PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for Hawaii CDL School Bus

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

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

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More CDL School Bus Endorsement Test

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Maine CDL School Bus Endorsement Test

Practice Questions

Alabama CDL School Bus Endorsement Test

Practice Questions1 Job Wiki

Arizona CDL School Bus Endorsement Test

Practice Questions

California CDL School Bus Endorsement Test

Practice Questions1 Job Wiki

Colorado CDL School Bus Endorsement Test

Practice Questions1 Job Wiki

Florida CDL School Bus Endorsement Test

Practice Questions1 Job Wiki
Exam Review

Key Facts: Hawaii CDL School Bus Exam

80%

Minimum passing score on each CDL knowledge test

49 CFR 383.135

30 ft / 10 ft

Front danger zone reach and side and rear danger zone width

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 10.1

200 ft

Minimum distance before a stop to turn on amber warning lights

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 10.2.1

15 to 50 ft

Stopping distance from the nearest rail at a railroad crossing

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 10.4.3

100 ft / 300 ft

Evacuation safe place off the road, and upwind distance for a hazmat spill

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 10.3.2

Both P & S

Endorsements required to drive a school bus

49 CFR 383.123

Hawaii school bus drivers need both the Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements. The S knowledge test covers Section 10 of the Hawaii CDL Manual—danger zones, mirrors, loading and unloading, evacuation, and railroad crossings—with 80% needed to pass, and Hawaii law bars drivers under 21 from carrying passengers in a school vehicle.

Sample Hawaii CDL School Bus Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Hawaii CDL School Bus exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 174+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under 49 CFR 383.123, which Hawaii follows for CDL endorsements, what must a School Bus (S) applicant also qualify for?
A.The Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement
B.The Passenger (P) endorsement
C.A Class A license, whatever the bus size
D.The Tank Vehicle (N) endorsement
Explanation: Federal rule 49 CFR 383.123 requires an S applicant to qualify for the passenger vehicle endorsement by passing its knowledge and skills tests, pass a school bus knowledge test, and take a skills test in a school bus of the same vehicle group they will drive. Hawaii school bus drivers therefore carry both P and S.
2Which topic does 49 CFR 383.123 list for the School Bus endorsement knowledge test?
A.Coupling and uncoupling trailers and checking the fifth wheel
B.Cargo tank rollover risk and liquid surge in partly filled tanks
C.Loading and unloading children, including stop signal devices
D.Placarding and shipping papers for hazardous materials
Explanation: The federal S knowledge test covers loading and unloading children (including stop signal devices, external mirror systems, and flashing lights), emergency exits and evacuation, laws for safely crossing railroad-highway grade crossings, and other operating practices. Section 10 of the Hawaii manual covers these topics.
3Act 22 of 2026 amended HRS § 286-102.3, which lets drivers under 21 drive commercially within Hawaii. Which activity does the amended section still forbid for those drivers?
A.Holding a commercial learner's permit
B.Taking the CDL general knowledge test
C.Driving any commercial vehicle on an island other than Oahu
D.Transporting passengers in a school vehicle
Explanation: HRS § 286-102.3 lets a person aged 18 or older drive commercially in intrastate commerce under listed conditions, but that person may not transport hazardous materials or passengers in a school vehicle. For Hawaii school bus work, this means drivers under 21 cannot carry students.
4A driver who has never held an S endorsement applies for one in Hawaii in 2026. When must Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) be completed?
A.Before the S skills test
B.Before the S knowledge test
C.Within one year after the endorsement is issued
D.Only if the school bus has air brakes
Explanation: HRS § 286-236(g) and HDOT require first-time S applicants to complete ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before the S skills test. Hazardous Materials is the endorsement that requires ELDT before its knowledge test.
5A Hawaii commercial learner's permit holder has an S endorsement on the permit. Who may ride the school bus while the learner practices?
A.Students, as long as a school official rides along to supervise
B.Inspectors, examiners, trainees, and the accompanying CDL holder
C.Any adult passenger who signs a written liability release first
D.Students, but only on short routes of under five miles
Explanation: A CLP holder with an S endorsement is prohibited from operating a school bus with passengers other than federal or state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the learner. That is why a CLP with P or S carries the P (no passengers) restriction.
6Your Hawaii school bus road-test route has no real student stop or railroad crossing. What does the Hawaii manual say about testing these procedures?
A.They are skipped, and the S endorsement is issued without them
B.You must reschedule until a route with real students is available
C.Hawaii allows a simulated railroad crossing and student discharge
D.They are covered only by the written knowledge test instead
Explanation: The Hawaii skills-test instructions state that Hawaii allows a simulated railroad crossing and student discharge. You still must demonstrate the correct procedure, such as stopping at least 10 feet from students and setting the parking brake.
7On the road-test student discharge, which order does Section 13.1.10 give for leaving the stop once students are clear?
A.Close the door, turn off the lights and stop arm, check mirrors, check traffic, go
B.Check traffic, accelerate, then turn off the lights and stop arm once moving
C.Turn off the lights and stop arm, check mirrors, close the door, check traffic, go
D.Check mirrors, turn off the lights and stop arm, close the door, check traffic, go
Explanation: When resuming from the student discharge, the road-test steps are: check all mirrors, turn off the warning lights and stop arm, close the door, check traffic, and accelerate away from the stop area. The mirror check comes first so no student is in a danger zone when the protection is withdrawn.
8According to Section 10.1.1, how far can the danger zone extend in front of a school bus?
A.Up to 30 feet, with the first 10 feet most dangerous
B.About 5 feet, the length of the bumper overhang
C.10 feet from the bumper, the same as the sides and rear
D.Up to 100 feet ahead, the safe-place distance
Explanation: The danger zones may extend as much as 30 feet from the front bumper, with the first 10 feet being the most dangerous. They also extend 10 feet from each side and 10 feet behind the rear bumper.
9Section 10.1.1 says the danger zone extends how far from the left and right sides of the school bus, and how far behind the rear bumper?
A.5 feet from each side and 20 feet behind
B.15 feet from each side and 30 feet behind
C.10 feet from each side and 10 feet behind
D.30 feet on all sides
Explanation: The danger zones extend 10 feet from the left and right sides and 10 feet behind the rear bumper, and as much as 30 feet in front. Students in these areas are in the most danger of being hit by another vehicle or their own bus.
10Why does Section 10.1.1 say the area to the left of the bus is always considered dangerous?
A.Because the service door is on the left
B.Because of passing cars
C.Because the rear emergency exit opens to the left
D.Because the crossover mirror cannot see that side
Explanation: In addition to the measured danger zones, the area to the left of the bus is always considered dangerous because of passing cars. Students crossing in front of the bus pass through this area.

About the Hawaii CDL School Bus Exam

The Hawaii CDL School Bus (S) endorsement is required to drive a school bus, and applicants must also qualify for the Passenger (P) endorsement. Testing covers Section 10 of the Hawaii CDL Manual and a skills test with a student discharge in a school bus. This independent English-language multiple-choice practice bank helps you study Section 10 and Hawaii's S endorsement rules; it is a study aid, not a copy of the official test, and it does not replace school bus 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

An S applicant must qualify for the Passenger endorsement, pass a School Bus knowledge test covering Section 10 of the Hawaii CDL Manual, and pass a three-part skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving with a student discharge) in a school bus of the same vehicle group. Hawaii allows the student discharge and railroad crossing to be simulated, and first-time S applicants must complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training before skills testing.

Time Limit

No published time limit for the School Bus 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 School Bus knowledge test; $15 general knowledge test; $30 permit application; $50 prepaid skills-test appointment; $40 license fee after passing (Hawaii CDL Manual, June 2025)

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.

49 CFR 383.123, HRS §§ 286-102.3 & 286-236, Hawaii CDL Manual Sections 1 and 13

Hawaii S Endorsement Rules

Qualifying for P first, S knowledge-test scope, the under-21 school-vehicle bar, ELDT timing, the learner's-permit passenger restriction, and Hawaii's simulated student discharge on the road test.

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 10.1

Danger Zones and Mirrors

Danger zones up to 30 feet in front and 10 feet to the sides and rear, the area to the left of the bus, flat, convex, crossover, and inside mirror adjustment, and blind spots.

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 10.2

Loading and Unloading

Approaching the stop (amber lights at least 200 feet before; right turn signal 100 to 300 feet before), stopping 10 feet from students, red lights and stop arm, crossing students, missed stops, handrail hang-ups, and the post-trip walk-through.

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 10.3

Emergency Evacuation

Recognizing the hazard, mandatory evacuation conditions, student helpers, safe places (100 feet off the road toward oncoming traffic; 300 feet upwind for hazmat), securing the bus, and spinal-injury cautions.

Hawaii CDL Manual Section 10.4

Railroad-Highway Crossings

Passive and active crossings, warning signs and markings, the 15-to-50-foot stop, hazard lights about 200 feet before, multiple tracks, gates, stalled buses, and the bus-length-plus-15-feet containment rule.

Hawaii CDL Manual Sections 10.5–10.6

Student Management and ABS

Handling behavior problems safely, never putting a student off except at school or the designated stop, ABS requirements, braking with ABS, and the ABS malfunction lamp.

Hawaii CDL Manual Sections 10.7 and 11.3

Special Safety Considerations

Strobe lights, high winds, backing with a lookout, tail swing, and school-bus pre-trip items such as the emergency kit, body fluid cleanup kit, and emergency exit releases.

Preparing for the Hawaii CDL School Bus Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: At least 80% correct on each CDL knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135)
  • Assessment: An S applicant must qualify for the Passenger endorsement, pass a School Bus knowledge test covering Section 10 of the Hawaii CDL Manual, and pass a three-part skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving with a student discharge) in a school bus of the same vehicle group. Hawaii allows the student discharge and railroad crossing to be simulated, and first-time S applicants must complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training before skills testing.
  • Time limit: No published time limit for the School Bus 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 School Bus 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

  • Work through all 174 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Hawaii CDL School Bus: Suggested Study Strategy

1Study Section 10 (School Buses) of the Hawaii Commercial Driver License Manual, along with the Passenger material in Sections 2 and 4.
2Memorize the danger zones: up to 30 feet in front (the first 10 feet most dangerous) and 10 feet to each side and behind.
3Keep the approach timing straight: amber lights at least 200 feet (5 to 10 seconds) before the stop, and the right turn signal 100 to 300 feet (3 to 5 seconds) before pulling over.
4Learn what each mirror should show: flat mirrors 200 feet behind, convex mirrors the full side and a lane each side, and crossover mirrors the front danger zone and both front tires.
5Review evacuation safe places: at least 100 feet off the road toward oncoming traffic, upwind of a fire, and at least 300 feet upwind of a hazardous materials spill.
6Remember the containment rule at crossings: you need room for the length of the bus plus 15 feet beyond the tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs the School Bus (S) endorsement in Hawaii?

Anyone who drives a school bus needs the S endorsement on a CDL. Under 49 CFR 383.123, S applicants must also qualify for the Passenger (P) endorsement and take the skills test in a school bus of the same vehicle group they will drive.

What is the passing score for the Hawaii CDL School Bus test?

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

How far do the school bus danger zones extend?

Section 10.1 says the danger zones may extend as much as 30 feet from the front bumper, with the first 10 feet most dangerous, plus 10 feet from each side and 10 feet behind the rear bumper. The area to the left of the bus is always considered dangerous because of passing cars.

What should a school bus driver do at a railroad crossing?

Turn on the hazard lights about 200 feet before the crossing, stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, put the bus in Park or Neutral with the brakes held, turn off radios and quiet the students, open the service door and driver's window, and look and listen. Cross in a low gear without changing gears.

When must a school bus be evacuated?

Section 10.3 requires evacuation when the bus is on fire or threatened by fire, is stalled on or next to a railroad crossing, may shift position in a way that increases danger, faces imminent danger of collision, or must be evacuated quickly because of a hazardous materials spill.

Can I drive a school bus in Hawaii before age 21?

Plan on being 21. HRS § 286-102.3, as amended by Act 22 (2026), lets some drivers under 21 drive commercially within Hawaii but does not let them transport passengers in a school vehicle, and the June 2025 manual lists age 21 for a CDL.