School Bus CHP Practice Test

To drive a school bus, a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required. This type of license is specifically designed for operating heavy vehicles that carry passengers, such as school buses. A Class B CDL allows the driver to operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, along with vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. School buses are classified as commercial vehicles, and because they transport students, there are additional safety and training requirements in place for those who drive them. This includes passing knowledge and skills tests focused on the specific challenges associated with driving a bus, such as handling larger vehicles and following safety protocols related to student safety. While Class A and Class C CDLs allow for certain driving privileges, they do not meet the requirements for operating a school bus. A standard driver’s license is insufficient as it does not cover the training and certification aspects necessary for driving a vehicle classified as a school bus.