View instructions
The school bus endorsement applies to applicants who wish to drive a school bus in any Class A or B CDL. To add an S endorsement to your CLP/CDL, you must pass the California school bus test, and you must also pass skills tests in a school bus. The CA CDL bus test consists of 20 questions, and you'll need at least 16 correct answers to pass (80%). The knowledge test covers the following sections of the California CDL Manual: School Buses, Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test and Road Test. After studying, take this CA CDL practice test to prepare for the actual bus test!
1.
After unloading at the school, you should walk through the bus to:
|
make sure no students are returning to the bus.
|
|
|
close the door.
|
|
|
to check for items left by students and hiding or sleeping students.
|
2.
Select the best answer. Danger zones are located:
|
on all sides of the bus.
|
|
|
to the sides of the bus.
|
|
|
in the front of the bus.
|
3.
When evacuating the bus, a safe place will be at least _____ off the road in the direction of oncoming traffic.
|
100 feet
|
|
|
20 feet
|
|
|
30 feet
|
4.
If the safety relief valve in the air brake system releases air:
|
something is wrong.
|
|
|
this will supply more power to the brakes.
|
|
|
the valve is fully operational.
|
5.
ABS:
|
is not required on newer trucks.
|
|
|
gives you more control when you brake.
|
|
|
causes your wheels to lock when you break hard.
|
6.
Proper adjustment and use of all mirrors is vital to the safe operation of a school bus:
|
in order to have the students exit in orderly fashion.
|
|
|
in order to see 500 feet or 10 bus lengths behind the bus.
|
|
|
in order to monitor the danger zones around the bus for students, traffic, and other objects.
|
7.
To ensure rider safety, bus drivers should always check the interior of the bus before driving. Aisles and stairwells should always be:
|
placarded.
|
|
|
reserved for seniors.
|
|
|
clear.
|
8.
Properly adjusted outside left and right side flat mirrors allow the school bus drivers to see _____ behind the bus.
|
200 feet
|
|
|
50 feet
|
|
|
300 feet
|
9.
When backing, you should:
|
only use mirror on the driver's side.
|
|
|
use the mirrors on both sides.
|
|
|
back quickly.
|
10.
If you lose ABS control on one or more wheels, you should:
|
drive normally (you still have regular brakes), but get the system serviced soon.
|
|
|
fully apply the brakes until you stop.
|
|
|
immediately report it to the motor carrier.
|
Page 1 of 2
Next page
Grade this page
Frequently Asked Questions
In California, the minimum age to apply for a DMV test is 15½ years old. If you are at least 17½ years old, you have the option to obtain a permit without completing driver training. When you turn 16, you can obtain a minor's driver license, and the provisional aspect of your class C driver's license comes to an end when you reach 18.
You can schedule an appointment through the official California DMV website to take the DMV written test in person. Alternatively, you can take the exam online during specific hours. You can select this option after filling out your application. If you are under 18, parental or guardian permission is necessary before taking the test. Additionally, this test requires a webcam and cannot be completed on a smartphone/tablet.
You'll need to bring specific documents:
- Application Form. You can fill out this form online or choose the paper version available at any California DMV office. If you're under 18, ensure that your parents/guardians sign the application.
- Proof of identity.
- Full name document.
- Two proofs of residency.
- Social Security Number (SSN).
- If you are under 18, you must also have a Certificate of Completion/Enrollment of Driver Education.
The online version of the DMV written test in California is offered in 35 languages. Although language options are provided, it is advisable to have a basic understanding of English since road signs are always in English.
The DMV written test covers various topics, such as road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Studying the official California Driver’s Handbook is the first step to pass the exam because it contains all of this information. Once you've read it, you can take our free practice tests to test your preparation!
For new drivers in California, there are specific restrictions based on their age and licensing stage. With an instruction permit, you can drive accompanied by a licensed California aged at least 18 (or 25 for minors). After obtaining a provisional license, driving alone is permitted if there are no collisions or traffic violations on your record. In the first 12 months:
- Driving alone is prohibited between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for medical emergencies, school or employment activities, or when accompanied by a family member. A written note is required.
- Transporting passengers under 20 years old is not allowed, except when accompanied by a California-licensed parent or guardian, a driver aged 25 or older, or a certified driving instructor.
- Until you turn 18, the use of a cell phone or electronic wireless device is forbidden, except in emergencies when you need to contact law enforcement or the hospital.
At 18, the restrictions end and you may request a duplicate DL without the term "provisional", after paying a fee.
The driver’s license application remains valid for 12 months. Since you are required to hold the permit for 6 months before taking the road test, if your application expires, you must reapply at a DMV office. The time spent with the instruction permit counts towards the six-month requirement. Bring both the expired and current permits on the day of the driving test to demonstrate the accumulated credit.
If you do not pass your written test, you must wait for 7 days, excluding the day you failed the test, before retaking it. You are allowed three attempts to pass the exam. However, if you fail it three times, your application will no longer be valid, and you must start the application process again.