California CDL Passenger Test cheat sheet

California-Specific Rules for Passenger Carriers and Endorsement Requirements

• A California passenger endorsement (P) is required to drive a bus designed to carry 10 or more passengers including the driver; a school bus endorsement (S) is separate.

• A P endorsement requires a commercial learner's permit, a knowledge test, and a skills test in a passenger vehicle; a background check (fingerprints) is required for a P or S endorsement.

• California requires a commercial driver to be at least 18 for intrastate and 21 for interstate operation, and to hold a valid medical certificate.

• A bus carrying passengers in California must stop at every railroad crossing, and a school bus must also activate hazard lights at the crossing.

• Carriers must register with the DMV and CHP as a passenger carrier, carry the required insurance (at least $5,000,000 for a charter bus with 16 or more passengers), and display the carrier's name.

• California's hands-free law applies to commercial drivers: no handheld phone use, and texting is prohibited while driving.

• Seat belt law: the driver and passengers must wear belts when the bus is equipped; children under 8 must be in an appropriate child passenger restraint.

• A passenger carrier must keep driver records including the medical certificate, driving record (MVR) pulled at least annually, and the pre-trip inspection reports.