What an F Endorsement Means and Who Needs It

An F endorsement on a Tennessee commercial driver's license authorizes you to operate a bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This is the passenger endorsement required by federal law for anyone operating a full-size transit bus, school bus, or motorcoach. Without it, you cannot legally drive these vehicles even if you hold a valid CDL.

The F endorsement is separate from your base CDL class (A, B, or C) and must be added to your license through a specific testing and documentation process. Tennessee's Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) administers all CDL endorsements, including the F.

You may already hold other endorsements — such as H (hazmat), X (hazmat and tank), or T (double/triple trailers) — and the F endorsement works alongside them. You can hold multiple endorsements on one license.

Key Takeaways

  • The F endorsement allows you to drive buses carrying 16 or more passengers and is required by federal law for all passenger vehicle operations.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test specific to passenger vehicles and a skills test (road test) in an actual bus before the endorsement is issued.
  • Tennessee requires you to hold a valid CDL in the appropriate class before you can add an F endorsement; you cannot test for F as your first CDL.
  • The written test covers passenger safety, loading procedures, emergency equipment, and passenger management; the skills test is performed in a bus with a DSHS examiner.
  • Processing time for the F endorsement typically takes one to two weeks after you pass both tests, though this varies based on DSHS workload.

Requirements Before You Test for the F Endorsement

You must already hold a valid Tennessee CDL in Class A, B, or C before you can test for an F endorsement. If you do not yet have a CDL, you must obtain one first by passing the general knowledge test, air brake test (if applicable), and a skills test in the appropriate vehicle class.

You must also obtain a medical certificate from a FMCSA-certified medical examiner. This is the same certificate required for any CDL holder, but it must be current and on file with DSHS. If your medical certificate has expired, you cannot test for the F endorsement until you renew it.

Your Tennessee driver's license must be valid and in good standing. Any suspensions, revocations, or disqualifications will prevent you from testing. You must also be at least 21 years old to operate a bus in interstate commerce; intrastate operation may allow 18-year-olds, but Tennessee law requires 21 for most passenger operations.

The Written Knowledge Test for the F Endorsement

The F endorsement written test covers passenger vehicle operation and safety. The test is administered at any DSHS Driver Services Center and consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 80 percent (16 correct answers) to pass.

The test covers these main topics: passenger safety and comfort, loading and unloading procedures, emergency equipment and procedures, vehicle inspection specific to passenger buses, handling passenger behavior and emergencies, and wheelchair lift operation (if applicable to the bus type you will operate). The test is offered in English; if you need the test in another language, contact your local Driver Services Center in advance.

You can study using the CDL Manual published by Tennessee DSHS, which is available free online at the DSHS website. The manual includes a section dedicated to the F endorsement. Many third-party study guides and practice tests are also available, though only the official manual is may provide to match the actual test content.

The Skills Test (Road Test) in a Bus

After you pass the written test, you must schedule and pass a skills test in an actual bus. This is a practical driving test performed by a DSHS examiner and typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. You cannot use a personal vehicle or a simulator; the test must be conducted in a real bus that meets FMCSA specifications for passenger vehicles.

The skills test has three parts: the pre-trip inspection, the basic control skills, and the road test. During the pre-trip, you must walk around and inspect the bus, identifying safety equipment, checking mirrors, testing brakes, and verifying passenger safety features. The examiner will ask you to point out and explain specific components.

The basic control skills portion requires you to perform maneuvers such as backing in a straight line, backing into an alley or parking space, and turning in a confined space. The road test involves driving the bus on public roads under the examiner's observation, demonstrating proper acceleration, braking, turning, lane changes, and passenger safety awareness.

You must provide your own bus for the test unless your employer or a training school provides one. Some Driver Services Centers maintain a list of approved testing locations or bus rental services; contact your local center for details. The bus must be properly registered, insured, and in safe operating condition.

Scheduling Your Tests and Fees

To schedule the written test, visit any Tennessee Driver Services Center in person or call ahead to confirm hours and availability. No appointment is required for the written test at most locations, but you can call to ask about wait times. Bring your valid Tennessee driver's license, your medical certificate, and proof of your current CDL.

The written test fee is $15. Payment is made at the Driver Services Center at the time you test.

To schedule the skills test, you must first pass the written test. After you pass, you will receive a notice or receipt indicating you are cleared to test for the skills portion. Contact your local Driver Services Center or the DSHS CDL testing office to schedule the road test. Skills tests are typically scheduled weeks in advance due to examiner availability and the need to arrange a bus.

The skills test fee is $60. This fee is paid when you schedule the test or at the time of the test, depending on the testing location. Once you pass both the written and skills tests, DSHS will process your endorsement and issue an updated license within one to two weeks.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

The most common mistake is arriving at the skills test without a properly equipped bus. The bus must have functioning air brakes (if your CDL includes the air brake restriction, you must test in a bus with air brakes), working passenger doors, emergency exits, and all required safety equipment. If your bus does not meet these standards, the examiner will not conduct the test and you will lose your fee and test slot.

Another frequent error is not bringing the correct documents to the written test. You must have your valid Tennessee driver's license and your current medical certificate. If you arrive without these, you will not be allowed to test. Bring copies of both documents to be safe.

Some test-takers fail the pre-trip inspection portion because they do not study the specific components of a passenger bus. The examiner will ask you to identify and explain items like the wheelchair lift, emergency door release, fire extinguisher location, and passenger seating safety features. Study the CDL Manual's F endorsement section thoroughly before your test.

Do not assume your current CDL knowledge covers passenger vehicles. The F endorsement test focuses on passenger-specific rules and procedures that differ significantly from freight or tanker operations. Budget time to study the passenger vehicle section separately.

After You Pass: Your Updated License and Restrictions

Once you pass both tests, DSHS will add the F endorsement to your CDL. Your updated license will be mailed to the address on file, typically within one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license or receipt at the Driver Services Center that you can use while waiting for the physical card.

The F endorsement itself has no expiration date separate from your CDL. Your license will expire on the same schedule as your base CDL (typically every five years for a standard CDL, or every eight years if you are a hazmat-certified driver). When you renew your CDL, the F endorsement will renew automatically if you pass the required medical examination.

If you fail either the written or skills test, you may retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts in Tennessee, but you must pay the test fee again for each attempt. Most people who fail the skills test do so during the pre-trip inspection or backing maneuvers; studying the manual and practicing with a may have access to instructor before your next attempt will improve your chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I test for the F endorsement if I have a Class B or Class C CDL?

Yes. The F endorsement can be added to any CDL class (A, B, or C). Your base class determines what other vehicles you can operate, but the F endorsement applies to passenger buses regardless of your class. You must still hold a valid CDL in one of these classes before testing for F.

Do I need to renew my medical certificate before I test for the F endorsement?

Your medical certificate must be current and valid at the time you test. If it has expired, you must obtain a new one from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner before you schedule either the written or skills test. The certificate is valid for 24 months from the date of the examination.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test as many times as needed. There is no waiting period between attempts in Tennessee. You must pay the $60 fee each time you test. Most people who fail improve their score on the second attempt by practicing the pre-trip inspection and backing maneuvers with an instructor or experienced driver.

Can I use a school bus for my F endorsement skills test?

Yes, if the school bus meets FMCSA specifications and is properly registered and insured. School buses are classified as passenger vehicles and are acceptable for the F endorsement skills test. The bus must have functioning air brakes if your CDL includes an air brake restriction.

How long does it take to receive my updated license after I pass both tests?

DSHS typically mails your updated license within one to two weeks of passing both the written and skills tests. You will receive a temporary paper receipt or license at the Driver Services Center that you can use when ready while waiting for the physical card to arrive.