AL CDL School Bus Practice Test 2 2026

Each school day, parents place the safety of their children in the hands of their school bus driver. For this reason, federal regulations require every applicant for a School Bus Endorsement to pass the CDL Alabama DMV School Bus “S” Endorsement Knowledge Test (as well as a skills test conducted in a school bus). Alabama also requires all school-bus drivers to pass a background check and register through the Department of Education AIM system. New drivers may also be asked to complete district-level safety training, ride-along evaluations, or other locally defined requirements before being allowed to transport students. Though this article deals specifically with the “S” Knowledge Test requirements, you are also required to pass the Passenger “P” Endorsement Test. We have linked endorsement-specific practice test information below.

The official 20-question multiple-choice School Bus “S” Knowledge Test focuses on loading and unloading procedures. Statistically, the area around the bus is where most student injuries occur, referred to as “danger zones.” You will also be expected to understand controlled stopping, securing the bus, monitoring children as they approach or exit, and ensuring that no student moves into blind spots or becomes caught on handrails as they enter or exit the bus. Other topics include railroad-crossing protocols, emergency and evacuation decisions, student behavior expectations, and post-trip responsibilities (bus inspections and walkthroughs). There is a repeated emphasis on situational awareness (constant mirror use, blind-spot management, and hazard scanning). Alabama also issues a “No Passengers in CMV Bus” restriction on Commercial Learners Permits (CLPs) that carry the School Bus (S) or Passenger (P) endorsements. This means you may only operate an empty bus (except for your driving instructor or driving examiner) until fully licensed. Our practice tests help ensure you pass on your first attempt.