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Free Practice Questions for ND CDL School Bus

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Sample ND CDL School Bus Practice Questions

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

1Under NDDOT's definition, which vehicle requires the School Bus (S) endorsement?
A.Any vehicle that carries children to school for a fee, no matter how many seats it has
B.A bus designed for 16+ persons, including the driver, used to carry students for school
C.Any bus painted school-bus yellow, even one now used as a common carrier for the public
D.A van that seats 10 or more students and is used only for after-school field trips
Explanation: NDDOT says the S endorsement is required to operate a school bus designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, used to carry pre-primary, primary, or secondary students between home and school or to and from school-related events. A bus used as a common carrier is not a school bus.
2Besides the knowledge test, what vehicle must you use for the North Dakota school bus road test?
A.Any Class B vehicle that has air brakes and a manual transmission
B.Any passenger bus the employer provides, whether or not it has school bus warning lights
C.A Class C van that seats at least 10 students and has a stop arm
D.A representative school bus equipped with flashing red lights for loading and unloading
Explanation: NDDOT says the S endorsement requires a knowledge test and a road test in a representative school bus equipped with flashing red lights for loading and unloading school children.
3Under federal rule 49 CFR 383.123, what must a school bus endorsement applicant also qualify for?
A.The passenger (P) endorsement, by passing its knowledge and skills tests
B.The hazardous materials (H) endorsement, including its TSA background check
C.The tank vehicle (N) endorsement for the bus's fuel system
D.The doubles/triples (T) endorsement for towing a trailer
Explanation: 49 CFR 383.123 says an applicant for the school bus endorsement must qualify for the passenger vehicle endorsement by passing its knowledge and skills tests, pass the school bus knowledge test, and take a skills test in a school bus of the same vehicle group.
4Your district's only test vehicle is a small school bus rated under 26,001 pounds GVWR. If you take your S road test in it, how will your license be limited?
A.No airbrake equipped CMV
B.CDL for intrastate only
C.No Class A or B passenger bus
D.No manual transmission equipped CMV
Explanation: NDDOT says that if you road test in a school bus under 26,001 pounds GVWR, you will be restricted to 'No Class A or B Passenger Bus.'
5North Dakota's medical category chart lists school bus operations that cross state lines. What does it say the school bus driver must do with the medical certificate?
A.Carry the medical certificate while driving, and do not send it to the Driver License Division
B.Mail a paper copy to the Driver License Division before every school year
C.Nothing, because school bus trips are exempt from medical certificates
D.Leave it on file at the school district office instead of carrying it
Explanation: In the North Dakota manual's category chart, Category 2 covers interstate operations that are excepted from parts of the federal rules. No medical certificate is required there, except for school bus operations: for school bus operations that cross state lines, the medical certificate must be carried by the school bus driver, and the manual says not to send it to the Driver License Division.
6Under North Dakota law, when may a school bus run on tires with metal studs?
A.Only from November 1 through March 31
B.Only from October 15 to April 15, the same as other vehicles
C.At any time of the year
D.Never, because studded tires are banned on school buses
Explanation: NDCC 39-21-40 allows studded tires on vehicles from October 15 to April 15, but permits them on school buses at any time during the year. The North Dakota section of the manual repeats this: a school bus may have studded tires at any time of year when transporting school children.
7Under NDCC 39-10-46, how tall must the letters on the 'SCHOOLBUS' signs be, and where must the signs be?
A.At least 6 inches, on the front, rear, and both sides
B.At least 10 inches, on the rear only
C.At least 12 inches, on the front only
D.At least 8 inches, on the front and rear
Explanation: NDCC 39-10-46 says every school bus must bear plainly visible signs on the front and rear containing the word 'SCHOOLBUS' in letters not less than eight inches high.
8Under NDCC 39-10-46, what must happen to 'SCHOOLBUS' markings when the bus is driven for some purpose other than carrying children to or from school or a school-sanctioned activity?
A.They may stay uncovered if the stop arm is switched off
B.They must be covered or concealed
C.They must be removed permanently from the bus
D.They must be replaced with a 'CHARTER' sign
Explanation: NDCC 39-10-46 says that when a school bus is operated on a highway for purposes other than actually transporting children to or from school or a school-sanctioned activity, all 'SCHOOLBUS' markings must be covered or concealed.
9Which sign must every North Dakota school bus carry on its rear, under NDCC 39-10-46?
A.'DO NOT PASS WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING ON THIS BUS'
B.'STOP WHEN SIGNAL ARM IS EXTENDED'
C.'THIS SCHOOLBUS STOPS AT ALL RAILROAD CROSSINGS'
D.'CAUTION: FREQUENT STOPS'
Explanation: NDCC 39-10-46 says every school bus must bear on the rear a plainly visible sign containing the words 'THIS SCHOOLBUS STOPS AT ALL RAILROAD CROSSINGS.'
10Under NDCC 39-10-46, when may a motorist who stopped for a school bus showing flashing red lights or its stop arm go on?
A.When the bus moves, the driver waves them on, or the red lights and stop arm go off
B.After waiting 30 seconds, if no children are in the road
C.Once the last child is seated on the bus, even while the red lights are still flashing
D.As soon as the bus driver closes the door, whatever the lights show
Explanation: NDCC 39-10-46 says the driver may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion, the school bus driver signals the driver to proceed, or the flashing red lights and stop arm are no longer actuated.

About the ND CDL School Bus Exam

The North Dakota CDL School Bus endorsement test is the NDDOT knowledge test for drivers who want the S endorsement, which is required to drive a school bus designed for 16 or more persons, including the driver, that carries students to or from school or school events. Applicants must also qualify for the Passenger endorsement. NDDOT gives the test in English only. Independent practice by OpenExamPrep offers four-option study questions with explanations on Section 10 of the North Dakota CDL Manual (danger zones, mirrors, loading and unloading, evacuation, railroad crossings, student management, ABS, and special safety) and on North Dakota school bus law, including NDCC 39-10-46 signs and amber lights and the NDCC 39-10-43 railroad stop. These multiple-choice questions are a study aid, not a copy or simulation of the official test, and they do not replace ELDT or the skills tests.

Exam sponsor: North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), Driver License Division. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

A knowledge test at an NDDOT driver license site on school bus operations from the North Dakota CDL Manual. Applicants must also qualify for the Passenger (P) endorsement. After completing ELDT and holding a commercial learner's permit for at least 14 days, the applicant takes the pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road tests, including a student discharge, in a representative school bus with flashing red lights.

Time Limit

Not published by NDDOT

Passing Score

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

Exam / Certification Fees

$5 per knowledge test attempt; $15 commercial learner's permit ($20 non-domiciled); $3 per endorsement; $5 road test

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.

NDDOT rules and NDCC chapters 39-06.2, 39-10, and 39-21 (official weight not published)

North Dakota School Bus Law and Licensing

Endorsement requirements, permit limits, school bus signs, motorist stopping rules and penalties, signal lamps, the stop arm, strobes, studded tires, and the interstate medical certificate rule.

Manual Section 10.1 (official weight not published)

Danger Zones and Mirrors

Danger zone distances and the adjustment and blind spots of each mirror.

Manual Section 10.2 and the North Dakota section of the manual (official weight not published)

Loading and Unloading

Amber and red light rules, stopping position, securing the bus, counting and crossing students, unloading at school, dropped objects, handrail hang-ups, and post-trip checks.

Manual Section 10.3 (official weight not published)

Emergency Exit and Evacuation

Evacuation decisions, mandatory evacuations, safe places, tornadoes, securing the bus, and injured students.

Manual Section 10.4 and NDCC 39-10-43 (official weight not published)

Railroad-Highway Crossings

Crossing types, stop lines, the 15-to-50-foot stop, North Dakota's open-door rule, multiple tracks, gates, stalled buses, and containment space.

Manual Section 10.5 (official weight not published)

Student Management

Behavior problems, stopping and securing the bus, and where students may be let off.

Manual Sections 10.6 and 10.7 (official weight not published)

ABS and Special Safety Considerations

ABS requirements and use, high winds, backing, and tail swing.

Manual Section 11.3 and the North Dakota section of the manual (official weight not published)

School Bus Inspection Items

Emergency and body fluid kits, warning light indicators and lights, student mirrors, and seating.

Preparing for the ND 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 knowledge test at an NDDOT driver license site on school bus operations from the North Dakota CDL Manual. Applicants must also qualify for the Passenger (P) endorsement. After completing ELDT and holding a commercial learner's permit for at least 14 days, the applicant takes the pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road tests, including a student discharge, in a representative school bus with flashing red lights.
  • Time limit: Not published by NDDOT
  • Exam / certification fees: $5 per knowledge test attempt; $15 commercial learner's permit ($20 non-domiciled); $3 per endorsement; $5 road test 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

ND CDL School Bus: Suggested Study Strategy

1Learn North Dakota's school bus statutes: amber lights 300 to 500 feet before a stop (NDCC 39-10-46), 8-inch 'SCHOOLBUS' letters, the rear railroad sign, and the $250 fee and 6 points for passing a stopped bus.
2Know what each mirror should show: flat mirrors 200 feet behind, convex mirrors the whole side and one lane, crossover mirrors the front bumper zone and both front tires.
3Drill the evacuation numbers: at least 100 feet off the road toward oncoming traffic, and at least 300 feet upwind for hazardous spills.
4After every route, walk the bus from front to back and check for sleeping or hiding students and items left behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You need the School Bus (S) endorsement, and federal rule 49 CFR 383.123 requires school bus applicants to qualify for the Passenger (P) endorsement too. If the bus has air brakes, pass the air brakes knowledge test and test in an air-braked bus to avoid an air brake restriction.

When may a North Dakota school bus driver turn on the amber lights?

NDCC 39-10-46 says a driver of a school bus with amber caution lights may activate them not less than 300 feet nor more than 500 feet from the point where children will be picked up or let off.

What happens to a driver who passes a stopped school bus in North Dakota?

Under NDCC 39-10-46, drivers must stop for a school bus showing flashing red lights or its stop arm. A violation carries a $250 statutory fee (NDCC 39-06.1-06) and 6 points (NDCC 39-06.1-10). Under NDCC 39-10-46.1, the registered owner is presumed to have permitted the violation unless they identify the driver.

What are the railroad crossing rules for North Dakota school buses?

NDCC 39-10-43 requires school buses to stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail, look and listen both ways, and cross without shifting gears manually. The North Dakota section of the manual adds that the hazard lights go on about 200 feet before the crossing and the driver must open the entrance door to look and listen.

How far does the danger zone around a school bus extend?

Section 10.1.1 says the danger zone may extend up to 30 feet in front of the bumper, with the first 10 feet most dangerous, and 10 feet from the sides and behind the rear bumper. The area to the left of the bus is always dangerous because of passing cars.

Where should students go during an evacuation?

Section 10.3.2 says a safe place is at least 100 feet off the road in the direction of oncoming traffic. Lead students upwind if there is fire, and at least 300 feet upwind if there is a risk from spilled hazardous materials.

Are these practice questions the same as the official test?

No. They are independent four-option study questions written from the North Dakota CDL Manual and state law. They help you review the material but are not a copy or simulation of the NDDOT test and do not replace ELDT or the skills tests.