How many questions are on the Virginia CDL knowledge test?

The Virginia CDL general knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need 80% (40 correct) to pass. The School Bus test is shorter. Most states do not publish its question count, but the 80% pass mark is federal under 49 CFR 383.135 and applies to every CDL knowledge test.

What's the minimum age for a CDL in Virginia?

In Virginia, the minimum age for a CDL is 18 (intrastate); 21 (interstate). Federal law requires drivers to be 21+ to drive a CMV across state lines or to transport hazardous materials, regardless of state minimum age.

Do I need the Passenger endorsement as well?

Yes. S sits on top of P rather than replacing it, so you take both knowledge tests. Most states also add a background check and a separate skills test in a school bus, and the S endorsement is one of the categories federal entry-level driver training rules cover, so training from a provider on the federal registry may be required before you can test.

Do I need both the P and S endorsements to drive a school bus?

Yes. Federal regulations require both a Passenger (P) endorsement and a School Bus (S) endorsement to operate a school bus. The P endorsement covers general passenger transport safety, while the S endorsement covers school bus-specific rules. You must pass both knowledge tests.

What is the most dangerous area around a school bus?

The danger zone extends 10 feet from the front bumper, 10 feet from each side, and the area directly behind the bus. The most dangerous spot is directly in front of the bus where small children can be hidden from the driver's view. Drivers must account for all students in the danger zone before moving the bus.

What are the school bus railroad crossing rules?

School buses must stop at all railroad crossings, even if no train is visible. The driver must stop within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail, open the driver-side window and the service door, look both directions, and listen for trains before proceeding. The bus must not shift gears while crossing the tracks.

How do school bus warning lights work?

School buses use a two-stage warning system. Amber warning lights activate approximately 100 to 300 feet before the stop to alert traffic that the bus is preparing to stop. Red warning lights and the stop arm activate when the bus is fully stopped and students are loading or unloading. Traffic in both directions must stop when the red lights are flashing (unless separated by a divided highway).

What background check is required for school bus drivers?

School bus drivers must pass a federal and state criminal background check. Many states require fingerprinting as part of this process. Convictions for certain offenses, including DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, and sex offenses, will disqualify you. Most states also require a clean driving record and periodic re-checks throughout employment.

Virginia CDL school bus practice test

Updated for 2026 · 40 school bus questions of 469 across the full VA CDL path · Aligned to the commercial driver manual · Part of the VA CDL path

Start with general knowledge and passenger first. We recommend completing them before drilling school bus questions.

School Bus is the most regulated endorsement: it requires the Passenger (P) knowledge test, a federal background check, and a state-specific skills test in a school bus.

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Adds student transport, and you must hold the passenger endorsement as well. Covers the danger zones around the bus, loading and unloading, and the post-trip check for sleeping children.

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About the Virginia School Bus test

A separate written exam at the federal 80% pass mark, taken in addition to the Passenger test rather than instead of it. Most states do not publish a question count for it. Questions cover student loading and unloading procedures, mirror use and adjustment, railroad crossing procedures specific to school buses, emergency evacuation, use of warning lights and stop arm, student behavior management during transport, danger zones around the bus, and pre-trip inspection procedures. Many questions focus on the loading zone, the most dangerous area for students. This is a separate knowledge test from General Knowledge, required in every state under 49 CFR 383.71, and the DMV publishes the Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual (DMV 60A) as the study source for it.