What the P and S Endorsement Covers

The P and S endorsement (also called the passenger and school bus endorsement) allows you to drive buses that carry passengers for hire or school children. You need this endorsement if you want to drive a commercial bus — whether that's a city transit bus, a charter coach, or a school bus. Without it, you cannot legally operate these vehicles even if you hold a valid CDL.

The P endorsement covers passenger buses (any bus designed to carry more than 15 passengers). The S endorsement covers school buses specifically. Most states allow you to get both at the same time, and many drivers do, since the requirements overlap significantly. Some states issue them separately; check your state's DMV website to see which applies to you.

Getting the P and S endorsement is a multi-step process that includes written tests, a skills test, and a background check. The whole timeline typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how your state processes the background clearance.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written knowledge test specific to passenger and school bus operation before you can take the skills test.
  • A background check and medical clearance are required; some states disqualify you for certain criminal convictions or traffic violations.
  • The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving portion, all in an actual bus.
  • School bus endorsement (S) may require additional fingerprinting and a longer background review in some states.
  • You must already hold a valid CDL or be in the process of obtaining one; the P and S endorsement cannot stand alone.

Prerequisites Before You Can Test

You must already have a valid CDL with a Class B or Class A license, or be actively working toward one. You cannot get the P and S endorsement on its own — it attaches to an existing CDL. If you do not yet have your CDL, complete that process first, then add the endorsement afterward.

Your state's DMV will also require you to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner. This is the same medical certificate required for any CDL, but some states conduct an additional review for bus drivers. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and ability to operate safely. If you fail, you will not be cleared to test for the endorsement.

You will need to submit to a background check before testing. For the P endorsement, this is typically a criminal history check and a review of your driving record. For the S endorsement (school bus), the background check is more thorough and usually includes fingerprinting, a sex offender registry search, and a check against child abuse and neglect records. Some states also require a drug screening.

The Written Knowledge Test

Before you can take the skills test, you must pass the written knowledge test for passenger and school bus operation. This test covers the rules and procedures specific to bus driving: passenger safety, emergency equipment, how to handle passengers with disabilities, evacuation procedures, and safe operation in different road conditions.

The test is usually 50 questions, and you typically need to score 80 percent or higher to pass. You can take it at your state's DMV office or at an approved testing location. Most states allow you to take the test on a computer or on paper, depending on the location. Study materials are available free from your state DMV — usually a bus driver manual or handbook that covers all the tested topics.

You can retake the test if you fail, but there is usually a waiting period (often 7 to 14 days) before you can try again. Some states charge a small fee each time you test; others include it in your endorsement fee. Check your state's rules before you schedule.

The Skills Test: What to Expect

The skills test has three parts, all conducted in an actual bus: the pre-trip inspection, the basic vehicle control test, and the on-road driving test. You must pass all three to earn the endorsement. The entire test usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

In the pre-trip inspection, you walk around and inside the bus while an examiner watches. You point out and explain the function of safety equipment: emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, mirrors, lights, brakes, and steering components. You also check that the bus is in safe operating condition. This part tests your knowledge of the vehicle and your attention to safety details.

The basic vehicle control test takes place in a closed course or parking lot. You perform maneuvers like backing in a straight line, backing into an alley, and parking. These tests show that you can control a large vehicle precisely — a critical skill for bus drivers who must navigate tight spaces and avoid hitting pedestrians or other vehicles.

The on-road driving test is the final part. You drive the bus on public roads while the examiner observes. You will encounter various traffic conditions, turns, hills, and stops. The examiner watches how you handle the bus, how you interact with traffic, how you use mirrors, and how you respond to unexpected situations. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate safe, smooth operation.

Timeline and Scheduling

The entire process from start to finish usually takes 4 to 12 weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on your state and how quickly you schedule tests. Here is a typical timeline:

Weeks 1–2: Submit your process and background check request to your state DMV. Schedule your medical examination with a certified examiner. Weeks 2–4: Complete your medical exam and wait for clearance. Study for the written knowledge test. Weeks 3–6: Take and pass the written knowledge test. Weeks 4–8: Background check is processed (longer for S endorsement). Weeks 6–10: Schedule and take the skills test. Weeks 8–12: Receive your endorsement card or updated license.

The background check is often the longest part of the process, especially for the school bus endorsement. Some states process it in two weeks; others take six weeks or longer. Contact your state DMV to find out the current processing time in your area.

Costs and Fees

Fees vary by state and are not set by the federal government. Most states charge between $50 and $200 for the P and S endorsement combined, though some charge separately for each endorsement. The fee usually covers the process, the written test, and the skills test. Medical examination fees are separate and typically cost $50 to $150, depending on the examiner.

If you fail the written test or the skills test, you will usually have to pay a retesting fee, which ranges from $10 to $50 per attempt in most states. Some states waive the fee for retakes within a certain timeframe; others charge full price each time.

Contact your state's DMV directly or visit their website to find the exact fees for your state. Fees change periodically, and some states offer discounts for military veterans or other groups.

School Bus Endorsement (S) Special Requirements

If you are seeking the school bus endorsement specifically, your state will likely require additional steps beyond the standard P endorsement process. Most states require fingerprinting and a more extensive background check that includes sex offender registry searches and child abuse and neglect records checks. Some states also require a drug screening or alcohol test.

A few states require school bus drivers to complete a school bus safety course before or shortly after earning the endorsement. This course covers passenger management, emergency procedures, and child safety. Check your state's requirements — some offer this course free through the school district, while others require you to pay for it privately.

The S endorsement also typically requires annual or biennial renewal with a background check, whereas the P endorsement may not. This means you will need to renew your school bus endorsement more frequently than a standard CDL. Plan for this when budgeting your time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the P and S endorsement at the same time, or do I have to do them separately?

Most states allow you to test for both at the same time, and many drivers do. The written test and skills test cover both endorsements, so you can earn both in a single testing session. Check your state's DMV website to confirm, as a few states require separate applications or tests.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake it, usually after a waiting period of 7 to 14 days. You will pay a retesting fee (typically $10 to $50) and schedule a new test date. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake it, but each attempt costs money and takes time. Many people pass on the second or third try.

Do I need to own a bus to take the skills test?

No. Your state's DMV or an approved testing facility provides the bus for the skills test. You do not need to own or have access to a bus beforehand. However, if you plan to work as a bus driver, you should practice driving a bus before your test if possible — ask a potential employer or a driving school if they offer practice time.

Can I lose my P and S endorsement after I earn it?

Yes. Your endorsement can be suspended or revoked if you are convicted of certain crimes, accumulate too many traffic violations, fail a medical exam, or violate bus safety regulations. School bus endorsements are also revoked if you fail a background check renewal. Your state DMV will notify you if your endorsement is at risk.

How long is the P and S endorsement valid?

The endorsement is valid for the same period as your CDL — usually 4 to 8 years, depending on your state and age. When you renew your CDL, you renew the endorsement at the same time. The school bus endorsement may require more frequent renewal (every 1 to 2 years in some states) with an updated background check.