Bus Driver Testing | California 2026 #1

Train for FREE online with our CA bus CDL test. The official exam test consists of several obligatory parts, with all of them checking your knowledge of different blocks of road rules. If you need to obtain a license in California in 2026, learn how to become a bus driver and then practice as much as possible. Free sample tests published on our website will help you check and improve your knowledge and boost your grades. Please bear in mind that DMV requirements for a bus driver may vary from state to state.

Number of Question 20

Passing Score 16

Number of Tests 20

1 . If a student is believed to have suffered a back injury, you should:

Move them off the bus.

Not move them.

Encourage them to try to stand.

A school bus driver should not attempt to move a student who has suffered a neck or spinal injury unless the student's life is in immediate danger.

2 . After students unload at the school, a driver should:

Not be concerned with the students' whereabouts.

Leave after the students have entered the school building.

Walk through the bus to check for any sleeping students.

After students unload at school, a school bus driver should walk through the bus to check for sleeping students, hiding students, and items that students may have left behind. Students should exit the bus in an orderly fashion with the driver supervising.

3 . When properly adjusted, the flat mirrors on a school bus should display:

The sides of the school bus.

The ground under the school bus.

The front tires touching the ground.

Properly adjusted flat mirrors on a school bus should allow the driver to see 200 feet behind the bus, the base of each rear wheel, and the sides of the bus.

4 . When completing a conventional parallel parking maneuver, you should:

Back up past the parking space, then pull forward into it.

Pull forward past the parking space, then back into it.

Pull forward directly into the parking space.

You may be asked to complete a conventional parallel parking maneuver into a parking space that is to the right of your vehicle. You should drive past the parking space before backing into it while bringing the rear of your vehicle as close to the rear of the space as possible. Your vehicle should be completely within the boundaries of the space.

5 . With the exception of the straight line backing exercise, a driver may exit their vehicle and check its position during testing exercises up to:

One time.

Two times.

Three times.

A driver is allowed to exit their vehicle to check its position during any basic vehicle control skills test exercise. This action is called a "look." During the straight line backing exercise, a driver may not exceed one look. During any other exercise, a driver may not exceed two looks.

6 . During a vehicle inspection test, you will:

Explain your knowledge of the pre-trip process.

Watch someone else check your vehicle.

Watch a film on how to inspect a vehicle.

Vehicle inspection tests are conducted to ensure that a vehicle is safe to operate. During the vehicle inspection test, you will be expected to explain or show your knowledge of the vehicle inspection process. If you do not pass the vehicle inspection test, the other sections of the skills test will be postponed.

7 . If you must back up at a student pick-up point, you should:

Back up before the students load the bus.

Let the students load the bus before backing up.

Let half of the students load the bus and then back up to meet the second half.

If you must back up a school bus at a student pick-up point, do not put the bus in reverse until all students have boarded. Watch for late-comers at all times.

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2026 California | Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a CDL Tank endorsement in California, you must first have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Then, study the California CDL handbook's section on Tank Vehicles to prepare for the written test. Schedule and pass the written test at your local DMV. Once passed, you'll receive your Tank endorsement, allowing you to drive commercial tank vehicles.

To obtain a CDL Tank license, it's essential to first have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). You must also study the tank vehicle section of the CDL handbook, pass a written test specific to tank vehicles, and pay the required fees. Knowledge of inspection procedures, driving techniques, and handling emergencies is crucial.

While California doesn't specifically mandate training or experience for a CDL Tank endorsement, it's highly recommended. Understanding the operation of tank vehicles, safety procedures, and how to handle emergencies is crucial. Studying the tank vehicle section of the CDL handbook and gaining practical experience will greatly improve your chances of passing the endorsement test.

Yes, to obtain a CDL Tank endorsement in California, you must pass the Tank Vehicle endorsement test. This written exam covers topics such as the inspection of tank vehicles, driving tank vehicles, and safe driving rules. It's an additional test beyond the general CDL exam and is required for the endorsement.

The written test for a CDL Tank endorsement covers subjects such as inspecting tank vehicles, safe driving for tank vehicles, and handling emergencies. This includes understanding the high center of gravity in these vehicles, the impact of liquid surge on vehicle control, and procedures for loading and unloading. Knowledge of specialized laws relating to tank vehicles is also tested.

The CDL Tank endorsement assessment doesn't involve a specific skills test or maneuvers like the basic CDL exam. Instead, it focuses on a written test that assesses your understanding of tank vehicle operations. This includes knowledge of safe driving techniques, handling liquid surge, emergency procedures, and how to properly inspect and maintain tank vehicles.

Yes, drivers with a CDL Tank endorsement must follow specific rules. These include weight restrictions for the vehicle, following hours of service regulations, and restrictions on hazardous materials transport if the driver doesn't hold a Hazmat endorsement. Violations can lead to CDL disqualification. It's crucial to understand and follow these regulations to maintain the endorsement.

No, drivers cannot transport liquid or gas materials without a valid CDL Tank endorsement. This endorsement is required for operating a commercial vehicle that is designed to transport any liquid or gaseous materials within a tank or tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.

The CDL Tank endorsement can be added to your existing CDL. You don't need to apply for a new license. However, you will need to pass the Tank Vehicle written knowledge test. Once you pass, the Tank endorsement will be added to your current CDL, expanding the types of vehicles you're authorized to drive.

Yes, to handle hazardous materials with a CDL Tank endorsement, you must also have a Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) endorsement. This requires passing an additional written test and a Transportation Security Administration background check. It ensures drivers understand safety protocols for handling hazardous materials, reducing the risk of incidents.