The Passenger Endorsement Test Has 20 Questions

The Passenger (P) endorsement test contains 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 16 correctly to pass — that is an 80 percent score. The test covers the rules and safety practices specific to operating a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

The number of questions is the same across all states that administer the CDL endorsement tests. However, the specific content of those questions and the passing score can vary slightly by state, so you should always check your state's CDL manual before you test. Your state's DMV website will have the official study material and may provide sample questions.

The test is written and taken at your state's DMV or testing location. You cannot take it online. You will sit at a computer terminal or receive a paper test, depending on your state's system, and you have a set time limit — usually 60 minutes — to complete all 20 questions.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passenger endorsement test is 20 questions, and you need 16 correct answers to pass.
  • All states use the same 20-question format, but the specific questions and study materials differ by state.
  • You must take the test in person at your state's DMV or approved testing location; online testing is not available.
  • You typically have 60 minutes to complete the test, though your state may allow more or less time.
  • The test covers passenger safety, vehicle operation, emergency procedures, and passenger management rules.

What Topics the 20 Questions Cover

The Passenger endorsement test questions focus on the specific knowledge you need to safely operate a bus or other passenger vehicle. The topics include passenger safety procedures, how to load and unload passengers, emergency evacuation, vehicle inspection specific to passenger vehicles, and how to handle disruptive passengers.

You will also see questions about air brake systems if your vehicle has them, passenger seating and standing rules, and the legal requirements for passenger vehicles in your state. Some questions test your understanding of when you must stop at railroad crossings, how to navigate curves and hills safely with a full passenger load, and what to do if a passenger becomes ill or injured during transit.

The test does not cover general CDL knowledge that you would have already learned for your commercial driver's license itself — it focuses only on the passenger-specific rules and safety practices. This is why you take the endorsement test separately from your CDL written test.

How to Prepare for the 20-Question Test

Your state's CDL manual contains all the information needed to answer the 20 questions correctly. read or request a copy from your state's DMV website. The manual will have a section dedicated to the Passenger endorsement, and you should read that section thoroughly at least twice before you test.

Many states publish sample questions or practice tests on their DMV websites. Use these to get familiar with the format and the types of questions you will see. Practice tests help you identify which topics you need to study more closely. If your state does not publish sample questions online, call your local DMV office and ask whether they have printed practice materials you can pick up or request by mail.

Study in short sessions over several days rather than cramming the night before. Focus on the areas where you feel least confident. If you fail the test, you can usually retake it after a waiting period — typically 7 to 14 days — so do not rush into the test if you are not ready.

When You Can Take the Passenger Endorsement Test

You can take the Passenger endorsement test only after you have already passed your CDL written test and obtained your commercial driver's license. You cannot take the endorsement test first. Your state will not allow you to schedule the endorsement test until your CDL is active.

Once you have your CDL, you can schedule the Passenger endorsement test at any time. There is no waiting period between getting your CDL and taking the endorsement test. However, you must also pass a skills test — the driving portion — specific to passenger vehicles before the endorsement is added to your license. The written test is only the first step.

Schedule your test through your state's DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Some states allow you to book online; others require you to call or visit in person. Check your state's specific process before you show up.

What Happens If You Fail the 20-Question Test

If you score below 16 correct answers, you fail the test. You will be told your score when ready or within a few days, depending on whether you took a computer-based or paper test. Your state will tell you how long you must wait before retaking it — this is usually 7 to 14 days, but some states allow you to retake it the same day or the next day.

You will pay the test fee again when you retake it. Most states charge between $10 and $50 per endorsement test attempt, though the fee varies. Ask your DMV what the fee is before you schedule so you are not surprised at the testing location.

You can retake the test as many times as you need to pass. There is no limit on the number of attempts in most states, though a few states cap retakes at a certain number per year. Check your state's policy if you are concerned about this.

Differences Between States and Test Formats

While all states use a 20-question format and an 80 percent passing score, the specific questions and wording differ by state. A question that appears on the California Passenger endorsement test may not appear on the Texas test, even though both tests cover the same general topics.

Some states offer the test only on a computer at the DMV. Others allow paper tests. A few states have partnered with third-party testing vendors, so you may be able to take the test at a private testing center instead of the DMV office. Check your state's DMV website to see which format and location options are available to you.

The time limit is also not identical across states. Most allow 60 minutes, but some allow 45 minutes and others allow 90 minutes. Your state's CDL manual or DMV website will state the time limit for your test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the Passenger endorsement test without a CDL?

No. You must have an active commercial driver's license before you can take any endorsement test. If you do not yet have your CDL, pass the CDL written test and obtain your license first, then schedule the Passenger endorsement test.

Do I need to pass the skills test before or after the written test?

You take the written test first. Once you pass the 20-question Passenger endorsement written test, you then schedule and take the skills test — the driving portion — in a passenger vehicle. You must pass both to get the endorsement added to your license.

What is the passing score for the 20 questions?

You need 16 correct answers out of 20 to pass, which equals 80 percent. One wrong answer is acceptable; two or more wrong answers means you fail and must retake the test.

How long does the Passenger endorsement test take?

Most states allow 60 minutes to complete all 20 questions. Some states allow 45 minutes; others allow 90 minutes. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to confirm the time limit in your state.

Can I use a study guide or notes during the test?

No. The test is closed-book. You cannot bring study materials, your CDL manual, notes, or any reference materials into the testing room. You must answer all 20 questions from memory based on what you studied beforehand.