California School Bus (S) Endorsement

California School Bus ELDT | FMCSA-Approved Online Training

Name: DLA Academy — California ELDT
Rating: 5.0

Complete your School Bus ELDT online in California — FMCSA-approved, accepted at California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV), auto-submitted to TPR. Only $20.

★★★★★ 5.0 Google Rating · 3,500+ Graduates

FMCSA-Approved 49 States Auto-Submitted to TPR Under 2 Hours No Hidden Fees

Start School Bus ELDT — $20 Which Course Do I Need?

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV) requires FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before you can take the School Bus skills test for your S endorsement. DLA Academy's School Bus ELDT is FMCSA-approved, listed on the Training Provider Registry, and completes in under 2 hours. Finish online, pass the final exam, and we'll submit your completion to FMCSA within 24 hours.

California School Bus ELDT — Step by Step

Hold a Valid CDL

You need an existing Class A, B, or C CDL before adding the School Bus (S) endorsement. If you don't have one yet, start with CDL A or CDL B Theory ELDT.

Complete School Bus ELDT Online

Complete DLA Academy's FMCSA-approved School Bus ELDT online in under 2 hours. Auto-submitted to FMCSA TPR within 24 hours.

Pass the S Endorsement Knowledge Test at California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV)

Visit California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV) to take the School Bus knowledge test. Most states also require a separate skills test in a school bus.

Background Check & Physical

California requires a background check and DOT physical for school bus drivers. Some districts require additional clearances.

Receive Your S Endorsement

Once CA DMV has your ELDT completion and test results, the School Bus endorsement is added to your CDL.

What DLA Academy's School Bus ELDT Covers

Loading and unloading procedures
Emergency exits and evacuations
Railroad-highway grade crossings
Student management
Anti-lock braking systems on buses
Special safety considerations for school transport

Also Drive Passengers?

Add the P Endorsement Too

School bus drivers often need the Passenger (P) endorsement in addition to S. DLA Academy's Passenger ELDT is $20 — or save by grabbing the 3-endorsement bundle (Hazmat + Passenger + School Bus) for $50.

California Passenger ELDT — $20

More California ELDT Resources

Owner-Operator Resources

More California CDL Resources

Real Drivers, Real Reviews

What DLA Academy Drivers Say

Live from our Google Business Profile.

Why DLA Academy

The Numbers Behind the 5.0 Stars

3,500+

Graduates Across 49 States

5.0 ★

Google Rating

$20

Lowest Price — Every Course

24 hrs

Auto-Submitted to FMCSA TPR

FMCSA-Approved Listed on TPR 100% Online Self-Paced Mobile-Friendly No Hidden Fees 49 States Under 2 Hours

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the School Bus ELDT cost?+

School Bus ELDT is $20. That's the lowest price available for an FMCSA-approved course. If you're also working on your CDL-A or CDL-B, check out our 3-Endorsement Bundle (Hazmat + Passenger + School Bus) for $50 — saves you $10 if you need multiple endorsements.

How long does the School Bus ELDT take to complete?+

Most drivers finish in under 2 hours. You can complete it in one sitting or log back in anytime to pick up where you left off. Once you pass the final exam, your completion is auto-submitted to FMCSA within 24 hours.

What does the California DMV require for the S endorsement?+

The CA DMV requires FMCSA-approved ELDT before you can test for the School Bus (S) endorsement. Complete DLA Academy's School Bus ELDT, pass the exam, and bring your certificate to CA DMV when you schedule your skills test. You'll also need to pass the School Bus knowledge test at CA DMV before the skills test.

Is School Bus ELDT really FMCSA-approved?+

Yes. DLA Academy is FMCSA-approved and listed on the Training Provider Registry. When you complete the School Bus ELDT and pass the final exam, we automatically submit your completion to FMCSA within 24 hours. CA DMV will recognize it.

Do I need ELDT if I already have a CDL?+

If your CDL was issued before February 7, 2022, you're grandfathered — no ELDT required. If you're upgrading to a new endorsement (like adding the S endorsement to an existing CDL issued after Feb 7, 2022), you need ELDT for that endorsement. When in doubt, contact CA DMV.

Ready to Start Your California School Bus ELDT?

$20 flat. FMCSA-approved. Auto-submitted to TPR. Accepted at California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV). Under 2 hours on any device.

Start School Bus ELDT — $20 Which Course Do I Need?

FMCSA-Approved No Hidden Fees Under 2 Hours 5.0 Google Rating 3,500+ Graduates 49 States