PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for MT CDL School Bus

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
200+ 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: MT CDL School Bus Exam

80%

Minimum score on each CDL knowledge test

49 CFR 383.135

150 / 500 ft

Approximate amber light distances before a stop in cities and in other areas

MCA 61-8-351

30 ft

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

MCA 61-8-351

18

Minimum age to qualify as a Montana school bus driver

MCA 20-10-103

15 to 50 ft

Stopping range from the nearest rail at a railroad crossing

Montana CDL Manual Section 10.4.3

Montana school bus drivers need both the Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements; the S knowledge test requires at least 80% correct (49 CFR 383.135), and first-time applicants must complete ELDT and hold a CLP for at least 14 days before the skills tests. Montana law sets driver qualifications (at least 18, a basic first aid certificate, a medical examination report, MCA 20-10-103) and bus rules: amber lights about 150 feet before a stop in cities and about 500 feet elsewhere, red lights only when stopped to load or unload, and motorists stopping about 30 feet from the bus (MCA 61-8-351). School buses must stop at railroad crossings with or without passengers, open the door, and cross without shifting gears (MCA 61-8-349).

Sample MT CDL School Bus Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the MT CDL School Bus exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to Section 10.1.1 of the Montana CDL Manual, how far can the danger zone extend in front of a school bus?
A.Up to 10 feet, with all of it equally dangerous
B.Up to 30 feet, with the first 10 feet most dangerous
C.Up to 50 feet, with the first 20 feet most dangerous
D.Up to 15 feet, with the last 5 feet most dangerous
Explanation: Section 10.1.1 says 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 the left and right sides and 10 feet behind the rear bumper.
2Students sometimes drift toward the driver's side of a stopped bus. Why does Section 10.1.1 treat the area to the left of the bus as always dangerous?
A.Students exit on that side
B.No mirror can show that side
C.The fuel tank is mounted there
D.Passing cars travel through it
Explanation: Section 10.1.1 says the danger zones extend 10 feet from the left and right sides of the bus, and that the area to the left of the bus is always considered dangerous because of passing cars.
3What does Section 10.1.1 mean by the school bus "danger zone"?
A.All sides of the bus, where children are most likely to be hit
B.The stretch of road within 200 feet before a bus stop
C.The aisle seats nearest the rear emergency exit door
D.Only the space between the extended stop arm and the roadside curb
Explanation: Section 10.1.1 defines the danger zone as the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most danger of being hit, either by another vehicle or by their own bus.
4When the outside flat mirrors are adjusted correctly, how far behind the bus should you be able to see?
A.50 feet, or about one bus length
B.100 feet, or about two bus lengths
C.200 feet, or about four bus lengths
D.400 feet, or about eight bus lengths
Explanation: Section 10.1.3 says the outside flat mirrors should let you see 200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus, along the sides of the bus, and the rear tires touching the ground.
5Where does Section 10.1.3 say the outside flat mirrors leave blind spots?
A.Only along the right side, between the door and the rear wheels
B.Below and in front of each mirror, and behind the rear bumper
C.Only beside the rear wheels, where the convex mirrors take over
D.Nowhere at all, as long as both mirrors are adjusted properly
Explanation: Section 10.1.3 says there is a blind spot immediately below and in front of each flat mirror and directly in back of the rear bumper. The blind spot behind the bus extends 50 to 150 feet and could extend up to 400 feet, depending on the bus's length and width.
6Depending on the bus's length and width, how far behind a school bus can the blind spot extend?
A.Up to 20 feet
B.Up to 50 feet
C.Up to 100 feet
D.Up to 400 feet
Explanation: Section 10.1.3 says the blind spot behind the bus extends 50 to 150 feet and could extend up to 400 feet depending on the length and width of the bus. Section 10.1.6 also says the blind area that begins at the rear bumper could extend 400 feet or more.
7What is the drawback of the outside convex mirrors mounted below the flat mirrors?
A.People and objects do not look their true size or distance
B.They show only the area directly in front of the bumper
C.They work properly only when the stop arm is extended
D.They cannot show any traffic lanes beside the bus
Explanation: Section 10.1.4 says the convex mirrors monitor the left and right sides at a wide angle, showing traffic, clearances, and students beside the bus, but they present a view of people and objects that does not accurately reflect their size and distance from the bus.
8A properly adjusted outside convex mirror should show which of these?
A.200 feet of road behind the rear bumper
B.The top of the rear window and the heads of the riders
C.At least one traffic lane on either side of the bus
D.The ground directly in front of the front bumper
Explanation: Section 10.1.4 says the convex mirrors should be positioned to see the entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts, the front of the rear tires touching the ground, and at least one traffic lane on either side of the bus.
9What are the crossover mirrors on the front corners of a school bus mainly used to see?
A.Traffic approaching the bus from as far as 200 feet behind
B.The front bumper area and the area beside the front wheels
C.Students seated in the rows directly behind the driver
D.The rear emergency door and the roof escape hatches
Explanation: Section 10.1.5 says the crossover mirrors are used to see the danger zone directly in front of the bus that is not visible by direct vision, and to view the danger zone to the left and right sides, including the service door and front wheel area.
10When adjusting the crossover mirrors, how should their view in front of the bus relate to what you can see directly through the windshield?
A.The mirror view and direct vision should overlap
B.There should be a small gap between the two views
C.The mirror should show only what lies beyond 30 feet ahead
D.The mirror should show only the area behind the front wheels
Explanation: Section 10.1.5 says the crossover mirrors should show the entire area in front of the bus from the front bumper at ground level to a point where direct vision is possible, and that direct vision and mirror view should overlap. They should also show both front tires touching the ground and the area from the front of the bus to the service door.

About the MT CDL School Bus Exam

The Montana CDL School Bus Endorsement Test is the knowledge test for adding the School Bus (S) endorsement, which Montana MVD requires for vehicles designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, that carry pre-primary, primary, or secondary students to or from school or school-sponsored events. School bus drivers must also hold the Passenger endorsement. Independent practice by OpenExamPrep focuses on Section 10 of the Montana CDL Manual and Montana school bus law: danger zones and mirrors, loading and unloading, evacuation, railroad crossings under MCA 61-8-349, student management, ABS, and the light, stop-arm, and driver-qualification rules in MCA 61-8-351 and 20-10-103. Sections 2 and 4 are practiced in the Montana CDL Passenger bank. These four-option questions are an independent study aid, not a copy or simulation of the official MVD test, and they do not replace the skills test.

Exam sponsor: Montana Motor Vehicle Division, Montana Department of Justice. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

A written knowledge test at a Montana MVD driver license exam station; school bus drivers must also hold the Passenger endorsement. After holding a CLP at least 14 days and completing first-time ELDT, the applicant takes the pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road tests in a vehicle representative of the school bus class. Montana school law (MCA 20-10-103) adds driver qualifications, such as a first aid certificate, that districts check separately.

Time Limit

Not published by Montana MVD

Passing Score

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

Exam / Certification Fees

Montana MVD charges $35.54 (intrastate) or $41.72 (interstate) for a CDL or CLP at ages 21-71 and lists no separate School Bus endorsement fee.

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.

Manual Section 10.1 (official weight not published)

Danger Zones and Mirrors

Danger zones up to 30 feet in front of the bus (the first 10 feet most dangerous) and 10 feet to the sides and rear, plus the adjustment and blind spots of the flat, convex, crossover, and overhead inside mirrors.

Manual Section 10.2 (official weight not published)

Loading and Unloading

Approved stops, approach and stopping procedures, the 10-foot stopping and walking distances, counting students, crossing students in front of the bus, unloading at school, dropped objects, handrail hang-ups, and post-trip checks.

Manual Section 10.3 (official weight not published)

Emergency Exit and Evacuation

Deciding whether to evacuate, mandatory evacuations, student assistants, safe places (100 feet off the road toward oncoming traffic; 300 feet upwind for hazardous spills), tornadoes, securing the bus, and injured students.

Manual Section 10.4 and MCA 61-8-349 (official weight not published)

Railroad-Highway Crossings

Passive and active crossings, warning signs and stop lines, stopping 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, opening the door and window, multiple tracks, gates, stalled buses, and the bus-length-plus-15-feet containment rule.

Manual Section 10.5 (official weight not published)

Student Management

Handling behavior problems after loading and unloading, stopping off the road, speaking to students, and letting students off only at school or their designated stop.

Manual Section 10.6 (official weight not published)

Antilock Braking Systems

Which buses must have ABS, the yellow malfunction lamp, braking with and without ABS, and what ABS cannot do.

Manual Section 10.7 (official weight not published)

Special Safety Considerations

Strobe lights, high winds, backing with and without a lookout, and tail swing of up to three feet.

MVD rules, MCA 20-10-103, 61-8-351, 61-8-352, and 61-9-402 (official weight not published)

Montana School Bus Law and Endorsement

Who needs the S endorsement, the P endorsement requirement, ELDT, CLP limits, driver qualifications, amber lights about 150 feet before stops in cities and about 500 feet elsewhere, red lights only when stopped, the 30-foot motorist stopping distance, stop arms, signal lamps, and penalties.

Preparing for the MT CDL School Bus Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: At least 80% correct on each knowledge test (49 CFR 383.135)
  • Assessment: A written knowledge test at a Montana MVD driver license exam station; school bus drivers must also hold the Passenger endorsement. After holding a CLP at least 14 days and completing first-time ELDT, the applicant takes the pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road tests in a vehicle representative of the school bus class. Montana school law (MCA 20-10-103) adds driver qualifications, such as a first aid certificate, that districts check separately.
  • Time limit: Not published by Montana MVD
  • Exam / certification fees: Montana MVD charges $35.54 (intrastate) or $41.72 (interstate) for a CDL or CLP at ages 21-71 and lists no separate School Bus endorsement fee. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 200 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MT CDL School Bus: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize the danger zones: up to 30 feet in front (the first 10 feet most dangerous), 10 feet on each side, and 10 feet behind the bus.
2Know Montana's light rules: ambers about 150 feet before a stop in cities and about 500 feet elsewhere, and red lights only while stopped to load or unload.
3Learn what each mirror must show, including the overlap between the crossover mirrors and direct vision.
4Drill railroad crossings: stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, open the service door and window, quiet the students, and never shift gears on the tracks.
5Review evacuation safe places: 100 feet off the road toward oncoming traffic, 300 feet upwind for spills, and away from the tracks toward an oncoming train.
6Study Sections 2 and 4 as well; MVD's school bus supplement lists them along with Section 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which endorsements do I need to drive a school bus in Montana?

Montana MVD says school bus drivers need the School Bus (S) endorsement and must also have the Passenger (P) endorsement. If the bus has air brakes, you also need to pass the air brakes knowledge test to avoid an L restriction.

What does the Montana School Bus knowledge test cover?

MVD's School Bus Endorsement Supplemental Manual (25-1600) says the school bus test covers Sections 2, 4, and 10 of the CDL manual. Montana MVD does not publish the number of questions, the time limit, or the test languages, and 49 CFR 383.135 requires at least 80% correct.

When must a Montana school bus turn on its amber and red lights?

MCA 61-8-351 says the amber flashing lights must be turned on approximately 150 feet before a stop in cities and approximately 500 feet before a stop in other areas. The red lights may be used only when the bus is stopped on the highway or street to receive or discharge school children.

How far must other drivers stop from a Montana school bus?

Under MCA 61-8-351, drivers approaching from either direction must stop not less than approximately 30 feet from a school bus showing flashing red lights and may not pass until the lights stop. Drivers may never pass a stopped school bus on the right; drivers on a separate roadway of a divided highway need not stop.

What are the railroad crossing rules for Montana school buses?

MCA 61-8-349 requires a school bus, with or without passengers, to stop as close as practicable but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail, open the door, look and listen both ways, and cross without shifting gears. Section 10.4.3 of the manual adds stopping 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, turning off radios and noisy equipment, quieting students, and opening the driver's window.

What qualifications does Montana law set for school bus drivers?

MCA 20-10-103 requires a school bus driver to be at least 18 and of good moral character, hold a CDL for buses designed to carry more than 10 passengers (or a Montana driver's license for 10 or fewer), file a satisfactory medical examination report with the district, hold a valid basic first aid certificate, meet any Board of Public Education qualifications, and have the trustees' certificate filed with the county superintendent.

Where should students go during an emergency evacuation?

Section 10.3.2 says a safe place is at least 100 feet off the road in the direction of oncoming traffic, upwind if there is a fire, at least 300 feet upwind for a hazardous materials spill, and away from railroad tracks toward any oncoming train.

Are these practice questions the official Montana test?

No. This is independent practice by OpenExamPrep built from the Montana CDL Manual, MVD's school bus supplement, and Montana law. The four-option questions are a study aid, not a copy or simulation of the official MVD test, and they do not replace the skills tests.