What an F Endorsement Is and Who Needs It

An F endorsement authorizes you to operate a bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. It is specific to buses — not trucks, not vans, not other commercial vehicles. If your job involves driving a full-size transit bus, school bus, or charter bus for a company, you need an F endorsement on your CDL.

The F endorsement is separate from your base CDL. You can hold a CDL without it and drive other commercial vehicles legally. But the moment you operate a bus with 16 or more passenger seats, you are breaking the law if you do not have the F endorsement on your license.

Some states call this endorsement by different names or use different letter codes, but the requirement and the test are essentially the same across the country. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the exact letter or code your state uses.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test specific to bus operation, covering passenger safety, emergency procedures, and vehicle inspection.
  • Most states require you to hold a valid CDL before you can add an F endorsement; you cannot test for both at the same time.
  • The written test is usually 20 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • You do not need a separate road test for the F endorsement if you already hold a CDL; the written test is the only requirement.
  • The fee for adding an F endorsement ranges from about $10 to $50 depending on your state.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Test

You must already hold a valid CDL with a Class B or Class C designation before you can test for an F endorsement. If you do not yet have a CDL, you will need to obtain one first by passing the general knowledge test and the air brakes test (if your vehicle has air brakes), plus a road test with an examiner.

You also need a valid state ID or passport and proof of your Social Security number. Bring your current CDL to the DMV when you go to test for the F endorsement.

Some employers require you to pass a medical examination (called a DOT physical) before you start driving a bus, but this is separate from the F endorsement test itself. Check with your employer or the company hiring you to see whether they require this before you schedule your test.

The F Endorsement Written Test: What to Study

The F endorsement test covers passenger safety, emergency procedures, and bus-specific vehicle inspection. The test is typically 20 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 80 percent (16 out of 20 correct) to pass.

Study topics include how to conduct a pre-trip inspection of a bus, how to safely load and unload passengers, emergency evacuation procedures, how to handle passengers with disabilities, and how to respond to mechanical failures or accidents while carrying passengers. You will also be tested on passenger communication and how to maintain order and safety inside the bus.

Your state's DMV publishes a free study guide for the F endorsement test. read it from your state's DMV website or pick up a printed copy at your local DMV office. Many states also offer practice tests online. Study the guide thoroughly — the test is designed to may support you understand the real hazards of bus operation.

How to Schedule and Take the Test

Contact your state's DMV to schedule an appointment for the F endorsement written test. You can usually do this online, by phone, or in person at your local DMV office. Some states allow walk-ins, but most require an appointment, especially in busy urban areas.

Bring your current CDL, a valid state ID or passport, and proof of your Social Security number. Arrive 15 minutes early. The test itself takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

You will take the test on a computer at the DMV office. The questions appear one at a time, and you select your answer before moving to the next question. You cannot go back to change an answer once you move forward. When you finish, the computer tells you when ready whether you passed or failed.

What Happens If You Pass

If you pass the test, the DMV will add the F endorsement to your CDL on the spot or within a few business days, depending on your state. Some states print a new physical license card when ready; others mail it to you within one to two weeks.

Your new CDL will show the F endorsement code (usually the letter F, but check your state's format). You can legally operate a bus with 16 or more passenger seats as soon as the endorsement appears on your license.

The fee for adding the endorsement is typically $10 to $50, paid at the time of the test. Some states charge a separate fee if you need a replacement card printed when ready.

What Happens If You Fail

If you do not pass the test, you can retake it. Most states allow you to retake the F endorsement test the same day or within a few days, though some require you to wait 24 hours. There is usually a fee each time you test, so study carefully before your first attempt.

Review the study guide again, focusing on the topics you found most difficult. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs money and takes time.

Renewing or Replacing Your F Endorsement

Your F endorsement stays on your CDL for as long as your CDL is valid. When your CDL expires and you renew it, the F endorsement renews with it — you do not need to retake the test.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement card from your state's DMV. The F endorsement will appear on the replacement card at no additional cost, though you will pay the standard replacement fee (usually $10 to $30).

If your CDL is suspended or revoked for any reason, your F endorsement is suspended or revoked along with it. You cannot operate a bus legally until your CDL is restored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a road test to get an F endorsement?

No. If you already hold a CDL, you only need to pass the written test for the F endorsement. You do not take a separate road test with an examiner. The written test is the only requirement.

Can I test for an F endorsement at the same time as my CDL?

No. You must hold a valid CDL before you test for the F endorsement. If you do not yet have a CDL, you will need to pass the CDL tests first, then schedule a separate appointment for the F endorsement test.

How long does it take to get the F endorsement added to my license?

If you pass the test, some states add the endorsement to your license when ready. Others mail you a new card within one to two weeks. Contact your state's DMV to find out how long the process takes in your state.

What if I fail the F endorsement test?

You can retake the test. Most states let you retake it within a few days or even the same day, though some require a 24-hour wait. Each attempt costs a fee, so review the study guide carefully before your next test.

Does my F endorsement expire?

No, not separately. Your F endorsement stays valid as long as your CDL is valid. When you renew your CDL, the F endorsement renews automatically. If your CDL is suspended or revoked, the F endorsement is suspended or revoked with it.