns and backing up.

3. On-road driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the bus on public roads, including maintaining proper speed and lane position, signaling turns and lane changes, and obeying traffic laws.

4. Special skills: Depending on the type of bus you plan to drive, you may also be required to demonstrate additional skills, such as operating a wheelchair lift or managing passenger safety during an emergency.

It is important to practice these skills with a qualified instructor before taking the driving test. You should also be familiar with all of Vermont's rules and regulations related to commercial driving and passenger transportation.

Overall, passing the CDL Bus driving test requires a combination of knowledge, skill, and experience. With proper preparation and practice, you can increase your chances of passing the test and obtaining your commercial driver's license.

Yes, there are additional medical and physical requirements for a CDL Bus endorsement in Vermont. Commercial drivers are required to meet certain standards of health and physical fitness to ensure they are able to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

Here are some of the medical and physical requirements for a CDL Bus endorsement:

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

2. Hearing: You must be able to hear a forced whisper from at least five feet away, with or without a hearing aid.

3. Blood pressure: Your blood pressure must be below 160/100 at the time of your medical examination.

4. Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you may still be able to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement if you can provide documentation that your diabetes is under control and you do not have any other complications.

5. Sleep apnea: If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may still be able to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement if you are receiving treatment and can provide documentation that your condition is under control.

In addition to meeting these medical and physical requirements, commercial drivers in Vermont are also required to undergo regular medical examinations to maintain their CDL license.

It is important to work with your healthcare provider and follow all of Vermont's requirements to ensure that you are medically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle with a CDL Bus endorsement.

No, you cannot legally transport passengers in a commercial vehicle without a CDL Bus endorsement in Vermont. A CDL Bus endorsement is required to operate any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

If you are caught transporting passengers without a CDL Bus endorsement, you may face fines, penalties, and even the suspension or revocation of your driver's license. Additionally, your employer may also face penalties for allowing you to operate a commercial vehicle without the proper endorsement.

To obtain a CDL Bus endorsement in Vermont, you must meet certain requirements, including passing a written knowledge test and a driving skills test. You must also meet certain medical and physical requirements and be at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate commerce).

It is important to ensure that you have the proper endorsements and qualifications before operating a commercial vehicle. This helps ensure that you are able to safely operate the vehicle and protect the safety of your passengers and other drivers on the road.

You can add the CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license in Vermont. You do not need to apply for a new license if you already have a CDL.

To add the CDL Bus endorsement, you will need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test specific to operating a commercial vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. You must also meet certain medical and physical requirements and pay the appropriate fees.

It is important to note that adding a CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL may require additional training, as driving a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers is different from driving other types of commercial vehicles. You should also make sure you have the appropriate insurance coverage for operating a passenger-carrying vehicle.

It is recommended that you contact your local Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles office or visit their website for more information on adding a CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license, including any specific requirements or documentation needed.

Yes, there are restrictions and limitations for drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement in Vermont.

One restriction is that drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement cannot operate a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04 percent or higher. This is lower than the BAC limit for non-commercial drivers, which is 0.08 percent in Vermont.

Additionally, drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement are required to comply with federal regulations regarding hours of service. These regulations limit the number of hours that a driver can operate a commercial vehicle designed to transport passengers in a single day and week to prevent driver fatigue.

Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement must also comply with any specific regulations or requirements for the type of commercial vehicle they are operating, such as school buses or transit buses.

It is important for drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement to understand and comply with all restrictions and regulations to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and other drivers on the road. Failure to comply with these restrictions and regulations can result in fines, penalties, and even the revocation of the driver's CDL license.
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