The physical evaluates whether you are medically qualified to transport students safely. Your state’s CDL manual should have a list of approved physicians to perform this exam. After you’ve filled out the top of the Medical Examination Report with your personal information and medical history, the physician will fill out the results of the examination and determine whether you meet federal physical requirements for commercial drivers. Generally, commercial drivers should not have any impairment of hands, arms or legs that would interfere with their ability to grasp the steering wheel or operate a vehicle. Certain conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or arthritis will render you ineligible to become a commercial driver. Commercial drivers also must have natural or corrected vision of at least 20/40 in both eyes and the ability to differentiate between red, green and amber traffic lights. You also will be tested for drug and alcohol use. Commercial drivers cannot use amphetamines, narcotics or other habit-forming drugs, with or without a prescription. [2] X Research source

You need to bring one or two forms of legal identification, such as a passport or birth certificate, depending on your state’s regulations. Each state also requires proof of state residency and provides a list of documents you can provide as proof to satisfy that requirement. Your state driver’s license office will check your driving record for the past 10 years, including every state in which you’ve had a license. Many states require CDL holders to have fewer than four points on their licenses. You must be at least 18 years old to get a CDL, but in some states you must be at least 21 years old to drive a school bus.

Each knowledge test consists of at least 30 questions covering 20 general areas outlined in the federal CDL regulations. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly on both the general and endorsement tests to pass. [3] X Research source Areas tested include procedures for inspection and repair, safe vehicle operations, safety control systems such as lights and horns, vehicle control such as shifting, backing, and skid control, and basic vehicle control and safe driving skills. [4] X Research source If you plan to drive school buses with air brakes, you also must pass an additional knowledge test on air brake operation. The S endorsement written test includes questions on loading and unloading children, proper operation of school-bus specific signal devices, and emergency exits and procedures. [5] X Research source You must pay a fee to take the written tests, regardless of whether you pass.

You may have to pay an additional fee for your CLP. Some states charge a combined fee for the written tests and the CLP. You’ll find a breakdown of all the fees involved in getting a CDL in your state’s CDL manual. While you have your CLP, practice all of the maneuvers and activities you’ll have to perform on the skills tests. Some states or school districts may have training courses specifically for school bus driver candidates. In other states, additional training is required after you’ve passed the state skills tests for your CDL with P and S endorsements. You must take your skills tests before your CLP expires.

As with the written tests and the CLP, you must pay to take the skills test regardless of whether you pass. Some states charge an additional fee for the CDL itself, while others combine these fees together. The pre-trip inspection portion of your skills test will evaluate your ability to correctly point out and evaluate monitoring and warning devices, accurately assess brake system condition and evaluate low pressure warnings, and run an operational check of all required alarms and emergency devices. You’ll also be tested on your basic skills in controlling the vehicle, including your ability to start, stop and move your vehicle around in a safe manner. The third part of the skills test evaluates your safe driving skills. You’ll be tested on your visual search methods, the appropriate use of signals, your ability to control the vehicle’s speed depending on weather or traffic conditions and appropriately position the vehicle when turning or changing lanes.

Since you want to be a school bus driver, you’ll take your test in a school bus. This means you’ll be tested for your CDL with P and S endorsements all at once. [7] X Research source Once you’ve passed the skills test, take all of your documentation to your driver’s license office and pay the required fee. In some states you’ll receive your CDL right then, while others mail it to you. [8] X Research source

First aid certification can be obtained through the Red Cross, or at a local school or other community organization. There normally is a fee to take the certification course and test. Your local high school or district office will have information on whether this is a requirement in your area, and when and where you can take the appropriate course.