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ArticleCDL Passenger Endorsement Exam Guide 2026: P Endorsement Study Plan12 min read
Exam Review

Key Facts: Hawaii CDL Passenger Exam

80%

Minimum passing score on each CDL knowledge test

49 CFR 383.135

16+

Design capacity, including the driver, that requires the P endorsement

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 1

15 to 50 ft

Stopping distance before a railroad crossing

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 4.3.5

500 lb / 100 lb

Total limit and per-class limit for allowed hazardous materials on a bus

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 4.2.2

180 days

Hawaii commercial learner's permit validity, renewable once

HRS § 286-236

$5

Fee for each special knowledge test, such as Passenger

Hawaii CDL Manual (June 2025)

Hawaii bus drivers need the Passenger (P) endorsement for any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver. County licensing offices give a knowledge test on Sections 2 and 4 of the Hawaii CDL Manual (80% to pass) and a three-part skills test in a passenger vehicle, with ELDT required first for new P applicants.

Sample Hawaii CDL Passenger Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Hawaii CDL Passenger exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 194+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Kekoa will drive a 24-seat shuttle bus with a GVWR under 26,001 pounds. Under Section 1 of the Hawaii CDL manual, does he need a Passenger (P) endorsement?
A.No, since the shuttle's GVWR is below the 26,001-pound Class B line
B.No, since only buses that carry paying riders need a P
C.Yes, since it is designed for 16 or more people, driver included
D.Yes, but only when he drives it in interstate commerce
Explanation: The manual says anyone who wishes to drive a vehicle with a design capacity of 16 or more people, including the driver, must add a passenger endorsement, and it applies to buses in any class (A, B, or C). A 24-seat shuttle under 26,001 pounds is a Class C bus but still needs the P endorsement.
2According to Section 4 of the Hawaii CDL manual, which knowledge material must a bus driver pass to get the Passenger endorsement?
A.Sections 2 and 4, plus Section 5 if the bus has air brakes
B.Section 4 only, because Section 2 belongs to the general knowledge test
C.Sections 4 and 10, because every bus driver must learn school bus rules
D.Sections 4 and 9, because buses may carry some hazardous materials
Explanation: Section 4 states that the passenger endorsement requires a knowledge test on Sections 2 and 4. If the bus has air brakes, the driver must also pass the Section 5 air brakes knowledge test.
3A Hawaii applicant takes the passenger skills test in a Class B bus and passes. Which restriction does the Hawaii manual say goes on the P endorsement?
A.Code N: restricted to Class C passenger vehicles only
B.Code K: intrastate operation only
C.Code P: no passengers allowed in a CDL bus
D.Code M: no Class A passenger vehicle
Explanation: Hawaii's Code M restricts the passenger endorsement to Class B and C vehicles when the skills test is taken in a Class B bus. The driver would need to test in a Class A passenger vehicle to remove it.
4Kalani passes the Hawaii passenger skills test in a Class C passenger vehicle. Under the manual's restriction codes, which buses may he drive with that P endorsement?
A.Class B and Class C passenger vehicles
B.Only Class C passenger vehicles
C.Any passenger vehicle, because the endorsement covers all classes
D.Only Class C buses operating on Lanai or Molokai
Explanation: Code N (no Class A/B passenger vehicle) applies when the passenger skills test is taken in a Group C vehicle, so the driver is restricted to Class C passenger vehicles. Testing in a larger representative bus avoids this restriction.
5A Hawaii commercial learner's permit (CLP) holder with a P endorsement is practicing in a bus. Which of these people may legally ride along?
A.A test examiner
B.A fare-paying rider who signs a waiver
C.An off-duty co-worker who needs a ride home
D.A relative who stays behind the standee line
Explanation: A CLP with a P endorsement carries the P restriction: no passengers in the CMV bus other than federal or state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the learner. Anyone else counts as a prohibited passenger.
6Under HRS § 286-236, how soon after obtaining a Hawaii commercial learner's permit may the holder take the CDL skills test?
A.No earlier than 7 days after obtaining the permit
B.No earlier than 30 days after obtaining the permit
C.No earlier than 14 days after obtaining the permit
D.Only after the permit has been renewed once
Explanation: HRS § 286-236(e) makes a CLP holder eligible for the skills test no earlier than 14 days after obtaining the permit, and the Hawaii manual repeats the 14-day wait. The wait is a minimum, not a deadline.
7How long is a Hawaii commercial learner's permit valid, according to HRS § 286-236 and the current Hawaii CDL manual?
A.One year from the date of issue, with no renewal allowed
B.180 days, renewable once for another 180 days
C.90 days, after which all knowledge tests must be retaken
D.Two years, matching the maximum medical certificate period
Explanation: The CLP is valid for no more than 180 days and may be renewed for no more than an additional 180 days without retaking the general or endorsement knowledge tests. Older Hawaii handouts that describe a one-year instruction permit are out of date.
8A Hawaii CDL holder is adding a Passenger endorsement for the first time in 2026. When must Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) be completed and verified?
A.Before taking the Passenger knowledge test
B.Within 30 days after passing the Passenger skills test
C.Only if the driver will operate in interstate commerce
D.Before taking the Passenger skills test
Explanation: HRS § 286-236(g) and HDOT require first-time P applicants to complete ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before the P skills test. A state may still issue a CLP before ELDT is finished.
9Act 22 of 2026 amended HRS § 286-236 so Hawaii may issue a CDL to someone aged 18 to 20. Which condition does the amended statute require?
A.The license must carry the K restriction limiting it to intrastate commerce
B.The driver must be accompanied by a licensed CDL holder for the first year
C.The license must carry the R restriction for Lanai and Molokai
D.The driver must wait until age 21 before adding a P endorsement
Explanation: Under HRS § 286-236(i), an 18-to-20-year-old may be issued a CDL only if it bears the K (intrastate only) restriction, all other state and federal requirements are met, and the applicant is in, or has completed, a qualifying apprenticeship or employer training program. The June 2025 manual still says applicants must be 21, so it predates this change.
10During the Hawaii basic control skills test in a bus, what does the Hawaii manual require?
A.Leave the front door open so you can check your position without counting a look
B.Keep the doors closed, and hold the handrail if you get out to look
C.Exit backward facing the bus each time, exactly as truck drivers must
D.Remove your seat belt so you can lean out of the window for a better view
Explanation: Hawaii requires passenger and school bus doors to be closed during the basic control skills test and requires a seat belt. Bus drivers do not have to exit backward but must hold on to the rails as they exit, and opening the door to check position counts as a look.

About the Hawaii CDL Passenger Exam

The Hawaii CDL Passenger (P) endorsement is required to drive a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver, in any license class. It requires a knowledge test on Sections 2 and 4 of the Hawaii CDL Manual and a skills test in a passenger vehicle. This independent English-language multiple-choice practice bank helps you study those manual sections and Hawaii's P endorsement rules; it is a study aid, not a copy of the official test, and it does not replace vehicle inspection or driving practice.

Exam sponsor: Hawaii Department of Transportation & County Licensing Divisions. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The Passenger knowledge test covers Sections 2 and 4 of the Hawaii CDL Manual; the Section 5 air brakes test is separate and applies if the bus has air brakes. The skills test has three parts taken in order at one appointment—pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving—in a representative passenger vehicle, and first-time P applicants must complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training before it.

Time Limit

No published time limit for the Passenger knowledge test; the Hawaii skills test allows up to 1.5 hours in a Class B or smaller vehicle (2 hours in Class A)

Passing Score

At least 80% correct on each CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135)

Exam / Certification Fees

$5 Passenger knowledge test; $15 general knowledge test; $30 permit application; $50 prepaid skills-test appointment; $40 license fee after passing (Hawaii CDL Manual, June 2025)

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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.

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 1 & HRS § 286-236

Hawaii P Endorsement Rules

The 16-or-more-people design-capacity threshold, CLP passenger restriction, 14-day CLP wait and 180-day validity, ELDT before the P skills test, restriction codes M and N, the 2026 under-21 rule, and Hawaii skills-test rules for buses.

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 4.1 (with Sections 2.1 and 11.5)

Bus Inspection

Emergency equipment, front-tire rules, access panels, interior items, emergency exits and roof hatches, coach inspection items, and signing the previous driver's report.

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 4.2

Loading and Hazardous Materials

Aisle and doorway clearance, baggage securement goals, permitted and forbidden hazardous materials, the 500-pound total and 100-pound per-class limits, the standee line, and arrival announcements.

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 4.3 (with Section 13)

On the Road and Crossings

Passenger supervision, disruptive riders, common bus crashes, banked curves, railroad crossings (stop 15 to 50 feet before), and drawbridges (stop at least 50 feet before the draw).

Hawaii CDL Manual Sections 4.4–4.6

After-Trip Inspection and Prohibited Practices

End-of-shift inspection and written reports, fueling with riders aboard, distraction, towing a disabled bus, and brake-door interlocks.

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 2

Driving Safely for Bus Drivers

Following distance, stopping distance, wet-road speed, overhead clearance, right turns, visual search, and warning-device placement.

Preparing for the Hawaii CDL Passenger Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: At least 80% correct on each CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135)
  • Assessment: The Passenger knowledge test covers Sections 2 and 4 of the Hawaii CDL Manual; the Section 5 air brakes test is separate and applies if the bus has air brakes. The skills test has three parts taken in order at one appointment—pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving—in a representative passenger vehicle, and first-time P applicants must complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training before it.
  • Time limit: No published time limit for the Passenger knowledge test; the Hawaii skills test allows up to 1.5 hours in a Class B or smaller vehicle (2 hours in Class A)
  • Exam / certification fees: $5 Passenger knowledge test; $15 general knowledge test; $30 permit application; $50 prepaid skills-test appointment; $40 license fee after passing (Hawaii CDL Manual, June 2025) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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Hawaii CDL Passenger: Suggested Study Strategy

1Study Sections 2 and 4 of the Hawaii Commercial Driver License Manual; add Section 5 if your bus has air brakes.
2Memorize the stopping distances: 15 to 50 feet before a railroad crossing and at least 50 feet before an unsignaled, unattended drawbridge.
3Know the hazardous-materials limits: 500 pounds total of allowed materials, no more than 100 pounds of any one class, and the list of materials a bus may never carry.
4Learn the standee rule: no rider may stand forward of the rear of the driver's seat.
5Know the Hawaii restriction codes for passenger testing: M after a Class B bus test, N after a Class C test, and P on a learner's permit.
6Practice the following-distance rule: one second per 10 feet of vehicle length, plus one second above 40 mph.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs the Passenger (P) endorsement in Hawaii?

The Hawaii CDL Manual says anyone who drives a vehicle with a design capacity of 16 or more people, including the driver, must add a Passenger endorsement. It applies to buses in any class (A, B, or C), so a light Class C bus can still require it.

What is the passing score for the Hawaii CDL Passenger test?

Federal rule 49 CFR 383.135 requires at least 80% correct on each CDL knowledge test, including the Passenger test. Hawaii does not publish a fixed number of questions for this test.

Can a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) holder carry passengers in Hawaii?

No. A CLP with a P endorsement carries the P restriction: the learner may not carry passengers other than federal or state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the learner.

What are the railroad crossing rules for buses in Hawaii?

Section 4 says to stop between 15 and 50 feet before a railroad crossing, look and listen both ways, open the forward door if it helps you see or hear, and never change gears while crossing with a manual transmission. Hawaii also allows a simulated railroad crossing on the road test.

Which hazardous materials may never be carried on a bus?

Section 4.2.2 lists Division 2.3 poison gas, liquid Class 6 poison, tear gas, irritating material, more than 100 pounds of solid Class 6 poisons, explosives in the passenger space (except small-arms ammunition), and labeled radioactive materials in the passenger space. Allowed hazardous materials are capped at 500 pounds total and 100 pounds of any one class.

Can I get a Hawaii CDL before age 21?

You can get a commercial learner's permit at 18. Act 22 (2026) also allows Hawaii to issue an intrastate-only (K-restricted) CDL to 18-to-20-year-olds who are in, or have completed, a qualifying apprenticeship or employer training program, although the June 2025 manual still lists age 21. Interstate driving requires age 21.

Where are Hawaii CDL tests given?

The manual lists Honolulu's CDL Office in Pearl City; Hawaii County offices in Hilo, the West Hawaii Civic Center in Kona, and Waimea; Maui County's Central Service Center plus Molokai and Lanai offices; and Kauai's Department of Finance in Lihue.