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Bus Driver Testing | California 2026 #1 Page 2 of 3
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.
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8 . For a basic vehicle control skills test, you are expected to be able to:
Maneuvers that may be included in the basic vehicle control skills test include straight line backing, offset back/right parking, offset back/left parking, driver side parallel parking, conventional parallel parking, and alley docking.
9 . During a basic vehicle control skills test, you may be asked to:
Maneuvers that may be included in the basic vehicle control skills test include straight line backing, offset back/right parking, offset back/left parking, driver side parallel parking, conventional parallel parking, and alley docking.
10 . A passive railroad crossing:
Railroad crossings that do not display any traffic control devices are known as passive crossings. The decision to proceed across tracks at a passive crossing is entirely up to the driver.
11 . Before a trip, you should make sure that:
When checking your vehicle's pedals during a pre-trip inspection, you should ensure that there is nothing under or around the pedals that will obstruct their use. Make sure the pedals are in proper working condition and that the surfaces of the pedals are grooved, if applicable.
12 . If you come to railroad tracks while driving a school bus, you should generally:
In general, school bus drivers should stop before any railroad crossings to check the tracks for approaching trains. Drivers should stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail in order to have the best view of the tracks. They should look and listen for approaching trains before proceeding through the crossing.
13 . When stopped at a railroad crossing while operating a school bus, you should:
Immediately proceed after a train has passed.
When stopped at a railroad crossing while operating a school bus, do not rely only on signals to tell you if a train is approaching. You should silence all passengers, open the front door, and look and listen for trains. After a train has passed, you should check for another train approaching from either direction before you proceed across the tracks.
14 . When exiting a vehicle, a driver should:
When exiting your vehicle during the basic vehicle control skills test, you must face the vehicle and maintain three points of contact at all times. If your testing vehicle is a bus, you must maintain contact with the handrail. Exiting the vehicle incorrectly may result in automatic failure of the basic vehicle control skills test.
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2026 California | Frequently Asked Questions
To acquire a CDL Passenger endorsement in California, you must first have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Then, you need to pass a written passenger transport test and a skills test in the type of vehicle you'll be driving. You must also complete a medical examination and submit the Medical Examination Report form to the DMV.
To obtain a CDL Passenger license in California, you must hold a valid commercial driving license (CDL). You must then pass a written passenger transport test and a skills test in the type of vehicle you'll be driving. Additionally, you need to undergo a medical examination and submit the Medical Examination Report form to the DMV.
Yes, to secure a CDL Passenger endorsement in California, you need specific training to pass the written and skills tests required by the DMV. While not mandatory, professional training programs help you gain practical experience. These programs cover topics like vehicle inspection, on-road driving, and passenger safety, which are critical for the endorsement.
Yes, for a CDL Passenger endorsement in California, you are required to pass a written passenger transport test. This test focuses on specific knowledge related to carrying passengers, such as bus safety rules and procedures. This is in addition to the general knowledge test that is required for the base CDL.
During the CDL Passenger endorsement assessment, you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to safely load and unload passengers, respond to emergency situations, operate a vehicle of the same class as the one you plan to drive, and conduct vehicle inspections. Additionally, you'll need to show your ability to manage distractions and maintain a safe environment for passengers.
No, it is illegal to transport passengers in California without a valid CDL Passenger endorsement. This endorsement is required for drivers operating vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Violating this law can lead to serious consequences, including fines, disqualification or suspension of your CDL, and even jail time in severe cases.
Yes, you can add the CDL Passenger endorsement to your existing Commercial Driver's License (CDL). You don't need a new application for your license, but you will need to pass the Passenger Vehicle written test and a skills test in a passenger vehicle. Ensure you have the correct class of CDL for the vehicle you plan to drive.
Yes, there are specific limitations for drivers with a CDL Passenger endorsement in California. For instance, you must not have more than two moving violations or at-fault accidents in the past two years. You also cannot have a DUI conviction within the past ten years. Furthermore, you must pass a physical examination every two years to ensure you're fit to drive.
Yes, in California, to acquire a CDL Passenger endorsement, you must be at least 21 years old. This is due to the fact that interstate driving or transporting hazardous materials is involved. However, at 18 years old, you can apply for a CDL for intrastate driving (within California only), but it won't include passenger endorsement.
With a CDL Passenger endorsement, you are eligible to operate vehicles such as buses, shuttles, and vans that are designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This endorsement is particularly useful for those seeking employment as a bus driver in schools, public transit, and private charter companies.
