If you want to drive a bus, shuttle, or any commercial vehicle carrying 16 or more passengers (including the driver), you'll need the CDL Passenger endorsement — the P endorsement.
Who Needs the P Endorsement?
You need a Passenger endorsement to drive:
- Transit buses (city buses, BRT)
- Coach buses (charter, tour, intercity)
- Shuttle buses (airport, hotel, casino)
- Paratransit vehicles carrying 16+ passengers
Note: School buses require a separate School Bus (S) endorsement in addition to the P endorsement.
Test Format
- Questions: ~20–30 questions (varies by state)
- Passing score: 80%
- Skills test must be taken in a passenger vehicle (bus)
Key Topics on the Passenger Test
Loading and Unloading Passengers
Safe boarding and alighting procedures, managing standees, wheelchair accessibility, and proper door operation are tested topics. You must know the rules for allowing passengers to board and exit safely at stops.
Prohibited Passengers and Items
Some materials and persons are prohibited from buses. Know that:
- Firearms (with limited exceptions), flammable or hazardous materials, and certain weapons are not allowed
- Intoxicated passengers create a safety issue that must be handled appropriately
Emergency Exits and Evacuation
Bus drivers must know the location of all emergency exits (doors, windows, hatches) and how to conduct a safe evacuation. Questions often ask about the distance you should move passengers from a stopped bus.
Railroad Crossings
Buses must always stop at railroad crossings — there are no exceptions. You must stop between 15–50 feet from the tracks, open the door (and service window if equipped), look and listen for trains, then proceed if clear. Never shift gears while crossing.
Brake and Speed Management
Passenger vehicles require smooth braking and acceleration to avoid injuring standing passengers. Know the rules about speed limits near school zones and residential areas.
Pre-Trip Inspection for Buses
Bus-specific inspection items include emergency exits, passenger seating, floor condition, handrails, interior lighting, and communication systems.
Passenger Vehicle Jobs
- Transit/city bus driver: $45,000–$65,000/year
- Charter bus driver: $40,000–$60,000/year
- Airport shuttle driver: $35,000–$50,000/year
- Intercity bus driver: $45,000–$70,000/year
Study Tips
- Memorize the railroad crossing procedure — it's a high-frequency test topic
- Know the emergency evacuation distance (100 feet upwind minimum)
- Review the prohibited items list carefully
- If you're also pursuing the School Bus endorsement, study both sections together