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CDL Requirements for Bus Drivers in the United States

CDL by state for buses

If you’re planning to drive a bus or manage a fleet that includes passenger vehicles, understanding the requirements for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is essential. Each state in the U.S. sets its own rules, testing procedures, endorsements, and eligibility criteria. Whether you’re seeking a new career as a school or charter bus driver, expanding your fleet services, or simply ensuring compliance across multiple states, having a clear view of these requirements helps you avoid costly delays and mistakes.

A CDL isn’t just a driver’s license—it’s a certification of your ability to safely operate large, complex vehicles and transport people with professionalism and care. For most states, drivers must obtain additional endorsements like Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) to legally operate vehicles designed for 16 or more passengers. Requirements often include vision screening, written and road tests, medical evaluations, and in many cases, background checks and specialized training.

This guide offers a state-by-state breakdown of CDL requirements for bus drivers across the U.S., including official links to each state’s motor vehicle department or transportation authority. Bookmark this resource or share it with your team—it’s a valuable reference for anyone working in the passenger transport industry.

Disclaimer: This blog post was published on June 16, 2025, and the information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of that date. CDL requirements are subject to change by individual state authorities. For the most current and official information, please refer to the state-specific links provided throughout this article.

CDL Requirements for Bus Drivers by State

Alabama

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must pass General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Passenger Transport, and School Bus written tests.

  • Official Resource: Alabama Department of Public Safety – CDL Information

Alaska

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old with three years of driving experience.

  • Official Resource: Alaska DMV – School Bus Endorsement

Arizona

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) and pass knowledge and skills tests.

  • Official Resource: Arizona Department of Transportation – CDL Requirements

Arkansas

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must pass knowledge and skills tests specific to endorsements.

  • Official Resource: Arkansas DFA – Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

California

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must complete Behind-The-Wheel Training Certification and meet medical examination requirements.

  • Official Resource: California DMV – Commercial Driver’s Licenses

Colorado

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid Colorado driver’s license, and pass background checks.

  • Official Resource: Colorado DMV – Commercial Driver’s License

Connecticut

Delaware

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old with one year of driving experience.

  • Official Resource: Delaware DMV – Commercial Driver License

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Official Resource: Indiana BMV – Commercial Driver’s License

Iowa

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Official Resource: Iowa DOT – Commercial Driver’s License

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old, pass knowledge and skills tests, and meet medical examination requirements.

  • Official Resource: Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Commercial Driver License Exam

Maryland

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must pass vision, knowledge, and skills tests; complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT).

  • Official Resource: Maryland OneStop – New to Maryland Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Massachusetts

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT); pass knowledge and skills tests.

  • Official Resource: Massachusetts RMV – Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)mass.gov

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT); pass knowledge and skills tests.

  • Official Resource: Mississippi Department of Public Safety – Driver Information

Missouri

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must pass knowledge and skills tests; complete annual training.

  • Official Resource: Missouri Department of Revenue – School Bus Endorsement FAQs

Montana

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old; complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT); pass knowledge and skills tests.

  • Official Resource: Montana Department of Transportation – Entry Level Driver’s Training (ELDT)

Nebraska

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must pass knowledge and skills tests; meet medical examination requirements.

  • Official Resource: Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles – Commercial Driver’s License

Nevada

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old; pass knowledge and skills tests; meet medical examination requirements.

  • Official Resource: Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles – Commercial Driver’s License

New Hampshire

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must pass knowledge and skills tests; meet medical examination requirements.

  • Official Resource: New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles – Commercial Driver License

New Jersey

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old; pass knowledge and skills tests; meet medical examination requirements.

  • Official Resource: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission – Commercial Driver License

New Mexico

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must pass knowledge and skills tests; meet medical examination requirements.

  • Official Resource: New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division – Commercial Driver License

New York

North Carolina

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old; pass knowledge and skills tests; meet medical examination requirements.

  • Official Resource: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles – Commercial Driver License

 

North Dakota

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old for interstate driving or 18 for intrastate. Must meet federal medical requirements.

  • Official Resource: North Dakota Department of Transportation – Commercial Driver License

Ohio

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must complete behind-the-wheel training, pass knowledge and skills tests, and meet medical examination requirements.

  • Official Resource: Ohio Department of Education – Bus Drivers

Oklahoma

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must pass drug and alcohol testing, have a current health certificate, and pass background checks.

  • Official Resource: Oklahoma State Department of Education – Bus Drivers

Oregon

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must pass knowledge and skills tests, complete behind-the-wheel training, and meet medical examination requirements.

  • Official Resource: Oregon DMV – Getting a Commercial Driver License

Pennsylvania

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, pass a physical examination, and complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT).

  • Official Resource: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Become a School Bus Driver

Rhode Island

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old, have 3 years of driving experience, and be sponsored by a RI school bus company.

  • Official Resource: Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles – School Bus Certificate

South Carolina

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must complete state-provided driver training and meet certification requirements.

  • Official Resource: South Carolina Department of Education – School Bus Driversed.sc.gov

South Dakota

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate. Must pass knowledge and skills tests.

  • Official Resource: South Dakota Department of Public Safety – Commercial Driver’s License

Tennessee

Texas

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate. Must pass knowledge and skills tests.

  • Official Resource: Texas Department of Public Safety – Commercial Driver License

Utah

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old, pass knowledge and skills tests, and meet medical examination requirements.

  • Official Resource: Utah Department of Public Safety – Commercial Driver License

Vermont

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate. Must pass knowledge and skills tests.

  • Official Resource: Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles – Commercial Driver License

Virginia

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate. Must pass knowledge and skills tests.

  • Official Resource: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles – Commercial Driver’s License

Washington

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate. Must pass knowledge and skills tests.

  • Official Resource: Washington State Department of Licensing – Commercial Driver License

West Virginia

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate. Must pass knowledge and skills tests.

  • Official Resource: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles – Commercial Driver’s License

Wisconsin

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must meet physical/medical standards, pass knowledge and skills tests, and complete background checks.

  • Official Resource: Wisconsin Department of Transportation – School Bus Drivers

Wyoming

  • CDL Required For: Vehicles over 26,000 lbs or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

  • Endorsements: Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements required.

  • Additional Requirements: Must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), pass knowledge and skills tests, and meet medical examination requirements.

  • Official Resource: Wyoming Department of Transportation – Commercial License

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