The F endorsement lets you drive buses without air brakes

The F endorsement on a Michigan Commercial Driver's License means you can operate a bus that is not equipped with air brakes. Without this endorsement, you cannot legally drive any bus in Michigan, even if you hold a CDL. The F endorsement is one of the few endorsements that removes a restriction rather than adding a capability — it tells the state you have tested on a specific type of vehicle.

Most buses in Michigan use air brake systems, so the F endorsement is less common than other CDL endorsements. You would need it if you drive a small shuttle bus, a tour bus, or an older bus model that uses hydraulic or mechanical brakes instead. The endorsement requires a separate written test and a skills test in a bus without air brakes.

Key Takeaways

  • The F endorsement allows you to drive a bus without air brakes; without it, you cannot legally operate any bus in Michigan.
  • You must pass a written test covering air brake systems and bus operation, plus a skills test in an actual bus without air brakes.
  • The written test is the same for all drivers; the skills test must be performed in the specific type of vehicle you will drive.
  • If you already hold a CDL with a different endorsement, you add the F endorsement by testing; you do not need to retake your entire CDL exam.

Who needs the F endorsement

You need the F endorsement if your job involves driving a bus without air brakes. This includes shuttle drivers for hotels, airports, or rental car companies; tour bus operators; and drivers of small private buses. If you drive a school bus, a transit bus, or any other bus with air brakes, you do not need the F endorsement — your regular CDL is sufficient.

Some drivers obtain the F endorsement even if they do not currently drive a bus without air brakes, because it keeps their options open. If you think you might drive different types of buses during your career, adding the endorsement now means you will not have to test again later.

The written test for the F endorsement

The F endorsement written test covers air brake systems, bus operation, and vehicle control. You will answer questions about how air brakes work, what to do if they fail, how to inspect a bus before driving, and how to handle emergency situations. The test is the same for all drivers regardless of the type of bus you will operate.

You take the written test at a Michigan Secretary of State office. Bring your current CDL, a valid photo ID, and proof of Michigan residency. The test is multiple choice and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost beyond the endorsement fee.

The skills test for the F endorsement

After you pass the written test, you must pass a skills test in an actual bus without air brakes. This test has three parts: a vehicle inspection, a basic control test, and a road test. You perform the inspection by walking around the bus and checking lights, mirrors, tires, and other safety equipment. The basic control test involves backing up, turning, and parking in a marked area. The road test takes place on public roads and tests your ability to accelerate, brake, turn, and handle the bus safely.

You must bring the bus you will actually drive to the skills test, or a bus of the same type and size. The examiner will ride with you and score your performance. You must pass all three parts to receive the endorsement. If you fail any part, you can retake the entire skills test on another day.

How to add the F endorsement to your existing CDL

If you already hold a Michigan CDL, you do not need to retake your CDL written test or your CDL skills test. You only need to pass the F endorsement written test and the F endorsement skills test. Visit a Secretary of State office, pay the endorsement fee, and take the written test. Once you pass, schedule your skills test at a time that works for you.

The entire process usually takes two to four weeks from the time you pass the written test to the time you complete the skills test and receive your updated license. Your current CDL remains valid while you are testing for the endorsement.

Cost and timing

Michigan charges a fee for the F endorsement written test and a separate fee for the skills test. The exact amounts vary and change periodically, so contact your local Secretary of State office for current pricing. Most offices charge between $10 and $25 for the written test and between $50 and $100 for the skills test, but confirm the current fees before you go.

The written test takes about 30 minutes. The skills test takes one to two hours depending on the examiner and traffic conditions. You can schedule both tests at the same office, though you must pass the written test before you can schedule the skills test.

What happens if you drive without the F endorsement

Driving a bus without air brakes in Michigan without the F endorsement is a violation of state law. You can be cited, fined, and your CDL can be suspended. Your employer can also face penalties if they knowingly allow you to drive without the proper endorsement.

If you are unsure whether your bus requires the F endorsement, ask your employer or check the bus's brake system documentation. The brake system is usually labeled on the bus itself or in the owner's manual. When in doubt, contact the Michigan Secretary of State to confirm whether your specific vehicle requires the endorsement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the F endorsement skills test in a bus that is not the exact model I will drive?

The bus must be the same type and size as the one you will operate. If you will drive a small shuttle bus, you must test in a small shuttle bus. If you will drive a full-size tour bus, you must test in a full-size tour bus. The examiner needs to see that you can handle the specific vehicle you will be responsible for.

Do I have to retake the F endorsement written test if I renew my CDL?

No. Once you pass the F endorsement written test and receive the endorsement, it stays on your CDL when you renew. You do not retake the test unless your CDL is suspended or revoked, or unless you let the endorsement expire without renewing your license.

What is the difference between the F endorsement and the S endorsement?

The S endorsement is for school bus drivers. The F endorsement is for any bus without air brakes. If you drive a school bus with air brakes, you need the S endorsement but not the F. If you drive a non-school bus without air brakes, you need the F but not the S. Some drivers hold both.

Can I get the F endorsement if I have never driven a bus before?

Yes. You do not need prior bus driving experience to test for the F endorsement. However, you must already hold a valid Michigan CDL. If you do not have a CDL yet, you must pass your CDL written test and CDL skills test first, then add the F endorsement.

How long does the F endorsement stay on my license?

The F endorsement is valid for as long as your CDL is valid. When you renew your CDL, the endorsement renews with it. You do not need to retake the F endorsement test at renewal time unless your license was suspended or revoked.