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. This endorsement is required by federal law if you drive any bus that meets that passenger capacity, regardless of whether you are operating it for a school district, a transit authority, a charter company, or a private shuttle service. Without the F endorsement, you cannot legally operate such a vehicle, even if you hold a valid CDL.

The F endorsement is separate from the S endorsement (school bus) and the P endorsement (passenger vehicle). You may hold one, two, or all three endorsements on the same license, depending on the types of buses you drive. Many drivers who work for school districts carry both S and F endorsements because their job requires them to operate both school buses and other passenger vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid CDL before you can add an F endorsement; the endorsement cannot stand alone.
  • Most states require you to pass a written knowledge test specific to passenger vehicles and an air brake component test if your bus has air brakes.
  • You must pass a skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test) in a bus that meets the F endorsement requirements.
  • The fee for adding an F endorsement ranges from roughly $10 to $50 depending on your state, and the process typically takes one to three weeks.
  • You must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid medical certificate to operate a bus with 16 or more passengers.

Prerequisites You Must Meet Before Testing

You must already hold a valid Class A or Class B CDL before you can add an F endorsement. If you do not yet have a CDL, you will need to obtain one first through your state's DMV. The F endorsement is an addition to an existing CDL, not a standalone credential.

You must be at least 21 years old to operate a bus with 16 or more passengers. Some states allow 18-year-olds to hold an F endorsement for intrastate (within-state) operation only, but interstate operation requires age 21. Check your state's specific rules if you are between 18 and 21.

You must hold a valid medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner. This certificate confirms you meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical standards for commercial driving. Your medical certificate must be current on the day you take your skills test; an expired certificate will disqualify you from testing.

You must have a valid Social Security number and proof of lawful presence in the United States. Bring your original Social Security card or a document that displays your number, along with proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, or visa, depending on your state's requirements).

Written Knowledge Tests for the F Endorsement

You must pass a written test covering passenger vehicle operation and safety. This test is separate from the general CDL knowledge test and focuses on rules and procedures specific to buses carrying 16 or more passengers. The test typically covers passenger loading and unloading procedures, emergency equipment, passenger communication, vehicle inspection points unique to passenger buses, and safe operation in traffic.

Most states administer this test at the DMV or a testing location authorized by your state. The test is usually 20 to 30 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You may retake the test if you fail, though some states impose a waiting period (commonly 24 hours) between attempts.

If your bus is equipped with an air brake system, you must also pass an air brake component test. This test covers the operation, inspection, and maintenance of air brakes and is required even if you already hold a CDL. Some states combine this test with the F endorsement test; others administer it separately. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether your bus has air brakes and whether you need to take this component test.

Skills Test Requirements and What to Bring

You must pass a three-part skills test administered by your state's DMV or an approved third-party examiner. The test includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic control test, and a road test, all conducted in a bus that meets the F endorsement definition (16 or more passenger capacity).

For the pre-trip inspection, you will walk around and inside the bus and point out or describe safety-critical components: lights, mirrors, tires, brakes, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and passenger seating. The examiner will ask you to identify defects or explain how to check specific systems. You do not need to perform repairs, only to demonstrate knowledge of what to inspect and why.

The basic control test takes place in a closed course or parking lot. You will demonstrate your ability to maneuver the bus in tight spaces, including backing in a straight line, backing into an offset alley, and performing a 90-degree turn. These exercises test your ability to handle the bus's size and weight in controlled conditions.

The road test lasts 20 to 30 minutes and covers normal traffic conditions, turns, stops, lane changes, and highway driving if applicable. The examiner will observe your steering, braking, mirror checks, passenger safety awareness, and compliance with traffic laws. You must demonstrate smooth acceleration and braking, proper use of mirrors, and awareness of the bus's length and width.

Bring your valid CDL, medical certificate, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number. You will also need to provide the bus you are testing in; most candidates arrange this through their employer or a driving school. The bus must be registered, insured, and in safe operating condition. Some states require the bus to display a placard or decal indicating it is being used for testing.

State-by-State Differences in F Endorsement Requirements

The federal government sets minimum standards for the F endorsement, but states have some flexibility in how they administer tests and set fees. Most states follow the federal framework closely, but variations exist in test format, passing scores, and whether air brake testing is combined with the F endorsement test or administered separately.

Fees for adding an F endorsement range from approximately $10 to $50, depending on your state. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on the number of endorsements you add or the type of CDL upgrade. A few states include the F endorsement test in a bundled CDL renewal fee. Check your state's DMV website or call the CDL section directly to confirm the exact fee and whether it is refundable if you fail the test.

Processing time also varies. Some states issue the endorsement when ready after you pass the skills test; others mail the updated license within one to three weeks. If you need the endorsement urgently for a job start date, contact your state's DMV to ask whether you can receive a temporary permit or interim license while the physical card is being printed.

A few states impose additional requirements, such as a mandatory training course before you can test, or a waiting period between your CDL issuance and your F endorsement test. California, for example, requires certain passenger bus drivers to complete a training program. Texas and Florida have specific rules about intrastate versus interstate operation for drivers under 21. Research your state's specific rules before you schedule your test.

How to Schedule Your F Endorsement Test

Contact your state's DMV or the CDL testing section and request an appointment for the F endorsement skills test. Most states allow you to schedule online, by phone, or in person at a local DMV office. You will need to provide your CDL number, current address, and the date you want to test. Some states require you to pass the written test before you can schedule the skills test; others allow you to schedule both on the same day.

Confirm that the testing location has a bus available for the skills test, or ask whether you are permitted to bring your own bus. If you are bringing your own bus, verify that it meets the state's requirements (16 or more passenger capacity, valid registration, valid insurance, and safe mechanical condition). Some testing locations have a list of approved buses or partner with driving schools that provide test vehicles.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early on the day of your test. Bring all required documents: your valid CDL, medical certificate, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for operating a large vehicle. Do not bring passengers or distractions into the testing area.

What Happens After You Pass the F Endorsement Test

Once you pass all three parts of the skills test, the examiner will issue you a temporary permit or receipt indicating that you have passed. This document allows you to operate a bus with 16 or more passengers while your updated license is being printed and mailed. Keep this document with you while driving, as it serves as proof of your endorsement until the physical license arrives.

Your state will print a new CDL with the F endorsement added and mail it to your address on file. This process typically takes one to three weeks. If you change your address before the license arrives, contact your state's DMV when ready to update your mailing address.

If you fail any part of the skills test, you may retake it. Most states allow you to schedule a retest within a few days or weeks, though some impose a waiting period. You do not need to retake the written test if you passed it; you only need to retake the part of the skills test you failed. Fees for retesting vary by state; some states charge a full fee again, while others charge a reduced retest fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an F endorsement if I already have an S endorsement for school buses?

Yes. The S and F endorsements are separate and can both appear on the same CDL. Many school bus drivers hold both endorsements because they may operate different types of buses depending on the route or assignment. You do not need to remove the S endorsement to add the F endorsement; you straightforward take the F endorsement test and both will appear on your license.

Do I need an air brake endorsement in addition to the F endorsement?

No. The air brake component test is part of the F endorsement process if your bus has air brakes, but it does not result in a separate endorsement on your license. If you pass the air brake test, your F endorsement will note that you are may have access to to operate air brake vehicles. If you fail the air brake test, you can still hold an F endorsement but will be restricted to buses with hydraulic brakes only.

What if I fail the road test but pass the pre-trip and basic control portions?

You will need to retake the entire skills test, including all three portions. Most states do not allow you to retake only the failed portion; you must demonstrate competency in all three areas again. Schedule your retest as soon as possible and practice the specific skills the examiner noted as deficient.

How long is an F endorsement valid?

An F endorsement is valid for the same period as your CDL. Most states issue CDLs valid for four to eight years, depending on your age and state law. When your CDL expires, you must renew it; the F endorsement will be renewed at the same time if you still meet the medical and legal requirements.

Can I operate a 15-passenger van with an F endorsement?

No. A 15-passenger van (including the driver) does not meet the 16-passenger threshold for the F endorsement. You can operate a 15-passenger van with a regular Class C driver's license if it is not a commercial vehicle, or with a Class B CDL if it is used commercially. The F endorsement applies only to vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers.