School Bus (S) Endorsement
This endorsement allows a CDL driver to operate a school bus transporting students to and from school.
What is the “S” endorsement?
This endorsement is required to operate a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
What is the “P” endorsement?
Both “S” and “P” endorsement drivers must take this type of skills test in addition to written exams.
What is a road/skills test in the actual type of vehicle they will drive?
Before you begin your trip, you must check these parts to ensure they’re clean, secure, and not cracked or broken.
What are the mirrors and windshield?
The minimum tread depth for a front steering tire is this measurement.
What is 4/32 of an inch?
Before getting an “S” endorsement, a driver must already have this endorsement.
What is the “P” (Passenger) endorsement?
To earn a “P” endorsement, a driver must pass this type of test in addition to the general knowledge test.
What is a passenger transport knowledge test?
These mirrors are crucial for both passenger and school bus drivers to monitor danger zones around the vehicle.
What are crossover and side mirrors?
You check these lights at the front of the vehicle to ensure they’re clean, functional, and the correct color.
What are the headlights, clearance lights, and turn signals?
The tire should be properly inflated, not cut, and free from these — which can cause slow leaks or blowouts.
What are nails, bulges, or other damage?
To qualify for the “S” endorsement, applicants must pass this type of background check.
What is an FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check?
During the passenger vehicle road test, drivers must show they can do this safely before letting passengers board.
What is secure the vehicle and open the door only when safe?
Drivers with either of these endorsements must complete training on how to handle this type of emergency.
What is an evacuation or passenger emergency?
These should be securely mounted, not cracked or leaking, and filled to the proper level to prevent overheating.
What is the coolant reservoir?
These fasteners should be tight, with no shiny threads or rust trails indicating looseness.
What are lug nuts?
During student loading and unloading, this device must be used to stop traffic in both directions.
What is the stop arm and flashing red lights?
Passenger endorsement drivers must know how to check these parts inside the bus to ensure passenger safety.
What are handrails, emergency exits, and seating?
A driver who fails to properly secure this before moving could lose their endorsement.
What is the passenger or student compartment door?
During your inspection, you tug gently on these components to make sure the steering system isn’t loose.
What are the steering linkage components (pitman arm, drag link, tie rod, etc.)?
This part seals the hub and prevents oil from leaking onto the brake components.
What is the hub oil seal?
This is the only time a school bus driver should back up the bus when students are present.
What is only when absolutely unavoidable and with a spotter guiding them?
Passenger endorsement holders must never allow riders to do this while the bus is moving.
What is stand forward of the standee line or in front of the driver’s area?
This is the federal regulation that governs the training standards for obtaining “S” and “P” endorsements.
What is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR) Part 383 Subpart F?
These should have no more than 1/4 inch of play where they connect to the slack adjuster when pulled by hand.
What are the brake pushrods?
Tires on the same axle should be the same size and not show this type of uneven pattern.
What is mismatched or uneven wear?