All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for Arkansas CDL School Bus Endorsement Test

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
197+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Exam Review

Key Facts: Arkansas CDL School Bus Endorsement Test Exam

80%

Minimum score on each CDL knowledge test

49 CFR 383.135

30 ft

Minimum distance motorists must stop from a school bus with red lights flashing

Arkansas Code § 27-51-1004

$500-$2,500

Fine for illegally passing a stopped school bus

Arkansas Code § 27-51-1001(d)

15-50 ft

Railroad stopping distance from the nearest rail

Arkansas Code § 27-51-703

24 hours

Minimum preservice training for newly hired school bus drivers

6 CAR § 334-104

To drive a school bus in Arkansas you need the P and S endorsements: score at least 80% on the S knowledge test (Section 10 of the Arkansas CDL manual) and pass skills tests in a school bus. Public school drivers also hold a one-year DPSAFT certificate that requires 24 hours of preservice training, 3 hours of in-service each year, and a physical at least every two years. Arkansas motorists must stop at least 30 feet from a school bus with red lights flashing; violating § 27-51-1004 carries a $500 to $2,500 fine.

Sample Arkansas CDL School Bus Endorsement Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Arkansas CDL School Bus Endorsement Test exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 197+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under 49 CFR 383.123, what must an applicant do to get the School Bus (S) endorsement?
A.Pass the S knowledge test only, since no school bus skills test is required
B.Qualify for P, pass the S knowledge test, and pass a school bus skills test
C.Pass the S knowledge test and a skills test in any passenger vehicle of any group
D.Hold a P endorsement for one year, then pass the S knowledge test
Explanation: 49 CFR 383.123 says an S applicant must qualify for the passenger endorsement by passing its knowledge and skills tests, pass a knowledge test on school bus topics, and take a driving skills test in a school bus of the same vehicle group as the bus they will drive. Arkansas DFA's endorsement table also requires a school bus knowledge test and skills tests in a school bus.
2An Arkansas CLP holder with an S endorsement is training on a school bus route. Who may ride along?
A.Students on the regular route, as long as a certified CDL driver is also aboard
B.Up to 10 students during daylight hours, with the supervising driver seated nearby
C.Students and parents on field trips, if the school district has approved it in writing
D.Only auditors, inspectors, examiners, other trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder
Explanation: Arkansas DFA and 49 CFR 383.25 say a CLP holder with an S endorsement is prohibited from operating a school bus with passengers other than Federal/State auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP holder. Students may not ride.
3Besides a CDL with the right endorsements, what does Arkansas Code § 6-19-108 require before someone drives a public school bus to and from school?
A.A teaching license from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
B.A chauffeur's license issued by DFA for school transportation
C.A current school bus driver certificate issued by DPSAFT
D.A school bus permit card issued by an Arkansas State Police troop
Explanation: Arkansas Code § 6-19-108 says a school bus driver may not be employed to transport children to and from school or school-sponsored activities without a current certificate from the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation (DPSAFT), and that the certificate is required in addition to a commercial driver's license.
4Under the DPSAFT school bus rules (6 CAR § 334-104), how much preservice training must a newly hired school bus driver receive before driving any school bus?
A.At least 24 hours
B.At least 8 hours
C.At least 12 hours
D.At least 40 hours
Explanation: 6 CAR § 334-104 requires every newly hired school bus driver to receive a minimum of 24 hours of preservice training for the type or types of school buses they will drive, before driving any school bus. Each district must run a driver training program.
5How much in-service training must every Arkansas school bus driver receive each year under 6 CAR § 334-104?
A.3 hours
B.1 hour
C.8 hours
D.24 hours, repeating the preservice course
Explanation: 6 CAR § 334-104 says that annually, every school bus driver shall receive an additional three hours of in-service training provided by DPSAFT. Arkansas Code § 6-19-108 makes completed in-service training a condition of keeping the certificate.
6How long is an Arkansas school bus driver certificate valid once DPSAFT issues it?
A.Five years, matching the CDL term
B.One year, renewable annually
C.Two years, matching the physical exam cycle
D.Until the driver changes school districts
Explanation: Arkansas Code § 6-19-108 and 6 CAR § 334-104 say DPSAFT certifies a school bus driver for a one-year period, and the certificate may be renewed annually after the required training and documentation.
7When renewing an Arkansas school bus driver certificate, how recent must the driver's passed physical examination be?
A.Within the previous 6 months
B.Within the previous 12 months
C.Within the previous 2 years
D.Within the previous 5 years
Explanation: Arkansas Code § 6-19-108(d) and 6 CAR § 334-105 require a driver seeking renewal to show a passed physical examination given by a licensed physician or APRN within the previous two years. Districts must have current drivers pass a physical at least every two years.
8Who may give the physical examination required for Arkansas school bus drivers under 6 CAR § 334-105?
A.A licensed physician or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
B.Any medical examiner on FMCSA's National Registry, including a chiropractor
C.The district transportation director after a vision screening
D.A physician assistant working under the district's transportation director
Explanation: 6 CAR § 334-105 says physical examinations required for school bus drivers may be given by either a licensed physician or an APRN only. Results go on a U.S. DOT form or the state School Bus Driver Physical Examination Form.
9Under 6 CAR § 334-105, what vision standard does the Arkansas school bus driver physical apply?
A.At least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses
B.20/40 in the better eye only, with or without corrective lenses
C.20/70 in each eye with corrective lenses
D.20/20 in each eye without corrective lenses
Explanation: The physical must determine the visual acuity of each eye, which must be at least 20/40 with or without corrective lenses. The exam also checks field of vision (at least 70 percent), color vision for red, green, and amber, and hearing.
10Under Arkansas Code § 6-19-106, which applicant may NOT be employed to drive a public school bus?
A.A 20-year-old with a clean record and the required CDL
B.A person convicted of DWI two years ago
C.A person whose only conviction was speeding four years ago
D.A person who previously worked as a substitute driver
Explanation: Arkansas Code § 6-19-106 bars anyone convicted within the past three years of operating a motor vehicle recklessly or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and anyone under 19 years of age on June 30 following their last birthday.

About the Arkansas CDL School Bus Endorsement Test Exam

The Arkansas CDL School Bus Endorsement Test is the Arkansas State Police knowledge test for the School Bus (S) endorsement. Applicants must also qualify for the Passenger (P) endorsement and pass skills tests in a school bus. The test draws on Section 10 of the Arkansas CDL manual (version 03/2025): danger zones and mirrors, loading and unloading, evacuation, railroad-highway crossings, student management, and ABS. This free bank is independent practice by OpenExamPrep that also covers Arkansas school bus law, including the 30-foot stop rule in § 27-51-1004 and DPSAFT driver certification.

Exam sponsor: Arkansas State Police Driver Examination (testing) and Arkansas DFA Driver Services (licensing). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

For the School Bus (S) endorsement, applicants must qualify for the Passenger (P) endorsement, pass the S knowledge test with at least 80%, and pass skills tests in a school bus of the same vehicle group they will drive (49 CFR 383.123). Arkansas public school drivers also need a DPSAFT school bus driver certificate. This bank is an independent multiple-choice study aid, not a copy or simulation of the official tests.

Time Limit

No Arkansas-published time limit for the School Bus knowledge test

Passing Score

80% minimum on each CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135)

Exam / Certification Fees

$50 Arkansas CDL fee for a five-year license (Act 753); CDL-1 test packet bought from a DFA Revenue Office before testing

Exam sponsor website

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

49 CFR 383.123; Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 19 and Title 27, Chapter 51, Subchapter 10; 6 CAR §§ 334-104 and 334-105

Arkansas School Bus Law and Driver Certification

S endorsement and CLP rules, DPSAFT certificate, training and physical rules, driver age and conviction limits, cell phone and seating rules, loading locations, the 30-foot stop law, divided-highway rule, penalties, and required equipment.

Manual Section 10.1

Danger Zones and Mirrors

Front, side, and rear danger zones, the left side, and adjustment of flat, convex, crossover, and overhead inside mirrors.

Manual Section 10.2

Loading and Unloading

Amber lights at least 200 feet before the stop, right turn signal 100 to 300 feet before pulling over, stopping 10 feet from students, red lights and the final traffic check, counting students, departure steps, crossing procedures, unloading at school, and post-trip checks.

Manual Section 10.3

Emergency Exit and Evacuation

When to evacuate, mandatory evacuations, safe places at least 100 feet off the road, hazmat and tornado guidance, student assistants, securing the bus, and spinal injuries.

Manual Section 10.4; Arkansas Code § 27-51-703

Railroad-Highway Crossings

Passive and active crossings, signs and markings, hazard lights, stopping 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, noise control, multiple tracks, gates, containment area, and stalled buses.

Manual Sections 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, and 11.3

Student Management and Special Safety

Behavior problems, ABS, strobe lights, high winds, backing and lookouts, tail swing, and the school bus-only vehicle inspection items.

Preparing for the Arkansas CDL School Bus Endorsement Test Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% minimum on each CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135)
  • Assessment: For the School Bus (S) endorsement, applicants must qualify for the Passenger (P) endorsement, pass the S knowledge test with at least 80%, and pass skills tests in a school bus of the same vehicle group they will drive (49 CFR 383.123). Arkansas public school drivers also need a DPSAFT school bus driver certificate. This bank is an independent multiple-choice study aid, not a copy or simulation of the official tests.
  • Time limit: No Arkansas-published time limit for the School Bus knowledge test
  • Exam / certification fees: $50 Arkansas CDL fee for a five-year license (Act 753); CDL-1 test packet bought from a DFA Revenue Office before testing Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 197 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Arkansas CDL School Bus Endorsement Test: Suggested Study Strategy

1Danger zones extend up to 30 feet in front of the bumper (the first 10 feet are the most dangerous) and 10 feet from each side and behind; the left side is always dangerous because of passing cars.
2Turn on the amber lights at least 200 feet or 5 to 10 seconds before the stop, and the right turn signal 100 to 300 feet or 3 to 5 seconds before pulling over.
3Stop with the front bumper at least 10 feet from waiting students, place the bus in Park or Neutral, set the parking brake, and make a final traffic check before opening the door.
4At crossings, stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, silence the bus, open the service door and driver's window, and never shift gears on the tracks.
5Know the Arkansas numbers: 30-foot motorist stop, 20-foot dividing strip, $500 to $2,500 fine, 24 hours of preservice training, 3 hours of in-service, and a physical every two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What endorsements do I need to drive a school bus in Arkansas?

Both the Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements. Under 49 CFR 383.123 you must qualify for the P endorsement, pass the S knowledge test, and pass skills tests in a school bus of the same vehicle group you will drive.

What is on the Arkansas CDL School Bus knowledge test?

The test is based on Section 10 of the Arkansas CDL manual: danger zones and mirrors, loading and unloading, emergency evacuation, railroad-highway crossings, student management, ABS, and special safety topics. Arkansas does not publish the number of questions; federal rules require at least 80% correct.

What does Arkansas require of public school bus drivers beyond the CDL?

Arkansas Code § 6-19-108 requires a DPSAFT school bus driver certificate, valid for one year. DPSAFT rules (6 CAR § 334-104) require at least 24 hours of preservice training for new drivers and 3 hours of in-service training each year, and 6 CAR § 334-105 requires a physical by a licensed physician or APRN at least every two years.

What is Isaac's Law in Arkansas?

Isaac's Law, Act 2128 of 2005, toughened penalties for passing a stopped school bus. Today, violating Arkansas Code § 27-51-1004 carries a $500 to $2,500 fine under § 27-51-1001(d), and negligently causing a death while illegally passing a stopped school bus is negligent homicide, a Class B felony under § 5-10-105.

When must Arkansas drivers stop for a school bus?

Under § 27-51-1004, drivers from any direction must stop at least 30 feet from a school bus showing alternating red lights and wait until it finishes loading or unloading and is moving again. Under § 27-51-1005, oncoming drivers need not stop only on a highway of four or more lanes divided by a parkway or dividing strip at least 20 feet wide.

Is this the official Arkansas CDL School Bus test?

No. This is free, independent practice by OpenExamPrep, written in English multiple-choice format from the Arkansas CDL manual, Arkansas statutes and DPSAFT rules, and federal CDL rules. It is a study aid, not a copy or simulation of the official knowledge or skills tests.