S School Bus (S) Endorsement

Quick answer

Code: S
Test type: Knowledge + skills test
ELDT required?: Yes, for first-timers
Renewal: Renews with your CDL on your state's normal license cycle. Note some states re-issue the school bus endorsement or a separate certificate more often.
Typical cost: A small state endorsement fee, plus any state-required school-bus-driver certification costs.

Requirements verified July 20, 2026

The school bus (S) endorsement lets you drive a school bus. You need the passenger (P) endorsement first, then the school bus knowledge and skills tests — plus ELDT for first-timers and whatever extra checks your state requires.

The school bus (S) endorsement is the most layered CDL endorsement. Federally you must first qualify for the passenger (P) endorsement, then pass a school bus knowledge test (covering danger zones, mirrors, loading and unloading, and railroad crossings) and a school bus skills test in an actual school bus of the group you'll drive.

First-time school bus applicants (on or after February 7, 2022) must also complete ELDT — theory and behind-the-wheel — from a registered provider before the skills test. There's no federal TSA background check for school bus, but this is where state law does the heavy lifting: almost every state adds its own school-bus-driver background checks, health requirements, and certification through its education agency. Those state requirements are on top of the federal endorsement and vary a lot.

Because student safety around the bus is the whole point, the knowledge test leans heavily on the danger zones around the bus, correct mirror use, the loading and unloading sequence, and stopping at railroad crossings.

Who needs the S endorsement?

Any driver of a school bus used to transport students to and from school or school-related activities.

What it takes

Test: Knowledge + skills test.

Federal requirements: You must (1) qualify for the passenger (P) endorsement — pass the P knowledge and skills tests; (2) pass the school bus knowledge test; and (3) pass a school bus skills test in a school bus of the same group you'll drive (49 CFR 383.123).

ELDT: First-time applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before testing. How ELDT works →

There is no federal TSA background check for the school bus endorsement, but nearly every state adds its own school-bus-driver background checks, physical/health requirements, and training under state education law — those vary widely and are on top of the federal endorsement.

Practice the S knowledge test

25 free School Bus (S) practice questions written from the official CDL manual — not real exam questions, but great preparation.

Start the School Bus (S) practice test

School Bus (S) Endorsement FAQ

Do I need the passenger endorsement to get school bus?

Yes. Federal rules require you to qualify for the passenger (P) endorsement first — passing its knowledge and skills tests — before you can add the school bus (S) endorsement.

Is there a background check for the school bus endorsement?

Not a federal TSA one like hazmat. But almost every state runs its own school-bus-driver background check and adds health, training, and certification requirements under state education law. Check your state's specific rules — they're on top of the federal endorsement.

Does ELDT apply to school bus?

Yes, for first-time S applicants on or after February 7, 2022 — both theory and behind-the-wheel training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, completed before the skills test.

Official sources

Every requirement on this page traces to one of these official sources.

49 CFR 383.123 — school bus endorsement requirements — eCFR
49 CFR 383.93 — endorsements — eCFR

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