Bus Driver Testing | Virginia 2026 #2

Train for FREE online with our VA 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 Virginia 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 . When students board a bus, they should:

Sit in the back row first.

Sit in the back row only after all other seats are filled.

Be seated as far from the driver as possible.

Students should not occupy the back row of a school bus unless the bus is full. The closer to the front of a bus that students are seated, the safer they will be in the event of a rear-end collision. Students with special needs should sit near the driver.

2 . If students on the bus cause a disturbance while other students are unloading, what should you do?

Immediately walk to the back of the bus and take care of the disturbance while students unload.

Wait until the students are done unloading and then take care of the disturbance.

Have a student who is closer to the disturbance handle the situation while you supervise unloading.

The process of loading or unloading students from a school bus requires a driver's full concentration. If there is a behavioral issue on the bus, wait until the exiting students are safely off the bus and out of the way before you address the problem on the bus.

3 . If you are taking the driving test and the route does not include a railroad crossing, you:

Will not have to do anything related to a crossing.

May have to explain how you would cross railroad tracks.

Will have to take a different route.

During the on-road driving test, if your route does not include a railroad crossing, the examiner may ask you to explain and demonstrate the necessary procedures at a simulated location.

4 . When encountering a railroad crossing during the driving test, you should:

Pass another vehicle on the tracks if the other vehicle is moving too slowly.

Change lanes while on the tracks.

Not change gears while on the tracks.

During the on-road driving test, you must not stop, change gears, pass another vehicle, or change lanes while any part of your vehicle is in a railroad crossing.

5 . During the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to do all of the following, except:

Show where the power steering fluid dipstick is located.

Check for adequate power steering fluid.

Ensure that the power steering fluid level is above the full mark.

During the pre-trip vehicle inspection test, you will be asked to indicate where the power steering fluid dipstick or reservoir sight glass is located. You will need to show that the power steering fluid is within a safe operating range.

6 . Students loading and unloading a bus:

Is simple and does not need to be supervised.

Can be dangerous and should be supervised.

May be done without the bus driver present.

More students are killed each year during loading or unloading of school buses than while riding on school buses. Therefore, it is critical that school bus drivers follow appropriate safety procedures during loading and unloading. This process should never take place without being properly supervised.

7 . During the driving test, when asked to make a lane change:

You should not be concerned with other motorists.

You should use your turn signal and change lanes when safe.

You should make the lane change as quickly as possible, even if that means cutting off another driver.

When asked to make a lane change during the on-road driving test, you should make the proper traffic checks, use your turn signal, and smoothly change lanes when it is safe to do so.

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2026 Virginia | Frequently Asked Questions

To secure a CDL Bus endorsement in Virginia, you must first have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Next, pass the passenger endorsement knowledge test. Then, get a valid Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate. Finally, complete the passenger skills test in the type of vehicle you'll be driving. This includes pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.

Obtaining a CDL Bus license in Virginia requires several steps. First, you must have a valid Virginia driver's license. Then, pass the CDL general knowledge test and the passenger endorsement test. You also need a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate. Finally, you must pass a skills test in a bus which includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.

While Virginia doesn't mandate specific training for a CDL Bus endorsement, it's highly recommended. Training can help you pass the written and skills tests. You must demonstrate knowledge of bus safety regulations, emergency procedures, and passenger management. Experience driving commercial vehicles can also be beneficial. Ultimately, passing the requisite tests is necessary for endorsement.

CDL Bus licenses fall under CDL Class B or Class C. Class B is for single vehicles like a bus that can carry 16 or more passengers (including driver). Class C is for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, but do not meet the criteria for Class A or B. Each class may require additional endorsements like P for passenger or S for school bus.

No, you cannot use your personal vehicle for the CDL Bus driving test in Virginia. The test must be taken in the same type of vehicle for which you are seeking a CDL. For a bus endorsement, you would need to test in a bus. This is to ensure you can safely operate that specific type of commercial vehicle.

The CDL Bus driving test in Virginia evaluates skills such as vehicle inspection, basic controls (backing, stopping, and starting), and on-road driving. This includes managing intersections, traffic, highway driving, and turns. You'll also be assessed on specific bus maneuvers like loading/unloading passengers, proper use of mirrors, and emergency exit procedures.

Yes, additional medical requirements are necessary for a CDL Bus endorsement in Virginia. You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination every 24 months. This includes vision and hearing tests, blood pressure check, and assessments for other medical conditions that could affect your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. A Medical Examiner's Certificate is then provided upon passing.

No, it's not permissible to transport passengers without a valid CDL Bus endorsement in Virginia. The law requires any driver operating a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, to hold a Commercial Driver's License with a Passenger endorsement. Violation of this law can result in hefty fines and penalties.

In Virginia, you can add a CDL Bus endorsement to your existing license. You don't need to apply for a new license. However, this requires passing the required knowledge and skills tests for the specific endorsement. Additionally, you must comply with any federal regulations pertaining to commercial driving, including medical examinations.

Yes, drivers with a CDL Bus endorsement in Virginia are subject to certain restrictions. They must comply with all federal and state transportation regulations, including hours of service limitations. They're also required to maintain a clean driving record and pass regular drug and alcohol tests. Additionally, specific rules apply when transporting school children or hazardous materials.