CDL Passenger Endorsement Study Guide 2026

The passenger endorsement

You need a passenger endorsement to drive any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver. The class of CDL you need depends on the bus's weight. In many states, such as Washington and Illinois, the passenger knowledge test has 20 questions, and you need 80% (16 correct).

• The P endorsement needs both a knowledge test and a skills test.
• Since February 7, 2022, a first P endorsement needs entry-level driver training from a registered provider.
• A P endorsement can go on a CLP, but a CLP holder may not carry passengers other than people such as trainers, examiners and other trainees.
• If you take the skills test in a Class B bus, you may not drive Class A passenger vehicles. If you test in a Class C passenger vehicle, you may not drive Class A or B passenger vehicles.
• Driving a passenger vehicle while under an out-of-service order brings a disqualification of 180 days to 2 years for a first conviction.

Inspecting a bus

Before you drive, review the last driver's inspection report. Sign it only if any defects listed were certified as repaired or not needing repair. Then make sure these are in good working order: service and parking brakes, steering, lights and reflectors, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment.

Outside

• Buses may not have recapped or regrooved tires on the front wheels.
• Close any open emergency exits and access panels.

Inside

• Aisles and stairwells must be clear.
• Check handholds, railings, floor covering, signaling devices (including the restroom buzzer, if there is one) and emergency exit handles.
• All seats must be safe and securely fastened.
• Never drive with an emergency exit door or window open. The emergency exit sign must be clearly visible, and a red emergency door light, if fitted, must work. Turn it on at night or whenever the outside lights are on.
• A roof hatch may be locked partly open for fresh air now and then, but not as a regular practice. Remember the bus is taller then.
• The bus must carry a fire extinguisher, emergency reflectors and spare fuses (unless it has circuit breakers).
• Always wear the driver's seat belt.

On large buses, the low air pressure warning often comes on at 80 to 85 psi, higher than the 60 psi minimum.

Loading and hazardous materials

Do not let riders leave carry-on bags in a doorway or aisle. Secure baggage and freight so you can move freely, riders can use any exit in an emergency, and no one is hurt if it shifts.

What hazardous materials may ride on a bus

Watch for hazardous materials. Shippers must mark these containers with the material's name, ID number and a diamond-shaped hazard label; there are nine of these labels. Most hazardous materials cannot ride on a bus. Buses may carry small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D, emergency hospital supplies and drugs, and small amounts of some other materials if there is no other way to ship them.

Do not let riders bring common hazards such as car batteries or gasoline.

The standee line

No rider may stand in front of the rear of the driver's seat. Buses that allow standing have a 2-inch line (or other marking) on the floor. All standing riders must stay behind it.

On the road

• At the start of a trip, explain the rules about smoking, drinking and radios.
• At each stop, announce the location, the reason for stopping, the next departure time and the bus number. Remind riders to take their carry-ons and warn them of any step-down.
• Charter drivers should not let riders board before departure time, to help prevent theft or vandalism.
• Scan the inside of the bus as well as the road. Remind riders to keep their arms and heads inside.
• Wait until riders are seated or holding on before you start moving. Start and stop smoothly.
• If a rider is drunk or disruptive, do not let them off where it would be unsafe. Use the next scheduled stop or a well-lit place with other people around.

Common crashes and curves

Many bus crashes happen at intersections. Mirrors are often scraped at stops, so leave room for poles and tree limbs. When pulling out, wait for a big enough gap and never assume other drivers will brake for you. Posted curve speeds may be too fast for a bus. If the bus leans outward on a banked curve, you are going too fast.

A loaded bus is long and heavy, so leave plenty of space ahead. Use at least 1 second of following distance for every 10 feet of bus length, and add 1 second above 40 mph. A 40-foot bus at 50 mph needs at least 5 seconds. Brake early and gently so standing or walking riders are not thrown off balance.

Railroad crossings and drawbridges

After the trip and practices to avoid

Inspect the bus at the end of each shift. Interstate carriers must complete a written report for each bus, listing any defects that could affect safety or cause a breakdown, or stating that there are none. Report damage riders caused to handholds, seats, emergency exits and windows. Mass transit drivers should also check passenger signaling devices and brake-door interlocks.

Practices to avoid

• Avoid fueling with riders aboard unless absolutely necessary, and never refuel in a closed building with riders aboard.
• Do not talk with riders or do anything else that distracts you while driving.
• Do not tow or push a disabled bus with riders aboard unless getting off would be unsafe, and then only to the nearest safe place to unload them.

Brake-door interlocks

Some transit buses have a brake and accelerator interlock. When the rear door is open, it applies the brakes and holds the throttle at idle. It releases when the rear door closes. Never use the interlock in place of the parking brake.

Many passenger questions are really about judgment. When you are unsure, choose the answer that keeps riders seated, keeps exits and aisles clear, and keeps your attention on driving.