Key Takeaways
- All bus drivers must hold a CDL; a regular driver's license is not legal for any bus carrying passengers.
- School bus drivers need a Class B or Class A CDL plus an S (School Bus) endorsement and a background check.
- Transit and charter bus drivers need a Class B or Class A CDL depending on vehicle weight; an S endorsement is not required.
- CDL requirements include passing a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination before you can drive.
- The cost and timeline vary by state, but expect several weeks and fees ranging from $100 to $500 for the full process.
What Makes a Bus Different From a Regular Vehicle
A bus is classified as a commercial vehicle because it is designed to carry multiple passengers for hire or as part of a public service. The threshold is usually 16 or more passengers, including the driver. A van that carries 15 people or fewer may only require a regular license, but once you cross that line, you need a CDL.
The size and weight of the bus also matter. A small shuttle bus might weigh less than 26,001 pounds and require a Class B CDL. A full-size transit or intercity bus can weigh 33,000 pounds or more and require a Class A CDL. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency will tell you which class applies to the specific bus you want to drive.
CDL Classes and What They Cover
A Class A CDL allows you to drive any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Most full-size transit buses and articulated buses fall into this category.
A Class B CDL allows you to drive a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers. Many school buses and smaller charter buses are Class B vehicles.
A Class C CDL is rarely used for buses; it covers smaller commercial vehicles and is not the right license for passenger transport.
The School Bus Endorsement (S)
If you drive a school bus, you must add an S (School Bus) endorsement to your CDL. This endorsement is separate from the base Class B or Class A license and signals that you have passed additional training and background checks specific to transporting children.
To get the S endorsement, you must pass a written test covering school bus operation, passenger management, and emergency procedures. You must also pass a background check, which typically includes a criminal history review and a check of your driving record. Some states also require fingerprinting. The S endorsement is renewed with your CDL, usually every four or eight years depending on your state.
Private charter bus drivers and transit bus drivers do not need the S endorsement, only the base CDL class that matches their vehicle.
Steps to Get a CDL for Bus Driving
The process varies slightly by state, but the general steps are the same:
- Get a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). Visit your state DMV with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. Pay the fee (usually $20 to $50) and pass a written knowledge test covering commercial driving rules, air brakes, and passenger transport if applicable. You will receive a CLP, which allows you to practice driving a bus with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat.
- Complete a medical examination. Visit a Medical Examiner certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The exam covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. You will receive a Medical Certificate valid for two years. This certificate must be submitted to your DMV before you take your skills test.
- Take a CDL training course (optional but strongly recommended). Many states and employers require or prefer formal training from a truck or bus driving school. These courses typically last two to four weeks and cover vehicle operation, safety, and passenger management. Some states waive the skills test if you complete an approved training program.
- Pass the CDL skills test. This test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control skills test (backing, turning, parking), and an on-road driving test. You must pass all three. The test is administered by your state DMV or an approved third-party tester.
- Pass the S endorsement test (school bus drivers only). If you are driving a school bus, you must pass an additional written test on school bus-specific rules and procedures after you pass your base CDL test.
- Receive your CDL. Once you pass all tests, your state DMV will issue your CDL card, valid for four to eight years depending on your state.
Medical Requirements and Disqualifications
The FMCSA sets federal medical standards for CDL holders. You must have vision of at least 20/40 in each eye (with or without correction) and a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye. You must have hearing sufficient to perceive a forced whisper at three feet. You cannot have certain medical conditions, including uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea, without special certification.
Some medications can disqualify you or require a waiver. If you take blood pressure medication, pain medication, or psychiatric medication, tell the medical examiner before the exam. They will determine whether you can be certified. Failing the medical exam means you cannot get a CDL until the condition is resolved or waived by the FMCSA.
Cost and Timeline
The total cost of getting a CDL for bus driving varies by state and whether you attend a formal training program. The DMV fees alone (CLP, knowledge tests, skills test, and CDL issuance) typically range from $100 to $300. A medical exam costs $50 to $150. A formal training course, if you choose one, costs $1,000 to $3,500 depending on the school and program length.
The timeline is usually four to twelve weeks from start to finish. You can take the knowledge test and get your CLP within a few days of visiting the DMV. The medical exam can be scheduled within one to two weeks. If you attend a training course, that adds two to four weeks. The skills test is typically scheduled four to eight weeks after you receive your CLP, depending on your state's backlog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a bus with a regular driver's license if the bus is not carrying passengers?
No. A CDL is required to operate a bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, regardless of whether passengers are actually on board at the time. The vehicle's design and capacity determine the license requirement, not the current load.
Do I need a CDL to drive a church van or shuttle that carries fewer than 16 people?
No. If the vehicle is designed to carry 15 people or fewer (including the driver), you can operate it with a regular driver's license. Once the capacity reaches 16 or more, you need a CDL.
What happens if I drive a bus without a CDL?
Driving a bus without the required CDL is a criminal offense in most states. Penalties include fines ranging from $500 to $5,000, license suspension, and possible jail time. Your employer can also face fines and liability if a passenger is injured.
Can I get a CDL if I have a DUI or reckless driving conviction?
It depends on how recent the conviction is and your state's rules. Most states disqualify you from holding a CDL for a set period (often one to five years) after a DUI or serious traffic violation. After that period, you may be able to explore, but the conviction will remain on your record and may affect your hiring prospects.
Do I need to renew my S endorsement separately from my CDL?
No. The S endorsement renews at the same time as your CDL, usually every four to eight years. You will need to pass the S endorsement knowledge test again at renewal and pass a new background check.