Getting the School Bus (S) endorsement means a CDL, usually the P endorsement first, FMCSA-approved ELDT, state knowledge and skills tests, a background check, and a DOT physical.
Quick answer: To get a School Bus (S) endorsement in 2026 you must: (1) hold or be obtaining a Class A, B, or C CDL — and in most states already hold or simultaneously add the Passenger (P) endorsement; (2) complete FMCSA-approved School Bus ELDT theory training with a provider on the [FMCSA Training Provider Registry](https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov); (3) pass your state DMV's School Bus knowledge test; and (4) pass the in-vehicle skills test in an actual school bus. School bus drivers also face a background check, a DOT medical (physical) exam, and sometimes additional state requirements. ELDT applies to anyone obtaining the S endorsement after February 7, 2022. DLA Academy's [School Bus ELDT course](https://www.academyofdla.com/courses/school-bus-eldt-online) is $20.
Who needs the School Bus (S) endorsement
The School Bus (S) endorsement is required to drive a school bus carrying students to and from school or school-related activities. It is the most heavily regulated CDL endorsement because of the responsibility of transporting children, which is why it layers a background check and DOT physical on top of the usual testing.
Anyone obtaining the S endorsement after February 7, 2022 must complete FMCSA-approved School Bus ELDT before the state knowledge test. For the federal-rule background, see our What Is ELDT? guide; to compare endorsements, see Which CDL Endorsement Should I Get?.
CDL and the Passenger (P) prerequisite
The S endorsement attaches to a Class A, B, or C CDL — you can't get it without a base CDL. In most states you must also already hold, or obtain at the same time, the Passenger (P) endorsement, because a school bus is a passenger-carrying vehicle. In practice that means completing both Passenger and School Bus ELDT.
Federal School Bus ELDT is theory-only on the FMCSA side — there is no federally mandated behind-the-wheel component for the S endorsement theory training itself. You complete the approved curriculum and your provider submits the completion to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry within 24 hours.
After ELDT, you take your state DMV's School Bus knowledge test — a separate written exam — and an in-vehicle skills test in an actual school bus. The skills test includes a school-bus-specific pre-trip inspection and on-road driving. Question counts and passing scores vary by state, so consult your state DMV's CDL manual.
Beyond testing, school bus drivers must pass a background check and a DOT medical (physical) exam, and some states require a separate school-bus road test or additional screening. To prepare for the written portion, see our companion guide on what's on the School Bus test and how to study.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for a School Bus (S) endorsement?+
You need a Class A, B, or C CDL, usually the Passenger (P) endorsement first, FMCSA-approved School Bus ELDT theory training, a passing state School Bus knowledge test, and an in-vehicle skills test in a school bus. School bus drivers also complete a background check and a DOT physical. ELDT applies to anyone getting the S endorsement after February 7, 2022.
Do I need the Passenger (P) endorsement to get the School Bus (S) endorsement?+
In most states, yes. A school bus is a passenger-carrying vehicle, so states typically require you to hold or simultaneously obtain the P endorsement before adding S. Many drivers complete Passenger and School Bus ELDT together.
Do I need ELDT for the School Bus endorsement?+
Yes. Anyone obtaining the School Bus (S) endorsement after February 7, 2022 must complete FMCSA-approved School Bus ELDT before the state knowledge test. DLA Academy's School Bus ELDT is $20 and is reported to the FMCSA TPR within 24 hours.
Do school bus drivers need a background check?+
Yes. Because school bus drivers transport children, states require a background check in addition to the CDL testing. Drivers must also pass a DOT medical (physical) exam, and some states add a separate school-bus road test or screening.
Is School Bus ELDT theory-only?+
On the federal side, yes — School Bus ELDT is theory-only with no federally mandated behind-the-wheel hours. But most states still require a state knowledge test and an in-vehicle skills test in an actual school bus before they add the endorsement.
How much does School Bus ELDT cost?+
DLA Academy's School Bus ELDT course is $20. State test fees, background check, and DOT physical costs are separate. Since the S endorsement usually requires P as well, the Passenger + School Bus bundle can lower your total ELDT cost.
How long does School Bus ELDT take?+
DLA Academy's online School Bus ELDT course is self-paced and most students finish in under 2 hours. Your completion is reported to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry within 24 hours.
Can I add Passenger and School Bus endorsements at the same time?+
Yes, and it's common — the S endorsement usually requires P. Completing Passenger ELDT and School Bus ELDT together (for example via the Passenger + School Bus bundle) lets you pursue both endorsements in one process.