Texas School Bus Test
From the piney woods of East Texas to the wide-open plains of the Panhandle, this test preps you for the real thing.
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About the Texas School Bus Test
Texas school bus drivers face conditions unlike anywhere else. You’ll navigate congested Houston freeways, narrow farm-to-market roads in the Hill Country, and long rural routes in the Permian Basin. Our practice test covers all of that.
Texas summers push temperatures past 100°F. A school bus without a working air conditioner creates a dangerous situation for kids and the driver. That’s why our questions stress pre-trip inspections and emergency procedures for extreme heat.
Winter brings its own challenges — ice on bridges near Amarillo, fog along the Gulf Coast, and sudden thunderstorms in Dallas. We make sure you know how to react. The test also focuses on railroad crossings, because Texas has more rail miles than any other state.
You don’t get a second chance with students’ safety. Our practice test mirrors the actual Texas DPS School Bus endorsement exam. You’ll see the same wording, the same scenarios. Use it to build confidence before you walk into the testing center.
What This Test Covers
- Loading and unloading students safely on narrow Texas farm-to-market roads
- Pre-trip inspections that account for extreme Texas heat, dust, and humidity
- Railroad crossing procedures for the thousands of grade crossings across the state
- Emergency evacuation drills tailored for long rural routes with limited cell service
- Student management and discipline on buses that may run 2+ hours one way in West Texas
- Understanding Texas-specific endorsements and your legal responsibilities as a driver
Study Tips
Start with the Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Handbook — it’s free online from DPS. Focus on the School Bus section, especially loading/unloading and railroad crossings. Don’t skip the diagrams. You’ll see similar ones on the test.
Take our practice test multiple times. The real exam uses multiple-choice questions with some that have a best answer. Our questions match that style. Review any you miss. Spend extra time on topics like emergency exits and student evacuation — those show up often.
Set aside a quiet 30 minutes. No distractions. Time yourself. If you score 80% or higher consistently, you’re ready. If not, revisit the handbook. You’ve got this.
Texas DMV Information
Texas DPS requires you to make an appointment for the School Bus endorsement test. Walk-ins aren’t accepted at most locations. Schedule online at the DPS website. Testing centers are in major cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and many smaller towns.
The fee for adding the S endorsement (School Bus) to your CDL is $98 as of 2025. You’ll also need to pass a knowledge test and a skills test if you’re getting your first CDL. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and your medical certificate.
For the skills test, you’ll use a school bus provided by the testing site or your employer. Make sure the bus passes pre-trip — DPS inspectors are strict. Practice on the same type of bus you’ll test with. That’s the smartest move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Other Texas CDL Practice Tests
Test Details
- State: Texas
- Test: School Bus Test
- Questions: 86
- Passing Score: 80%
- Time Limit: 25 minutes
- Cost: Free
Need ELDT Training?
If you're getting your first CDL, you need ELDT theory training before your skills test.
Start Free ELDT TrainingQuick Topics
- Student safety & loading/unloading
- Railroad crossings & emergency exits
- Pre-trip inspections for Texas weather