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Exam Review

Key Facts: CDL School Bus Exam

80%

Passing Score

State DMVs

100

Questions

Varies by state

60 minutes

Exam Time

Varies by state

$100

Exam Fee

Varies by state

Sample CDL School Bus Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CDL School Bus exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the area around a school bus where children are most in danger of being hit?
A.The 'Danger Zone'
B.The 'Safe Zone'
C.The 'Loading Zone'
D.The 'No-Go Zone'
Explanation: The 'Danger Zone' is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most danger of being hit, either by another vehicle or their own bus. The Danger Zone extends as much as 30 feet from the front bumper, 10 feet from the left and right sides of the bus and 10 feet behind the rear bumper of the school bus.
2When approaching a railroad crossing, you must stop your school bus:
A.Between 15 and 50 feet before the nearest rail
B.Only if you see a train coming
C.At the railroad crossing gate
D.On the railroad tracks
Explanation: You must stop your school bus between 15 and 50 feet before the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. You must not proceed until you are sure that no train is approaching and that it is safe to cross.
3What is the proper procedure for loading and unloading students?
A.Activate the alternating flashing red lights
B.Stop the bus, open the door, and let the students on or off
C.Stop the bus, activate the hazard lights, and then let the students on or off
D.Stop the bus, honk the horn, and then let the students on or off
Explanation: The proper procedure for loading and unloading students is to activate the alternating flashing red lights. This indicates to other drivers that you are stopped to load or unload students. You should also extend the stop arm and make sure that all traffic has stopped before allowing students to enter or exit the bus.
4When should you conduct a pre-trip inspection of your school bus?
A.Before each trip
B.Once a week
C.At the end of the day
D.Only when you suspect a problem
Explanation: You should conduct a pre-trip inspection of your school bus before each trip. This is a critical safety procedure that helps to ensure that your bus is in good working order and that there are no mechanical problems that could endanger your passengers.
5What should you do in the event of an emergency on your school bus?
A.Evacuate the bus, if necessary, and call for help
B.Continue driving to the nearest school
C.Ask the students to call their parents
D.Wait for another bus to arrive
Explanation: In the event of an emergency on your school bus, you should evacuate the bus, if necessary, and call for help. The safety of your passengers is your top priority. You should have an emergency plan in place and be prepared to act quickly and calmly.
6What is the 'blind spot' of a school bus?
A.The area around the bus that the driver cannot see in the mirrors
B.The area inside the bus where the driver cannot see the students
C.The area directly in front of the bus
D.The area directly behind the bus
Explanation: The 'blind spot' of a school bus is the area around the bus that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. It is important to be aware of your blind spots and to use your mirrors and other safety devices to check for children and other vehicles before moving the bus.
7When are you allowed to use the shoulder of the road to load or unload students?
A.Never
B.Only in an emergency
C.When there is no other safe place to stop
D.When directed to do so by a police officer
Explanation: You are never allowed to use the shoulder of the road to load or unload students. You must always stop in a designated loading or unloading zone. This is a critical safety rule that helps to protect students from traffic.
8What is the minimum age for a school bus driver?
A.21 years old
B.18 years old
C.25 years old
D.There is no minimum age
Explanation: The minimum age for a school bus driver is 21 years old. This is a federal requirement that is designed to ensure that school bus drivers are mature and responsible enough to handle the job.
9What is the maximum speed limit for a school bus?
A.55 mph, or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower
B.65 mph
C.70 mph
D.There is no maximum speed limit
Explanation: The maximum speed limit for a school bus is 55 mph, or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower. This is a safety rule that is designed to protect students and other drivers.
10When are you required to use your headlights?
A.At all times
B.Only at night
C.Only when it is raining
D.Only when it is foggy
Explanation: You are required to use your headlights at all times when driving a school bus. This is a safety rule that helps other drivers to see you and to avoid accidents.

About the CDL School Bus Exam

The School Bus (S) Endorsement is a special authorization required for drivers who wish to operate a school bus. This endorsement ensures that the driver has the knowledge and skills to transport students safely.

Exam sponsor: State DMVs. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

100 questions

Time Limit

60 minutes

Passing Score

80%

Exam / Certification Fees

$100

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: N/A. Pass rates are not publicly available Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

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.

25%

Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors

Understanding the areas around the bus where children are most in danger, and how to use mirrors to monitor these zones.

25%

Loading and Unloading

Proper procedures for safely loading and unloading students, including the use of flashing lights, stop arms, and hand signals.

20%

Emergency Procedures

Handling emergency situations such as evacuations, fires, and accidents.

15%

Vehicle Inspection

Conducting pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the bus is in safe operating condition.

15%

Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings

The specific procedures and precautions for safely crossing railroad tracks.

Preparing for the CDL School Bus Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 60 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: $100 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CDL School Bus: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize the dimensions of the danger zones around the bus.
2Practice the procedures for loading and unloading students until they are second nature.
3Know the proper use of all mirrors.
4Study the procedures for crossing railroad tracks, as this is a critical safety area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the School Bus Endorsement exam?

You must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly to pass.

How many questions are on the exam?

The exam typically has 25 questions, but this can vary by state.

What is the cost of the exam?

The fee for the endorsement varies by state, but is typically around $100.