SCHOOL BUS PRACTICE TEST DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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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 District of Columbia school bus test, and you must also pass skills tests in a school bus. The DC 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 District of Columbia CDL Manual: School Buses, Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test and Road Test. After studying, take this DC CDL practice test to prepare for the actual bus test!
1. If a student drops something in front of the bus, the student should:
ask the driver to retrieve the item.
pick up the object as quickly as possible.
leave the item where it fell, and get the driver's attention and permission to retrieve the item.
leave the item behind.
2. Bus drivers:
are required to wear a seat belt only when driving in construction zones.
must wear a seat belt at all times.
are required to wear a seat belt only when transporting passengers.
are exempt from wearing a seat belt.
3. To know if your vehicle is equipped with ABS, look for:
the ABS shipping paper.
a yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the instrument panel.
the ABS logo on the steering wheel.
an ABS placard.
4. If the ABS is not working:
you still have normal brake functions.
the vehicle will have weak brakes.
the vehicle will have no brakes.
None of the above.
5. If driving a new vehicle, you should familiarize yourself with the controls and equipment:
within the first 50 miles.
after pulling into a service station.
as you drive.
before you start driving.
6. When approaching the bus stop, you should activate the lights approximately _______ before the bus stop.
15 seconds
5-10 seconds
25 seconds
4-6 seconds
7. When driving on slippery roads, you should NOT:
use the engine brake.
try to anticipate stops early.
watch far enough ahead to keep a steady speed.
go slowly.
8. The driver's seat of a bus should have:
a seat belt.
a pocket for storage.
a brake and accelerator interlock system.
an emergency exit handle.
9. What should you do if your vehicle starts hydroplaning?
Apply the brakes and countersteer to regain control of the vehicle.
Release the accelerator and push in the clutch to let the wheels turn freely.
Leave the road completely.
Accelerate slightly, then push in the clutch to slow down.
10. One way to prevent hydroplaning is to:
have less than 4/32 inch tread depth in every major groove on front tires.
use the controlled braking method.
take curves at higher speeds.
make sure you have enough tread on your tires.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a driver's license in the District of Columbia, teens between 16 to 20 are enrolled in the Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers (GRAD) Program:

  • If you are at least 16 years old, you can obtain a learner permit.
  • If you are 16 ½ and have held a learner permit for at least 6 months without traffic violations, you are ready for the provisional driver license.
  • If you are 17 years old and have held a provisional driver license for at least 6 months, you can obtain a full license with conditions (until you turn 18).

At 21 years old, you are released from the GRAD program, and you may immediately schedule a road test.

To schedule and take the DMV written test in the District of Columbia, you have three options:

  1. Select a DC DMV Service Center and schedule an appointment in person at takemydrivingtest.com/dc. Choose a location, date, and time for your exam.
  2. Select a Test Proctoring Center.
  3. If you are between 16 and 20 years old you can choose to take the exam online at home. Upon completing the virtual knowledge test, you'll promptly receive your test results. If you pass, simply visit any DC DMV Office within 14 business days to obtain your learner permit.

DC DMV requires you to bring specific documents to verify your eligibility for a class D driver's license: 

  • Proof of identity and age.
  • Proof of lawful presence.
  • Proof of Social Security Number.
  • Two proofs of district residency.
  • Parental Consent Form (if you are under 18 years old).
  • Medical/Eye Form (If you have a particular condition or if you're above 70 years).

Refer to the official DC Document Verification Guide for the complete list of acceptable documents.

The DMV written test in the District of Columbia is available in multiple languages, including English, Amharic, Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. Additionally, audio-assisted tests are provided for individuals who require assistance with reading.

To prepare for the DMV written test, you can refer to the official DC Driver's Handbook. The manual covers various information about road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. Study carefully the different sections and test your knowledge with our free practice tests!

Learner permit:
  • Driving only with an instructor aged 21 or older (no passengers allowed).
  • Specific driving hour restrictions (from 6 am to 9 pm).
  • All occupants must wear seat belts.
  • Mobile phones cannot be used while driving.

Provisional license (16 ½ - 20 years old):
  • Driving alone with a maximum of one passenger aged 21 or older in the front seat, or with siblings/child.
  • Specific time restrictions:
- September to June (Sunday to Thursday from 6 am to 10:59 pm; Friday and Saturday from 6 am to 11:59 pm)
- July and August (from 6 am to 11:59 pm).
  • No driving for compensation (if under 18).
  • All occupants must wear seat belts.

Full license with conditions (under 18):
  • Same restrictions as the provisional license if you are a minor, but you are allowed to transport two passengers under 21.

Driving hour restrictions don't apply if you are accompanied by a holder of a valid driver's license aged 21 or older or for job, school, religious, or sport activities.


The DC instruction permit is valid for a period of two years for U.S. citizens and cannot be renewed. After its expiration, you will need to retake and pass the knowledge test again. During this period, practice to enhance your driving skills before the road test.

If you don't pass the DMV written test, you must wait 72 hours for a second try. If you fail six consecutive attempts, you will have to wait twelve months from the date of your initial test before retaking it. Sign up for DMV Premium and practice with extra tests to maximize the chance of passing!

DC CDL School Bus Test

Number of questions: 20
Correct answers to pass:16
Passing score:80%
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