The School Bus Endorsement Test Has 20 Questions

The School Bus (S) endorsement test contains 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 16 correctly to pass — that is an 80 percent passing score. The test covers school bus operation, passenger safety, loading and unloading procedures, and emergency equipment.

This is a written test only; there is no separate driving skills test for the School Bus endorsement itself. However, you must already hold a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Class B or Class A designation before you can take the School Bus endorsement test. If you do not yet have a CDL, you will need to pass the general knowledge test and the air brakes test first, then pass the School Bus test to add the endorsement.

The number of questions — 20 — is the same across all states. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets this standard, so whether you test in California, Texas, New York, or any other state, you will see the same question count.

Key Takeaways

  • The School Bus endorsement test is 20 questions, and you need 16 correct answers to pass.
  • You must already hold a valid CDL before you can take the School Bus test.
  • The test is written only — no behind-the-wheel component is required for this endorsement.
  • All states use the same 20-question format set by federal regulation.
  • Test content focuses on passenger safety, loading procedures, emergency equipment, and school bus-specific driving rules.

What Topics the 20 Questions Cover

The School Bus endorsement test draws from a specific knowledge area outlined in the FMCSA handbook. Questions focus on the unique responsibilities of operating a school bus, which differ significantly from other commercial driving roles.

You can expect questions about student loading and unloading procedures, including proper positioning of the bus, use of mirrors and cameras, and how to manage students crossing in front of or behind the vehicle. Other questions cover emergency equipment — where it is located, how to use it, and when to deploy it. The test also includes questions about passenger management, such as how to handle disruptive students and when to stop the bus for safety reasons.

Additional topics include pre-trip and post-trip inspection procedures specific to school buses, proper use of the stop arm and flashing lights, and rules about when you can and cannot move the bus. Some questions address what to do in emergency situations — mechanical failure, fire, medical emergency, or accident — and how to evacuate students safely.

How to Prepare for the 20-Question Test

Your state's DMV provides a School Bus endorsement study guide — usually free and available online or at the DMV office. This guide contains the same topics and question types that appear on the actual test. Reading through it once is not enough; most people who pass the test have reviewed the guide at least twice and taken practice tests.

Many states offer practice tests online through their DMV website. These are not identical to the real test, but they follow the same format and cover the same material. Taking a practice test under timed conditions — usually 30 to 45 minutes for 20 questions — helps you understand the pace and identify weak areas before test day.

Some people use third-party CDL study apps or websites that include School Bus endorsement modules. These can be useful for drilling specific topics, but always verify that the content matches your state's current handbook. School bus regulations change periodically, and outdated study materials can teach you rules that no longer explore.

When You Can Take the Test and What to Bring

You can take the School Bus endorsement test at your state's DMV office or an approved testing location. Most states allow you to schedule the test online or by phone; some still require you to walk in. Check your state DMV website for the current process and any wait times.

Bring your current CDL, a valid form of identification (passport, state ID, or military ID), and any documents your state requires for endorsement addition — usually just your CDL and ID. Some states ask for proof of residency if you have recently moved. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm what documents they need; showing up without the right paperwork will delay your test.

The test itself takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will sit at a computer or receive a paper test, depending on your state's system. You are allowed to take notes on scratch paper provided by the DMV, but you cannot use your phone, calculator, or any reference materials during the test.

What Happens If You Fail the 20-Question Test

If you score below 16 correct answers, you fail the test. You will not receive the School Bus endorsement, and your CDL will not be updated. Most states allow you to retake the test the same day or within a few days, though some have a waiting period of 24 hours between attempts.

Each time you retake the test, you pay the endorsement test fee again. This fee varies by state — typically between $5 and $15 — but it adds up if you need multiple attempts. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but most people pass on the second attempt if they study the material more thoroughly after the first failure.

If you fail, ask the DMV staff which topics gave you the most trouble. They may not tell you your exact score or which questions you missed, but they can usually point you toward the sections of the study guide you should focus on before your next attempt.

How the School Bus Test Differs From Other CDL Endorsement Tests

The School Bus endorsement test is shorter than some other endorsement tests. The Hazmat endorsement test, for example, has 30 questions. The Passenger endorsement test also has 20 questions but covers different material — general passenger safety rather than school-specific procedures.

The School Bus test is also more focused than the general CDL knowledge test, which has 50 questions and covers a much broader range of commercial driving rules. Because the School Bus test is narrower in scope, many people find it easier to study for than the general test, especially if they already have CDL experience.

One key difference: you cannot take the School Bus endorsement test without already holding a CDL. Some other endorsements — like Hazmat — can be added to a CDL you already have, but the School Bus endorsement specifically requires that you demonstrate general commercial driving knowledge first.

State-by-State Variations in Testing

While the 20-question format and 80 percent passing score are federal standards, states do vary in how they administer the test. Some states offer the test only in English; others offer it in multiple languages. A few states have different procedures for renewing a School Bus endorsement versus obtaining it for the first time.

Some states bundle the School Bus endorsement test with other tests if you are adding multiple endorsements at once. For example, if you want both the School Bus (S) and Passenger (P) endorsements, you may take both tests in one visit. Other states require you to take them separately.

Check your state DMV website for the specific rules in your state. The number of questions stays the same, but the testing location, scheduling process, fees, and language options can differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the School Bus endorsement test online from home?

No. The School Bus endorsement test must be taken in person at a DMV office or approved testing location. Your state DMV administers the test to may support you are not using reference materials or getting help from someone else. Some states have begun offering remote testing for certain CDL tests, but the School Bus endorsement is not yet available online in any state.

Do I have to pass the air brakes test before I take the School Bus test?

Not necessarily. The air brakes test is required only if your CDL is for a vehicle with air brakes. Many school buses do have air brakes, but not all. Check your state's requirements and your specific job offer. If your bus has air brakes, you must pass that test before or at the same time as the School Bus endorsement test.

How long is the School Bus endorsement test valid once I pass it?

Once you pass the test and receive the endorsement on your CDL, the endorsement is valid for the same period as your CDL — usually four to eight years depending on your state and age. You do not need to retake the test unless your CDL expires and you choose not to renew it.

What if I pass the test but my employer says I still need additional training?

Passing the School Bus endorsement test meets the state's legal requirement for the endorsement, but many school districts require additional behind-the-wheel training, safety courses, or background checks before you can actually drive a bus. The endorsement test and employer training are separate requirements.

Can I study the School Bus test questions in advance?

Yes. Your state DMV publishes the official study guide, which contains the same topics covered on the test. Some states also publish sample questions or practice tests. However, the exact 20 questions you will see on test day are not released in advance — the DMV draws from a larger pool of questions to prevent memorization without understanding.