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CDL Passenger Endorsement Practice Test 2026

The passenger (P) endorsement lets you drive a vehicle designed for 16 or more people, including the driver. These questions cover bus inspection, what riders may bring aboard, driving safely with passengers, and practices to avoid.

  • Commercial vehicle
  • United States
  • 60 questions
  • Checked October 10, 2026

Quick answer

The CDL passenger endorsement knowledge test has 20 questions. Pass mark: Varies by state; usually 20 questions, with 16 correct needed (80%). It is run by Your state driver licensing agency, under federal rules set by FMCSA (49 CFR Part 383). Practise here for free with 60 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the CDL Passenger Endorsement Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Which vehicles need a passenger (P) endorsement?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Those designed for 16 or more people, counting the driver

    A passenger endorsement is needed for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, counting the driver.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    What tests are needed for the passenger endorsement?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A knowledge test and a skills test

    The passenger endorsement requires both a knowledge test and a skills test.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    A CLP holder has a P endorsement on the permit. What is the limit?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. No passengers, except people like trainers and examiners

    A CLP holder with a P endorsement is prohibited from operating a CMV carrying passengers, except people like the supervising CDL holder, examiners and other trainees.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    Is entry-level driver training required for a first passenger endorsement?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Yes

    ELDT is required for anyone getting a P endorsement for the first time since February 7, 2022.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    You take the passenger skills test in a Class B bus. What restriction will you get?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. You may not drive Class A passenger vehicles

    Testing in a Group B passenger vehicle restricts you from Group A passenger vehicles.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    You take the passenger skills test in a Class C passenger vehicle. What restriction will you get?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. No Class A or B passenger vehicles

    Testing in a Group C passenger vehicle restricts you from Group A and B passenger vehicles.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    What is the disqualification for a first conviction of violating an out-of-service order while driving a vehicle designed for 16 or more passengers?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 180 days to 2 years

    Out-of-service violations in vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers carry a first-offense disqualification of 180 days to 2 years.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    Before driving a bus, what should you do with the previous driver's inspection report?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Review it; sign only if defects were fixed or need no repair

    Check the last report. Sign it only when any defects were fixed or certified as not needing repair.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    Which kind of front tires are not allowed on a bus?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Recapped or regrooved tires

    Buses may not have recapped or regrooved tires on the front wheels.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    During the outside inspection of a bus, what should you do with open emergency exits and access panels?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Close them

    Close any open emergency exits and access panels before driving.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    Which of these should you check inside the bus before a trip?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Handholds, railings and emergency exit handles

    Inside, check that these items work and that aisles and stairwells are clear.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    What should you check about the seats on a bus?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. That they are safe and securely fastened

    All seats must be safe for riders and securely fastened.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    Can you drive a bus with an emergency exit door or window open?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. No, never

    Never drive with an open emergency exit door or window.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    When must you turn on the red emergency door light, if the bus has one?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At night or whenever the outside lights are on

    If the bus has a red emergency door light, it must work. Turn it on at night or any time outside lights are on.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    May you lock an emergency roof hatch partly open for fresh air?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Yes, sometimes, but not as a regular practice

    Some hatches can be locked partly open for air. Don't make a habit of it, and watch for the higher clearance.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    Which emergency equipment must a bus carry?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A fire extinguisher, reflectors and spare fuses

    Buses must carry the required fire extinguisher, emergency reflectors and spare electrical fuses unless equipped with circuit breakers.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Where should riders' carry-on baggage NOT be left?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. In a doorway or aisle

    Keep doorways and aisles clear so riders do not trip and can get out in an emergency.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    How should baggage and freight be secured on a bus?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. So the driver and riders can move and exit safely

    Secure baggage so it does not block the driver or exits and cannot fall on riders.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    Which hazardous materials may buses carry?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Small-arms ammunition, hospital supplies and drugs

    Buses may carry small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D, emergency hospital supplies and drugs, and small amounts of some other materials when there is no other way to ship them.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    Which of these may a bus NEVER carry?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Division 2.3 poison gas

    Buses must never carry poison gas, liquid Class 6 poison, tear gas or irritating material.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    What is the most solid Class 6 poison a bus may carry?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 100 pounds

    A bus must never carry more than 100 pounds of solid Class 6 poisons.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    Where may a bus NOT carry explosives (other than small-arms ammunition)?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. In the space occupied by people

    Explosives may not be carried in the space where people ride, except small-arms ammunition.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Where may labeled radioactive materials NOT be carried on a bus?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. In the space occupied by people

    Labeled radioactive materials may not ride in the space occupied by people.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    What is the most total weight of allowed hazardous materials a bus may carry?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 500 pounds, and 100 pounds of any one class

    A bus may not carry more than 500 pounds total of allowed hazardous materials, or more than 100 pounds of any one class.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    How can you recognize a package of hazardous materials a rider wants to bring on?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Look for a shipping name, ID number and hazard label

    Shippers must mark hazmat containers with the material's name, ID number and hazard label. There are nine diamond-shaped hazard labels.

What to know before the test

  • Federal rules set the passing score for every CDL knowledge test: you must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly.
  • The passenger test has 20 questions in states such as Washington and Illinois, so you need 16 correct answers.
  • The passenger endorsement needs both a knowledge test and a skills test.
  • A first passenger endorsement requires entry-level driver training from a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
  • A CLP holder with a P endorsement 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. Testing in a Class C vehicle restricts you from Class A and B passenger vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

Who needs a passenger endorsement?

Anyone driving a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people, counting the driver, such as a bus or a large passenger van.

How many questions are on the passenger test?

Each state sets the number, but Washington and Illinois both use 20 questions. You need 16 correct to pass.

Is there a skills test for the P endorsement?

Yes. Federal rules require both a knowledge test and a skills test, taken in a passenger vehicle of the right class.

What hazardous materials can a bus carry?

Only limited items such as small-arms ammunition, emergency hospital supplies and drugs. Never more than 500 pounds in total or more than 100 pounds of any one class, and never poison gas or tear gas.

Sources

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