What an F Endorsement Is and Why You Need It

An F endorsement on your Tennessee commercial driver's license allows you to operate a bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Without it, you cannot legally drive a full-size passenger bus, even if you hold a valid CDL. The F endorsement is separate from your base CDL class and requires its own knowledge test and skills test through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSH).

You need an F endorsement if your job involves driving a charter bus, intercity bus, shuttle bus, or any other bus that seats 16 or more people. School buses require a different endorsement (the S endorsement), so do not confuse the two. If you drive a bus with 15 or fewer passengers, you do not need an F endorsement — your regular CDL is sufficient.

Key Takeaways

  • An F endorsement lets you drive buses with 16 or more passenger seats and is tested separately from your base CDL.
  • You must already hold a valid Tennessee CDL in Class A, B, or C before you can add an F endorsement.
  • The F endorsement requires passing a written knowledge test at a TDSH testing location and a behind-the-wheel skills test in an actual bus.
  • You will pay a fee to add the endorsement, and the cost varies depending on whether you test at a TDSH office or a third-party examiner.
  • The entire process typically takes a few weeks from the time you schedule your tests to the time you receive your updated license.

Prerequisites: What You Must Have Before Testing

You cannot test for an F endorsement unless you already hold a valid Tennessee CDL. If you do not yet have a CDL, you must obtain your Class A, B, or C CDL first by passing the general knowledge test, air brake test (if applicable), and skills test. Once your CDL is in hand, you are may be able to access to add endorsements.

You will also need a valid passport, passport card, REAL ID-compliant driver's license, or other federally approved identification to present at the testing location. Bring your current Tennessee CDL with you to every test appointment. If you wear corrective lenses to drive, bring them with you on the day of your skills test — you must wear them during the test if you normally wear them while driving.

The Written Knowledge Test for F Endorsement

The F endorsement knowledge test covers passenger bus operation, including passenger safety, loading and unloading procedures, vehicle inspection specific to buses, and emergency procedures. The test is administered at TDSH Driver Services Centers across Tennessee. You can also test through a third-party examiner if one is available in your area, though availability varies by region.

To schedule your knowledge test, contact the TDSH Driver Services Center nearest you or visit the TDSH website to find testing locations and hours. You will need to provide your name, CDL number, and the endorsement you are testing for. The test itself consists of multiple-choice questions, and you must pass with a score of at least 80 percent. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test, but you will pay the testing fee again.

The Skills Test: Behind-the-Wheel Evaluation in a Bus

After you pass the written test, you must schedule and pass a behind-the-wheel skills test in an actual bus. This test is conducted by a TDSH examiner or an approved third-party examiner and evaluates your ability to safely operate a passenger bus. The examiner will observe your pre-trip inspection, your ability to maneuver the bus, your control during normal driving, and your response to emergency situations.

You must provide the bus for the skills test — TDSH does not supply one. This means you will need access to a bus from your employer or a training school. The bus must be in safe operating condition and must be the same class and type you intend to drive on the job. The skills test typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. You must pass this test to receive your F endorsement; there is no written alternative.

Fees and Timeline for Adding the F Endorsement

The fee to add an F endorsement to your existing CDL varies. Testing at a TDSH Driver Services Center costs less than testing through a third-party examiner. As of the most recent fee schedule, expect to pay between $10 and $30 for the knowledge test and between $50 and $100 for the skills test, depending on the testing location. Third-party examiners may charge higher fees. Check with your local TDSH office or examiner for the exact current cost.

The timeline from your first test to receiving your updated license typically ranges from two to four weeks. This depends on how quickly you can schedule both tests and how long it takes TDSH to process your paperwork and issue the new license. If you fail either test, you will need to reschedule and pay the fee again, which extends the timeline. Once you pass both tests, TDSH will mail your updated CDL with the F endorsement to the address on file.

What Happens After You Pass Both Tests

Once you pass the knowledge test and the skills test, TDSH will update your CDL record and mail you a new physical license with the F endorsement printed on it. Your new license will show the F endorsement along with any other endorsements you already hold. The license is valid for the same renewal period as your base CDL — typically eight years in Tennessee, though this can vary.

You must carry your updated CDL with you whenever you operate a passenger bus. If you are stopped by law enforcement and do not have the F endorsement on your license, you can be cited for operating a bus without the proper endorsement, even if you are otherwise a safe and may have access to driver. Keep your license in a safe place and report it when ready if it is lost or stolen.

Common Reasons the Skills Test Is Failed and How to Prepare

The most common reasons drivers fail the F endorsement skills test are poor pre-trip inspection (missing safety items or not knowing how to check them), inability to control the bus smoothly during turns or lane changes, and improper handling of emergency procedures. Examiners are looking for safe, professional operation — not perfection, but clear competence and awareness of passenger safety.

To prepare, practice with the actual bus you will use on the job or in your training program. Spend time learning the location of all safety equipment, how to check brakes and steering, and how to communicate clearly with passengers. Review the TDSH CDL manual section on passenger vehicles, and if possible, take a professional bus driver training course. Many employers require this training anyway, and it significantly improves your chances of passing the skills test on the first attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must hold a valid CDL before you can test for any endorsement. If you are new to CDL driving, obtain your Class A, B, or C CDL first, then add the F endorsement afterward. The two processes cannot happen simultaneously.

What if I fail the skills test — can I retake it right away?

You can retake the skills test, but you must reschedule through TDSH or your third-party examiner. There is no set waiting period, but availability depends on the testing location. You will pay the skills test fee again. Most people schedule a retake within one to two weeks and use that time to practice with the bus.

Do I need a medical certificate to get an F endorsement?

You need a valid medical certificate (CDLIS medical card) to hold any CDL, including one with an F endorsement. If your medical certificate has expired, you must renew it before you can test for or use the F endorsement. The medical exam is conducted by a TDSH-certified medical examiner.

Will my F endorsement transfer if I move to another state?

Your Tennessee F endorsement is valid only in Tennessee. If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a CDL in that state and test for the equivalent endorsement under that state's rules. Some states recognize out-of-state endorsements for a limited time while you transfer your license, but this varies. Contact the new state's driver licensing agency for details.

What is the difference between an F endorsement and an S endorsement?

An F endorsement is for buses with 16 or more passenger seats (charter buses, intercity buses, shuttles). An S endorsement is specifically for school buses. You cannot use an F endorsement to drive a school bus, and you cannot use an S endorsement to drive a regular passenger bus. If you drive both types, you need both endorsements.