Obtaining S endorsement on CDL allows you to drive school buses, an important responsibility that requires specialized training and testing. It is also proof that you have the competence to safely transport the students. Whether you want to expand career opportunities or take up a rewarding career as a school bus driver, knowing what you have to do in order to add this endorsement becomes more crucial than ever. Throughout our guide, we will show step-by-step how to get your S endorsement so that you can confidently begin the process of becoming a licensed school bus driver.
What is S endorsement on CDL?
The S endorsement on a CDL is the professional certification that permits drivers to drive school buses. Any individual who drives children to and from home to school and back, or on any other occasion related to school, must obtain this endorsement. School buses being very relevant vehicles for the carriage of youngsters require the S endorsement as a way of making sure that the driver is particularly suited to the task.
In order to obtain an S endorsement, drivers must possess a valid CDL and a Passenger (P) endorsement since one of the roles of school bus drivers is to transport passengers. In addition to the aforementioned requirements, drivers must also take the school bus knowledge test and a skills test that ranges from student safety to vehicle operation on different kinds of roadways.
The S endorsement drives the need to learn key safety operations such as the loading and unloading of students; the use of stop arms and warning lights; detailed pre-trip vehicle inspections; and adherence to local and state school bus laws. It also covers knowing emergency procedures so that drivers can immediately take proper action in the event of an emergency.
School Bus Endorsement Requirements
Before you apply for the school bus endorsement on your Commercial Driver’s License, there are some key qualifications to apply. These qualifications will ensure that the driver is properly qualified to accept the role and responsibility for transporting students in safety.
Possession of a valid CDL
The S endorsement begins with a valid CDL, which you must get by taking two major tests that include knowledge tests and driving skills set by the state.
Your CDL should be valid without serious violations or suspensions. You won’t be able to apply for any endorsements if your CDL has expired or is under suspension neither will you begin the process until these issues are sorted out. It is important to note that many states have a requirement that applicants have accrued a certain amount of driving experience on their CDL before they can apply for an S endorsement. Some states may require that you have your CDL for a certain period of time before you are able to apply for the school bus endorsement.
Learn more about how to get your CDL by accessing our post here.
Possess a Passenger endorsement (P endorsement)
You must have a Passenger (P) endorsement on your CDL before you apply for the S endorsement. The “P” or passenger endorsement refers to all the other passenger vehicles that are designed to carry 16 or more people. All other passenger-carrying vehicles, other than school buses transporting students, are encompassed in this. This would mean you will be able to operate any kind of passenger vehicle. You will still be allowed to operate school buses so long as your passengers aren’t students.
Acquiring a P endorsement requires both a written knowledge test and a skills test related to the transportation of passengers. These exams focus on critical areas of concern, such as:
- Passenger safety.
- Emergency procedures.
- Proper use of seat belts.
- Other equipment designed for safety.
You can’t apply for the S endorsement without the P endorsement; driving a school bus will always involve carrying passengers. Therefore, before you start the process of getting your school bus endorsement, make sure you fulfill these criteria.
How to add S endorsement to CDL?
To add the S endorsement, you must take and pass specialized tests to help ensure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely transport school children. Here’s how:
Pass the school bus knowledge test
The school bus knowledge test is computer-based in most states, given at your local DMV or licensing office. It consists of 20 multiple-choice questions covering a huge range of topics regarding school bus operations and safety. Typically, in most of the states, 80% or more would be needed to get a pass.
According to the DMV, the key topics of school bus endorsement you need to be well prepared for are split into pieces below:
Student safety
Student safety is always the number one priority of the school bus driver. The S endorsement that you receive requires you to be thoroughly trained in ensuring that children safely make it home and back to school again. You will need to know proper techniques for loading and unloading, the proper use of stop arms and flashers, and how to assist students in crossing the street after exiting the bus. The training also encompasses the ways a driving instructor can manage student behaviors while operating a vehicle, as limiting distractions is considered paramount in maintaining the safety of all individuals on the road.
Vehicle inspection
A school bus driver is supposed to always make a thorough inspection of the vehicle before and after every trip. In this respect, for the S endorsement, a driver should be conversant with the detailed pre-trip inspection for brakes, mirrors, lights, emergency exits, and tires to ensure that the condition of the bus is good. The early identification and rectification of mechanical issues can prevent accidents and ensure, at all times, that the bus operates within the set safety parameters.
Emergency procedures
As a school bus driver, you are expected to be ready for any emergency that may occur on the road during the transportation of students. The S endorsement covers the following emergency procedures: bus evacuations, on-road breakdowns, accidents, and medical emergencies with passengers. You will learn how to use safety equipment, communicate with emergency responders, and keep students safe during critical situations. Knowing how to stay calm and knowing the appropriate action will help keep everyone on the bus safe, in case of an emergency.
School bus laws
Knowing school bus laws and adhering to them is crucial for any driver with an S endorsement. These would also include specific traffic laws relating to the operation of school buses, including when to use stop arms and flashing lights, when other vehicles must stop, and the speed limits in school zones. The S endorsement covers that you know the legal responsibilities and penalties for violations, as well as the laws that protect students in boarding and exiting a bus.
Take the School Bus practice test now!
Complete the school bus skill test
After passing the written knowledge test, your next major milestone to secure the S endorsement will be passing the school bus skills test. The skills test is divided into three major components, each designed to test your ability to safely operate a school bus under different conditions.
Pre-trip vehicle inspection
The pre-trip vehicle inspection is the first part of the skills test and assesses your ability to satisfactorily inspect the school bus before driving. This takes the time to make sure the vehicle is in proper working condition and safe for the road. You will have to inspect all the following items on the bus, including:
- Brakes: All service brakes, parking brakes, and emergency brakes should be properly operational.
- Mirrors and lights: Correctly adjust the mirrors and check that all exterior and interior lights (turn signals, hazard lights, brake lights) are working correctly.
- Tires and wheels: Proper inflation and proper tread on tires, wheels for any damage and lug nuts loose.
- Emergency equipment: Confirm that emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits are easily accessible and in good serviceable condition.
- Fluids: Check the levels of the engine oil, coolant, and washer fluid in the windshield.
Safety on the road begins with making sure the bus is road-ready.
Basic vehicle control
The second part of the test is the basic vehicle control part, where you will be required to maneuver a bus in a controlled environment. This part of the skills test includes your ability to drive the bus around an enclosed area in a precise manner and perform some important driving tasks, such as:
- Backing up: You will be required to back the bus into a loading zone or parking area without making contact with any obstacles.
- Turning: Correctly executing sharp turns – this is very important in narrow streets or schoolyards. You will be asked to make turns safely and within boundaries.
- Parking: You are required to park in different situations, such as parallel parking or setting the bus at a loading zone.
- Stopping at designated points: You will be required to show your ability to bring the bus to a complete stop at designated points, such as school drop-off points or intersections.
Demonstrated in each maneuver is your ability to control the bus, thereby showing you are capable of safely navigating through various complex situations a school bus driver might find in daily driving.
On-road test
The on-road test is the final part of the skills tests. During this, you will drive the school bus in real traffic to demonstrate your driving ability under realistic conditions. You will be asked to do the following:
- Follow traffic lights and signs: Identify your understanding of the state’s traffic laws with an appropriate response to a stop sign, a traffic light, or any road sign.
- Change lanes and merge: Safely merge onto highways or change lanes, keeping a distance from the other vehicles.
- Stop and yield: Apply skills in stopping at railroad crossings, yield at intersections, and adhere to the rules regarding stops for school buses or passenger pick-ups.
- Drive over various road conditions: While operating the bus, you will be expected to make drives in residential areas, on city streets, and on highways.
This portion of the test is so crucial because it allows determination as to whether you are ready for driving a school bus safely through real traffic and taking care of your passengers.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between S endorsement and P endorsement?
The P endorsement generally enables a CDL holder to carry passengers, while the S endorsement is for driving school buses. In other words, you have an S endorsement and can drive a school bus, but you must have a P endorsement since school buses will carry passengers.
2. Is it hard to get the S endorsement on CDL?
Yes. Getting the S endorsement is mostly challenging but achievable once given proper preparation. It requires dedication, study, and practice. Many drivers each year properly prepare for and complete the requirements to obtain this endorsement that can lead to a rewarding career as a school bus driver.
Final Thoughts
Gaining your S endorsement on CDL is a major milestone to becoming a qualified school bus driver, which puts you in a very important position for ensuring the safety and well-being of students while they travel to and from school. Dive in our guide will help you get full information from requirements to school bus testing steps. It may be rough along the way, but with determination and preparation, you are able to reach that goal of becoming a licensed school bus driver. Start the journey today and be proud that you are making a difference in the safety of students in your community.
