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 West Virginia Commercial Driver’s 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. Loading and unloading a school bus:
Explanation
More students are killed each year during loading or unloading of school buses than while riding on school buses. Therefore, it is critical that school bus drivers follow appropriate safety procedures during loading and unloading. The process must be properly supervised and done with care.
2. When asked about the vehicle's oil during the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to do all of the following, except:
Explanation
During the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to indicate where the oil dipstick is located; show that the oil level is within a safe operating range; and show that the oil level is above the refill mark.
3. If a bus is equipped with outside convex mirrors, they will be located:
Explanation
Outside convex mirrors on a school bus are located below the outside flat mirrors. They are used to see a wide view of traffic, clearance, and students around the bus.
4. Properly adjusted outside convex mirrors should allow the driver to see:
Explanation
On a school bus, outside convex mirrors should be adjusted to allow the driver to see at least one traffic lane on either side of the bus, the entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts, and where the front of each rear tire touches the ground.
5. If asked to sight-side back your vehicle into an alley, you should first:
Explanation
If you are asked to alley dock, you should first pull past the alley and stop your vehicle in a position that is parallel to the outer boundary. From there, you should back your vehicle entirely into the alley parking area. Your vehicle should be parked in a straight position within the boundaries of the parking space.
6. An active railroad crossing:
Explanation
Active railroad crossings use installed traffic control devices to regulate traffic. These devices can be in the form of flashing red lights, warning bells, and/or gates. The directions of devices controlling railroad crossings must always be followed.
7. School bus stops may be changed by:
Explanation
A school bus driver should not change the location of a stop without written approval from appropriate school district officials.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) Bus endorsement in West Virginia, you must follow these steps:
1. Obtain a West Virginia CDL: Before you can apply for a CDL Bus endorsement, you must have a valid CDL. You can apply for a CDL at any West Virginia DMV office by passing the required knowledge and skills tests.
2. Meet the eligibility requirements: To obtain a Bus endorsement, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid medical certificate, and have held your CDL for at least 14 days.
3. Study for the Bus endorsement test: You will need to study the West Virginia CDL Handbook and specifically focus on the sections related to buses and passenger transport.
4. Schedule and pass the Bus endorsement test: You can schedule your test at any West Virginia DMV office. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 16 correctly to pass.
5. Pay the fee: There is a fee for adding a Bus endorsement to your CDL. You will need to pay this fee at the time of application.
6. Receive your new CDL: Once you have passed the Bus endorsement test and paid the fee, your CDL will be updated to include the Bus endorsement.
Note: If you are currently employed as a bus driver, your employer may provide training and assistance with obtaining your Bus endorsement.
1. Obtain a West Virginia CDL: Before you can apply for a CDL Bus endorsement, you must have a valid CDL. You can apply for a CDL at any West Virginia DMV office by passing the required knowledge and skills tests.
2. Meet the eligibility requirements: To obtain a Bus endorsement, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid medical certificate, and have held your CDL for at least 14 days.
3. Study for the Bus endorsement test: You will need to study the West Virginia CDL Handbook and specifically focus on the sections related to buses and passenger transport.
4. Schedule and pass the Bus endorsement test: You can schedule your test at any West Virginia DMV office. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 16 correctly to pass.
5. Pay the fee: There is a fee for adding a Bus endorsement to your CDL. You will need to pay this fee at the time of application.
6. Receive your new CDL: Once you have passed the Bus endorsement test and paid the fee, your CDL will be updated to include the Bus endorsement.
Note: If you are currently employed as a bus driver, your employer may provide training and assistance with obtaining your Bus endorsement.
To get a CDL Bus license in West Virginia, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive a commercial vehicle within the state of West Virginia and 21 years old to drive a commercial vehicle outside of the state.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid driver's license from West Virginia or another state.
3. Medical Certificate: You must have a valid medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner indicating that you are physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Residency: You must be a resident of West Virginia or reside in a state that is contiguous to West Virginia.
5. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): Before applying for your CDL Bus license, you must obtain a CLP and hold it for at least 14 days.
6. Knowledge Test: You must pass the written knowledge test specific to the type of commercial vehicle you wish to drive. The test covers general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and passenger transport (if applicable).
7. Skills Test: You must pass the skills test in the type of commercial vehicle you wish to drive. The skills test includes pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and on-road testing.
8. Background Check: You will need to undergo a background check before obtaining your CDL Bus license.
Note: If you have any disqualifying offenses on your driving record or criminal record, you may be ineligible for a CDL Bus license.
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to drive a commercial vehicle within the state of West Virginia and 21 years old to drive a commercial vehicle outside of the state.
2. Valid Driver's License: You must have a valid driver's license from West Virginia or another state.
3. Medical Certificate: You must have a valid medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner indicating that you are physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle.
4. Residency: You must be a resident of West Virginia or reside in a state that is contiguous to West Virginia.
5. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): Before applying for your CDL Bus license, you must obtain a CLP and hold it for at least 14 days.
6. Knowledge Test: You must pass the written knowledge test specific to the type of commercial vehicle you wish to drive. The test covers general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and passenger transport (if applicable).
7. Skills Test: You must pass the skills test in the type of commercial vehicle you wish to drive. The skills test includes pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and on-road testing.
8. Background Check: You will need to undergo a background check before obtaining your CDL Bus license.
Note: If you have any disqualifying offenses on your driving record or criminal record, you may be ineligible for a CDL Bus license.
Yes, you may need specific experience or training to obtain a CDL Bus endorsement. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that all CDL Bus drivers complete specialized training to ensure they are qualified to operate a commercial vehicle safely. In addition to the general requirements for obtaining a CDL, here are some additional requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement:
1. Passenger Endorsement: You must obtain a passenger endorsement to drive a bus designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
2. Training: You must complete specialized training in passenger transport, which includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
3. Background Check: You will need to undergo a background check before obtaining your CDL Bus license.
4. Experience: Many employers prefer CDL Bus drivers with experience driving buses or other large commercial vehicles.
It's important to note that the specific requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement may vary depending on the state and employer you are applying with. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements.
1. Passenger Endorsement: You must obtain a passenger endorsement to drive a bus designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
2. Training: You must complete specialized training in passenger transport, which includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
3. Background Check: You will need to undergo a background check before obtaining your CDL Bus license.
4. Experience: Many employers prefer CDL Bus drivers with experience driving buses or other large commercial vehicles.
It's important to note that the specific requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement may vary depending on the state and employer you are applying with. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements.
Yes, there are different classes or types of CDL Bus licenses. In West Virginia, there are three classes of CDL licenses: Class A, Class B, and Class C.
If you want to drive a bus designed to transport more than 16 passengers (including the driver) and has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, you will need a Class A or Class B CDL with a Passenger endorsement.
If you want to drive a bus designed to transport fewer than 16 passengers (including the driver) and has a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds, you will need a Class C CDL with a Passenger endorsement.
It's important to note that the specific requirements for obtaining each class of CDL Bus license may vary depending on the state and employer you are applying with. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements.
If you want to drive a bus designed to transport more than 16 passengers (including the driver) and has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, you will need a Class A or Class B CDL with a Passenger endorsement.
If you want to drive a bus designed to transport fewer than 16 passengers (including the driver) and has a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds, you will need a Class C CDL with a Passenger endorsement.
It's important to note that the specific requirements for obtaining each class of CDL Bus license may vary depending on the state and employer you are applying with. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements.
No, you cannot use your personal vehicle for the CDL Bus driving test. You must use the type of commercial vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are applying for. This means that if you are applying for a Class B CDL with a Passenger endorsement to drive a bus designed to transport more than 16 passengers (including the driver), you must use a Class B bus for the driving test.
The driving test will evaluate your ability to operate the specific type of commercial vehicle you will be driving, so it's important to practice and prepare with that type of vehicle beforehand.
In addition, the commercial vehicle you use for the driving test must meet certain safety requirements, such as having a valid registration, insurance, and passing a safety inspection. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements and guidelines regarding the commercial vehicle to be used for the driving test.
The driving test will evaluate your ability to operate the specific type of commercial vehicle you will be driving, so it's important to practice and prepare with that type of vehicle beforehand.
In addition, the commercial vehicle you use for the driving test must meet certain safety requirements, such as having a valid registration, insurance, and passing a safety inspection. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements and guidelines regarding the commercial vehicle to be used for the driving test.
Yes, there are specific skills and maneuvers that you will need to demonstrate during the CDL Bus driving test. The test will evaluate your ability to safely and effectively operate the commercial vehicle you will be driving. Here are some of the skills and maneuvers that may be included in the test:
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will need to demonstrate your ability to inspect the vehicle before starting your trip, including checking the brakes, lights, tires, and other important components.
2. Basic control skills: You may be required to perform maneuvers such as straight line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in tight spaces.
3. On-road driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the commercial vehicle on the road, including starting and stopping smoothly, changing lanes, turning left and right, and merging into traffic.
4. Emergency procedures: You may be asked to demonstrate your ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations such as brake failure or a tire blowout.
5. Passenger management: If you are applying for a CDL Bus license with a Passenger endorsement, you may be evaluated on your ability to safely manage passengers during loading and unloading, emergency situations, and other scenarios.
It's important to note that specific requirements for the CDL Bus driving test may vary depending on the state and employer you are applying with. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements.
1. Pre-trip inspection: You will need to demonstrate your ability to inspect the vehicle before starting your trip, including checking the brakes, lights, tires, and other important components.
2. Basic control skills: You may be required to perform maneuvers such as straight line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in tight spaces.
3. On-road driving: You will need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate the commercial vehicle on the road, including starting and stopping smoothly, changing lanes, turning left and right, and merging into traffic.
4. Emergency procedures: You may be asked to demonstrate your ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations such as brake failure or a tire blowout.
5. Passenger management: If you are applying for a CDL Bus license with a Passenger endorsement, you may be evaluated on your ability to safely manage passengers during loading and unloading, emergency situations, and other scenarios.
It's important to note that specific requirements for the CDL Bus driving test may vary depending on the state and employer you are applying with. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements.
Yes, there are additional medical and physical requirements for a CDL Bus endorsement. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that all CDL holders, including those with a Passenger endorsement, meet certain medical and physical standards in order to operate commercial vehicles.
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) and a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye.
2. Hearing: You must be able to hear a forced whisper at a distance of at least 5 feet, or be able to hear an audiometric test at a frequency of 500-3000 Hz.
3. Blood pressure: Your blood pressure must be below 160/100. If your blood pressure is between 140/90 and 159/99, you may receive a temporary medical certification and be required to undergo additional testing.
4. Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you may still be eligible for a CDL Bus endorsement as long as you meet certain medical requirements, such as having stable blood sugar levels and not experiencing any complications related to your diabetes.
5. Other medical conditions: If you have other medical conditions that may affect your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely, such as sleep apnea or seizure disorder, you may be required to provide additional documentation or undergo further testing.
It's important to note that specific medical and physical requirements for a CDL Bus endorsement may vary depending on the state and employer you are applying with. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements.
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) and a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye.
2. Hearing: You must be able to hear a forced whisper at a distance of at least 5 feet, or be able to hear an audiometric test at a frequency of 500-3000 Hz.
3. Blood pressure: Your blood pressure must be below 160/100. If your blood pressure is between 140/90 and 159/99, you may receive a temporary medical certification and be required to undergo additional testing.
4. Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you may still be eligible for a CDL Bus endorsement as long as you meet certain medical requirements, such as having stable blood sugar levels and not experiencing any complications related to your diabetes.
5. Other medical conditions: If you have other medical conditions that may affect your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely, such as sleep apnea or seizure disorder, you may be required to provide additional documentation or undergo further testing.
It's important to note that specific medical and physical requirements for a CDL Bus endorsement may vary depending on the state and employer you are applying with. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements.
No, you cannot transport passengers without a CDL Bus endorsement if you are driving a commercial vehicle that requires a CDL. In order to operate a commercial vehicle that is designed to transport more than 16 passengers (including the driver), you must have a CDL with a Passenger endorsement. This applies to both for-hire and not-for-hire transportation.
It's important to note that the specific requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement may vary depending on the state and employer you are applying with. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements.
It's important to note that the specific requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement may vary depending on the state and employer you are applying with. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements.
To add a CDL Bus endorsement to your existing CDL license, you do not need to apply for a new license. You can simply apply for the endorsement by following these steps:
1. Get a copy of your state's CDL manual: You should obtain the CDL manual for your state from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or download it from their website.
2. Study for the CDL Bus endorsement exam: You will need to study the material in the CDL manual that pertains to the Passenger endorsement, including topics such as passenger safety, loading and unloading, and emergency procedures.
3. Schedule and take the CDL Bus endorsement exam: Once you feel confident in your knowledge of the material, you can schedule an appointment to take the CDL Bus endorsement exam at your local DMV or approved testing location.
4. Pass the exam and pay the fee: If you pass the exam, you will need to pay a fee to add the Passenger endorsement to your CDL license.
It's important to note that there may be other requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement, such as passing a background check or meeting certain medical or physical requirements. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements.
1. Get a copy of your state's CDL manual: You should obtain the CDL manual for your state from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or download it from their website.
2. Study for the CDL Bus endorsement exam: You will need to study the material in the CDL manual that pertains to the Passenger endorsement, including topics such as passenger safety, loading and unloading, and emergency procedures.
3. Schedule and take the CDL Bus endorsement exam: Once you feel confident in your knowledge of the material, you can schedule an appointment to take the CDL Bus endorsement exam at your local DMV or approved testing location.
4. Pass the exam and pay the fee: If you pass the exam, you will need to pay a fee to add the Passenger endorsement to your CDL license.
It's important to note that there may be other requirements for obtaining a CDL Bus endorsement, such as passing a background check or meeting certain medical or physical requirements. Therefore, it's recommended that you check with your local DMV or potential employer for their specific requirements.
Yes, there are restrictions and limitations for drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement. Here are some important ones to keep in mind:
1. Passenger limit: Depending on your state and the type of vehicle you are driving, there may be a limit to the number of passengers you can transport. For example, in West Virginia, drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement are limited to transporting no more than 15 passengers, including the driver.
2. Vehicle size: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement may be limited in the size of the vehicle they are allowed to operate. For example, in West Virginia, drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement are not allowed to operate any vehicle that is longer than 45 feet.
3. Endorsement expiration: Your CDL Bus endorsement will have an expiration date and will need to be renewed periodically. The length of time between renewals may vary depending on your state.
4. Medical requirements: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement may be subject to additional medical requirements, such as regular physical exams and certification from a medical professional.
5. Background checks: Depending on your employer and the nature of your work, you may be subject to additional background checks or security clearances.
It's important to familiarize yourself with the specific restrictions and limitations that apply in your state and for your particular situation. You can check with your local DMV or employer for more information.
1. Passenger limit: Depending on your state and the type of vehicle you are driving, there may be a limit to the number of passengers you can transport. For example, in West Virginia, drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement are limited to transporting no more than 15 passengers, including the driver.
2. Vehicle size: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement may be limited in the size of the vehicle they are allowed to operate. For example, in West Virginia, drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement are not allowed to operate any vehicle that is longer than 45 feet.
3. Endorsement expiration: Your CDL Bus endorsement will have an expiration date and will need to be renewed periodically. The length of time between renewals may vary depending on your state.
4. Medical requirements: Drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement may be subject to additional medical requirements, such as regular physical exams and certification from a medical professional.
5. Background checks: Depending on your employer and the nature of your work, you may be subject to additional background checks or security clearances.
It's important to familiarize yourself with the specific restrictions and limitations that apply in your state and for your particular situation. You can check with your local DMV or employer for more information.
